Should You Replace Your Windows This Winter?
With the winter months upon us, there is no better time to assess the quality of your home’s windows. Lower energy bills and a warmer home are both undeniable reasons to upgrade your windows, especially during freezing temperatures. While many people choose to replace their windows during the spring, winter is the perfect time to improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value with new windows.
For some, an old home may be a sign of old windows. However, many homeowners have no idea how old their windows are or whether they were properly installed to begin with. While it may be obvious you need new windows if you have visible damage or water leakage when it rains, it’s easy to overlook some lesser-known indicators it’s time to replace your windows. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it by rounding up some of the top signs to look for when questioning whether you should replace your home’s windows.
6 Signs You Should Replace Your Windows
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Your energy bills are through the roof.
One of the most motivating reasons to invest in new windows is the potential cost savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you lose 30% of your heating and cooling through your windows. Consider on top of that, old, damaged, or improperly installed windows, and that percentage skyrockets. If you have noticed a steady increase in your monthly energy bills, it is likely time to replace your windows. The cost of energy-efficient windows will ultimately pay for themselves in the form of reduced energy bills each month. Additionally, those new windows will increase the overall value of your home and result in a higher resale price point.
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Your windows are drafty.
That annoying whistling sound you hear each time the Kansas wind blows through your window frames is an indisputable sign you should replace your windows. The air rushing through those cracks will be more noticeable and uncomfortable in the heat of summer or cold winter months. During those times, your heating and cooling systems will be working overtime to make up for the cool or warm air escaping your home. Money is quite literally flying out the window!
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Your windows are difficult to open.
Your daily workout should not consist of leveraging all your body weight to open the windows in your home. Quality windows should glide effortlessly on their tracks and remain in place until you are ready to close them. If windows are painted shut, won’t open easily, or immediately fall after opening, it’s time to replace them. Difficult or impossible to open windows are not only irritating, but they are also a dangerous fire hazard.
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The siding or trim around the window is soft or distressed.
Take a walk around the exterior of your home and inspect the siding and framing around your windows. Is it decaying or falling apart? This damage is not only an indicator you need new windows, but it is also a sign that you may have moisture entering your home that could require additional repairs. Don’t wait for mold to form and spread around your windows before you replace them.
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Your windows fog over.
Foggy car windows have trained us to believe it’s completely normal and safe for our home’s windows to fog over. Condensation on the interior side of your window occurs because the temperature in your home is lower than it is outside, while condensation on the outside is due to the opposite. The more concerning condensation appears between the two panes of your glass windows. Moisture between the sheets of glass is a sign of poor insulation within the window. Older or damaged windows with a deteriorated seal will allow moisture in when it rains or snows, and that moisture will turn into condensation during temperature extremes. It is important to repair or replace your windows as soon as you recognize this sign, as waiting may result in water damage or mold.
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Your windows have visible damage.
These common problems are an obvious sign you need new windows, but they are most certainly worth mentioning. If your windows are leaking, cracked, have broken framing, or any visible damage, they should be replaced or repaired. Don’t wait for larger, more complicated problems to develop before addressing the issues at hand.
Is Winter a Good Time to Replace Windows?
It may seem counterintuitive to install new windows during the freezing winter months. Though your home’s thermostat will drop a bit during installation, there are preventative measures to minimize the temperature change. The immediate cost savings far outweigh the short term inconvenience. In other words, don’t wait until spring when everyone else is replacing their windows. The sooner you replace your windows, the sooner you will begin enjoying their benefits. Just imagine how comfortable you could feel in your air-conditioned home next August!
New, clean windows provide more than curb appeal. Yes, they will reduce your monthly energy bills, make your home more climate-controlled, and increase the value of your home. However, when you live in Kansas, it can be easy to overlook the benefit of reducing outdoor noise with new windows. Though you are likely not surrounded by honking car horns late at night, you may have a barking dog next door or a neighbor who loves to mow his lawn at 5 am on Saturdays. New windows can provide a renewed level of noise cancellation to keep you peacefully asleep until your alarm (or child!) awakens you.
The benefits of new windows are clear. From cost savings to comfort, new windows will pay for themselves over time. Be proactive this winter about upgrading your windows when you first begin noticing signs of disrepair rather than waiting for expensive, unplanned damages.
Homeowners can trust the experts at All States Home Improvement for a stress-free window installation. To learn more about our energy-efficient windows, call us at (316) 444-1220, fill out our convenient estimate form, or stop by either of our local showrooms to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
