Timing is essential when you are planning to install home replacement windows. You will want to make the most of your existing windows’ life cycle. At the same time, you only want to remove your old windows once they compromise your quality of life. For this reason, you should learn to spot the telltale signs of window failure.

How Often Should Windows Be Replaced?

Every aspect of your house, inside and out, ages with it. Over time, you’ll find yourself having to fix or replace various things around the house, from the floors in your living room to the shingles on your roof. While windows normally only last a few decades, there are frequently noticeable signals that indicate when to replace them.

What Are The Signs That You Need Home Replacement Windows?

They are Old

Your windows’ age is a reliable predictor of when to replace them. Old windows may still be functional, but they will likely be less effective. Replace windows that are more than 20 years old.

If you have lived in your current home for decades and have never replaced your windows, they are likely original to the house. Replacing the windows will keep you up-to-date with the most recent window technology.

If your windows are old, you need home replacement windows.

Older windows are probably made with pane glass. Even if they’re dual pane windows, they aren’t energy efficient. Newer home replacement windows are made to help stop air from transferring inside and outside of your house.

There is also a wide range of options to choose from, and with the help of Energy Star ratings, you can rest assured that you’re getting the right choice for your home’s needs. The Energy Star program began in 1992, so if they are older than that, it is time to replace them.

Newer home replacement windows could come with glazing that will protect your house. Older windows that lack this glazing enable UV rays to reach your home through the windows. UV rays lead to fading of carpet, furniture, and curtains.

Most windows today employ something called Low E glass. This type of glass helps keep your house at a consistent temperature throughout the year. It’s also less likely to fade in color.

Faulty Window Operation

Most aging windows develop balance problems, which lead to jamming and sticking. The formation of rust, rotting, or mold might also factor into this, indicating that your current windows are nearing their service life’s end. If your windows would not open or if they stick once you open them, it is time for new ones.

Windows can get stuck shut for several different reasons. There can be dust build-up, tight springs, or an issue with the roller system. If the old windows are made of aluminum, they could swell when the temperature changes.

The springs in the handle usually stop working once you squeeze them to release the lock. This issue could not only cause air to leak out of your house but could also hinder the security of the home’s exterior.

If the older windows are made of wood, the painted frame could prevent them from opening over time.

Windows that would not open are a real problem. For one, they’re practically useless. Nothing is like sleeping with the window open on a fantastic fall night. Opening the windows during season changes could reduce heating and cooling costs.

Then, there’s the issue of safety. Having windows that don’t open is a significant safety risk. If a fire happens, your windows may be your only exit.

Recurring Presence Of Cold Drafts

If you feel a draft once you’re close to your windows, this indicates that their seals are damaged, and it is time to invest in replacing them. Windows are a spot for heat (or cool air) to escape your home.

You already spend enough on cooling and heating your home, so do not waste your money by allowing the heat out of the windows. An average of 10-20 percent of the home’s heat exits through the windows. We’re sure you can imagine the percentage of broken or old windows.

Air escaping your home makes your HVAC system work harder to keep your house at the set temperature. This increase in the HVAC’s workload increases the need for electricity and could also shorten the life of the HVAC system.

Not only that, but drafty windows could cause an increase in humidity, putting your house and family at risk for mildew and mold growth.

Aside from feeling a draft, condensation inside the window could signify that your window needs to be replaced. Window condensation on your home’s interior usually means that your window is leaking air and that your house is humid.

Keep in mind that condensation out of your windows is no cause for concern. It just means that it is warmer and more humid outside than inside.

If you feel a draft once you stand close to your windows, the window is cold to the touch, or there’s condensation on the inside, you should replace them. New replacement windows are made to be energy efficient and to keep the weather outside.

Excessive Window Condensation Between The Glass Panes

You may notice “sweat” on the windows on particularly cold days. Condensation could mean that the current windows’ glazing is losing its effectiveness. Because of failing seals, it is easy for moisture to find its way between your glass panes, creating condensation. There are two types of condensation: exterior and interior.

Exterior condensation usually happens in the warmer months, and interior condensation in the winter months. Interior condensation is often caused by extreme cold outside and excess moisture inside the home. Some measures can be taken to reduce interior condensation. To prevent this issue, we suggest you invest in our new energy-efficient windows.

Audible Outside Noise

Do you hear every dog bark, car horn, and other traffic noise inside your home? If you are wondering when is the perfect time to have home replacement windows, excess noise is a sign your windows aren’t providing enough insulation.

Windows are supposed to offer acoustic insulation to lessen the amount of external noise you hear in your house.

Selecting home replacement windows that work for the level of noise pollution near your house can improve your comfort and reduce stress.

Decay And Water Damage On Window Frames

Age and extreme weather could be harsh on your windows. They may sustain enough damage that window repairs just would not cut it. While this one may seem obvious, the consequences of not replacing broken windows are sometimes obvious. Windows that are visibly damaged have to be replaced sooner than later. How to tell if a window is damaged?

You could have damage to the glass or frame. The frame could be chipped or worn down. There may be water stains on or around your window. The frame may be warped in shape or broken.

The glass on the window may be broken. If the window has water damage, you want to have it repaired ASAP if it allows water to get in.

If your glass is broken, the window needs to be replaced. Broken windows could negatively affect your home in many ways. They will offer reduced cooling, heating, and sound control efficiency.

More importantly, broken windows can open your home to other significant problems, such as mold, mildew, and pests. Plus, it can make your home a target for intruders. If a burglar sees the broken window, part of his job is already done.

If the windows are broken, don’t wait around to replace them.

High Utility Bills

Do you start shivering when you sit directly next to your windows in the dining room? As your old single-pane windows reach the end of their life, small cracks and leaks would start to form between the frames.

High utility bills could indicate that you need home replacement windows.

When the air-tight seal between the glass panes and frames becomes damaged, you need to replace your windows to remove the drafts in your home. The small cracks and holes between the glass panes would allow cold air to enter your household. This would cause the total cost of your utility bill to increase each month.

Grab a gas lighter to confirm if you have a leak in your windows. Next, hold the lighter near the corners of the glass panes in your window. If the flame twinkles when it’s held to the window, it is a sign of cold air entering your home.

When They Are Hard to Maintain

Windows have to be cleaned at least once a year. Older windows are a lot harder to clean than newer ones. This is usually because they do not lift out of their tracks easily. Newer windows are specifically designed to clean more easily.

Newer window designs make it easier to clean windows on second stories. For example, double-hung windows allow the sash to tilt inward.

This makes cleaning them from the outside reasonably easy. This feature also boosts the safety of your window cleaning process. No more climbing tall ladders to get to those dirty second-floor windows.

Properly maintaining your windows will improve their appearance and prolong their life.

What Are The Advantages Of Installing Home Replacement Windows?

Energy Savings

If you wish to replace your single-pane windows with energy-efficient double or triple-pane windows, it’s estimated that you’ll save $126–$465 per year in energy expenses. This figure lessens when replacing double-pane windows but will still help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. While it’s impossible to immediately gain back the cost of your window replacement through your energy savings, it’s undeniable that replacing dilapidated windows will lessen your heating bill.

Better Protection

New windows offer better security.

Newer windowpane designs offer much better security. Like energy efficiency has improved through the years, so have window locking systems, materials, glazing features, and privacy details. They’re built to handle more force and offer better protection against intruders and different kinds of weather and UV rays.

Higher Resale Value

When you replace windows, you will also increase your home’s value. Homes with updated windows are much more desirable to potential homeowners and help return up to ¾ of your window investment. Your energy savings could help you regain most of what you spent on window replacements.

Now that you know when you should install replacement windows, do not delay. Reach out to us today to discuss your options and see how new windows could improve your home.

7721 Central Park Drive - Unit B
Woodway, TX 76712
(254) 301-7760