Windows are one of the most influential pieces of a house, both inside and outside. They contribute massively to curb appeal, as well as your living experience in the house. And if your windows have problems, replacing them can give you a whole new outlook on life.
But the fact remains that replacing windows is a big investment. So how do you know when it’s time to make the leap?
Read on to learn about when to replace windows.
One of the primary reasons you may want to replace your windows is if your current windows are damaged in some way. This can include something as simple as a broken pane of glass or a stuck latch or as complex as a broken frame or sash. If the break is fairly simple, you may consider repairing the window instead of replacing it.
However, if your frame or sash is broken, it may be easier to replace the whole window. Repairing a broken frame can mean rebuilding a whole window, and even if you do that successfully, that window will likely be susceptible to problems unless it is replaced.
The same can be true of drafty windows, though in some cases that can be fixed with some new weather stripping.
If your energy bill has been too high lately, your windows may be the culprit. Air conditioning and heating are two of the biggest demands on an electric system. Keeping your house effectively insulated is one of the best ways to lower electricity costs, and windows play a huge role in that.
If your windows are drafty, or if the glass is single pane, you may be losing a lot of insulation potential through the windows. Replacing the windows can drop your electric bill by up to $500 a year. If you do decide to replace old windows, make sure you get energy-efficient, double-paned windows.
Of course, you may simply want to replace your windows for aesthetic reasons. If your house has old storm windows or plexiglass panes, they may not be doing much for the curb appeal of your house. New windows can offer a fresh outlook on life.
While you’re in the process of installing new windows, you’ll want to consider making some improvements to your existing setup. For instance, you may want to install larger windows for more natural light. You may also want to consider double-hung or picture windows.
If you live in a part of the world where tornadoes or hurricanes are frequent, this can be reason enough to replace your windows. Boarding up windows is a pain, and unless you have specially-made storm shutters on your house, your windows are vulnerable in the event of a storm. Luckily, with new windows, you may not have to worry about boarding up anymore.
New glass technology has allowed window designers to make windows that can withstand hurricane-force blows. These windows are designed to withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour. A new set of windows could mean you can watch a storm roll in from the comfort of your home with no worry of danger.
As we discussed earlier, windows can drastically affect the curb appeal of a home. If you have a historic home, this can be especially true. Poor choices in a previous renovation of the house may have left your windows looking out of place and your home disjointed.
If you’re replacing windows on an old home, particularly if you’re doing the work yourself, there are a few issues you’ll want to keep in mind while you work. First of all, homes built before 1960 tend to have lead paint, so be careful and use protection when sanding. Second, when picking out your new windows, do your homework and choose a style that matches the original windows on the house as closely as possible.
Do you ever walk by a window in the winter time and feel a draft? In the summer, is it difficult to keep your house warm?
The issues we talked about with energy inefficiency can also affect the comfort of your home. The energy efficiency new windows offer can also improve your quality of life.
If you do have trouble regulating the temperature in your house, you may want to try weatherproofing as a simpler first step. If this fails, however, or if your old double-paned windows start showing condensation between the panes, you know it’s time for new windows. Make sure when do you select new windows that they have good insulation properties.
Have you ever found yourself on a fine spring or fall day wanting to fling open your windows and let the beautiful weather in? Having windows that won’t open can be vexing at times like that. It can also be a good indication that it’s time to replace your windows.
In some cases, windows that won’t open are simply victims of having been painted shut. If this is the case, repairing them should be a fairly straightforward process. However, if there’s a bigger problem a work, you may want to consider new windows that will let the fresh air in.
Ultimately, the decision on when to buy and install replacement windows comes down to your priorities. When your current windows become more of a hindrance to your quality of life than a beautiful perspective from which to view the world, it’s time to get a fresh point of view. New windows can provide just that.
When you get ready to replace your windows, contact us at US Window and Door. We have been trusted experts since 1987, and we will do our best to get you the quality windows you need for the right price. Reach out to us today to start your window replacement project.
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