Is It Time for You To Replace Your Windows?

Post Date: August 5th 2016

Are you thinking about updating the windows in your home, but not sure if it’s really necessary? In some cases, you may be able to keep your old windows but, if you’re experiencing serious issues with their structure or efficiency, it’s a telling sign to update them very soon.

Check out some of these clear signs that it’s time to replace the windows in your home.

Do You Feel Drafts in Your Home?

Even the best windows will allow a slight amount of air infiltration, but it should never be something you can feel or notice. If it is, your comfort may be in jeopardy. Why? Because windows wear out over time and let more air in. Another example of how air can infiltrate a window? When the corners of the sashes and frames become loose and create gaps that allow air to penetrate the window.

And while your first instinct may be to apply weather stripping, it’s good to note that noticeable drafts often indicate an air leak caused by more than missing or damaged weather stripping. In fact, sealing and weather stripping should not be considered as anything more than just a temporary fix.

So, what’s the best solution to avoid these drafts? Replacing your windows entirely.

You Have Difficulty Shutting or Opening Your Windows

Window replacement 101: If you can’t open or close your windows properly, it’s time to get new ones.

This is especially true for older double hung and single hung windows, which have issues with balance. When the balance fails, the window will no longer remain up when opened and can slam shut, posing a potential hazard to everyone in the house.

There’s Condensation Inside the Glass (of Double- or Triple-Paned Windows)

If you have double- or triple-paned windows and notice condensation or fog inside the glass, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window – depending on how serious the issue.

Condensation and fog between the glass panels can indicate seal failure. When the seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass and as a result, air will condense on the glass. When this happens, the insulated glass is no longer doing its job – which is to create a barrier to cold air.

Here’s one more clue that the seal has failed: Condensation in between the panes of glass will leave a white film which is caused by calcium deposited on the glass. If you see this white film, even if there is no visible condensation, it’s a safe bet that the insulated glass unit has failed.

Your Energy Bill is Expensive….Very Expensive

If your heating and cooling costs are high, it’s likely that you have an inefficient furnace or old windows that are simply not energy efficient.

According to the Department of Energy’s (DOE), If your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs.

What are your best bets for energy-efficient windows?

The DOE suggests looking for windows that have at least two panes of glass or ENERGY STAR® labeled windows. These are high-performance windows which meet efficiency guidelines set by the DOE.