Did you know that your windows are responsible for losing as much as 30% of your heating and cooling energy? For most people, unless there are visible problems, windows are left alone for years on end. However, there are certain signs, visible or not, you could look for to know it’s about time you get new windows for your home.
High-quality, energy-efficient, and beautifully designed windows will not only save your energy bills but also boost the value of your home. Of course, they’ll also boost the aesthetic appeal of your home and do a better job at protecting your home. So, how do you know that your windows are already at the end of their lifespan?
In this post, we’ll guide you through all the signs you need to watch out for. If you pay attention, you’ll realize that some of these signs are quite visible, and it’s a good time to replace windows for your home.
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Damaged Glass or Frames
One of the most obvious signs you need to get new windows for your home is damaged glass or damaged frames. When it comes to damaged glass or windowpane, the damage has to be extensive.
You can always replace the glass instead of the whole window. The problem with cracked or broken window panes is that they’re no longer airtight and lead to energy loss issues.
Some modern windows don’t feature the option of replacing a single windowpane, so you may require a full window replacement. However, if you feel that replacing a single windowpane will briefly solve the problem but not address the underlying issue, then it’s time for you to do a full-on replacement.
Damaged frames are quite a common issue, especially for windows made from materials such as wood. Temperature and weather conditions can be responsible for the deterioration of wood. After some time, the frames are bound to crack, rot, break, or chip, and a window replacement may be necessary.
The Windows Are Old
The average residential window lasts about 10 to 20 years. Still, high-quality and well-maintained windows could surpass the 20-year mark and extend up to 40 years. However, as soon as your windows approach the second decade, it’s a good time for you to start thinking about getting new windows for your home.
It’s possible that they could reach the end of their lifespan even before one decade, depending on several factors. Once they lose the ability to maintain great performance, then you seriously need to replace them. Some of these factors include ease of window maintenance, profile system, thickness, weather resistance, among others.
If your windows are hard to get to and you barely conduct any maintenance routine, then they’re likely to reach their lifespan a lot faster. If they’re made of weak materials or sensitive materials that are bound to get damaged easily, such as wood, then they may reach their life span a lot faster. This means you need to take a good look at your windows and see whether their old age means time to replace.
Increased Energy Bills
Have you been wondering why your energy bills have been coming so high lately? Or you’ve been paying high bills, and you have no idea where the energy is going? You may have considered your appliances, home insulation, and HVAC system, but have you thought about your windows?
Increased energy bills are one of the hidden telltale signs you need new windows for your home. Your energy bills are especially going to increase during the winter and summer months because the temperatures are high during those seasons. Additionally, your AC or furnace is bound to work double-time during this time to either cool or warm your home, meaning it will work much faster.
This will also increase your energy bill, and if the problem is not taken care of, you may need to replace your HVAC system as well due to overworking damages.
When replacing your windows, it’s important that you go for energy-efficient models that are ENERGY STAR certified. They are more efficient and will help you save money in the long run.
Alternatively, you can opt for low-emissivity glass that will balance the heat in your home during the summer and winter months. Once you make these changes, you will quickly notice the change and improvement in your energy bills.
You Notice Condensation Issues
If you notice condensation issues in the interior of your windows, then it’s not a good sign. It’s an indication that you have a problem that could lead to larger issues if not addressed. Condensation usually occurs when water deposits on surfaces that are at lower temperatures.
During very hot and humid days or very cold days, some condensation buildup on the outside of your windows is normal. However, if it’s inside your windows or in between glass panes, then it’s a major problem. Most double or triple-panel windows usually have insulating argon gas.
When condensation or fog appears between the panels, it’s an indication there has been a leak, and the argon gas has escaped. In this case, it means that your windows are not insulated properly, and you may be experiencing energy loss and risk of moisture damage.
Even worse than this, condensation usually results in mold growth, and your window frames are bound to decay or rot after some time. This means that if you have noticed condensation on your windows, chances are there’s a lot more damage than meets the eye. You need to call in professionals for replacement window installation.
Your Windows Are Ugly and Outdated
What do you think about your windows every time you drive up the driveway? Do you feel like they have become an eyesore? If you do, you need to get new windows for your home to improve the aesthetic of your property and your curb appeal.
The type of windows you choose can make a significant difference for your home and increase your property’s value. Poor quality windows or damaged windows that have become an eyesore can be detrimental to your efforts to sell your home. They’ll not only reduce the asking price, but your home could stay on the market longer than necessary.
Your Windows Jam and Get Stuck Easily
If your windows have become harder and harder to close and open, it’s a telltale sign that you need new windows for your home. If they keep jamming and getting stuck every time you try to open them, then it can be so frustrating that you no longer do it.
This compromises your home because you can’t let in the fresh air, and you risk your safety in case there was a fire and there’s no other escape route. Beyond this, windows that jam don’t fit in the frame properly. There’s a very high chance they’re letting air into your home, which of course, increases your energy bills.
Your Carpets and Furniture Are Fading
You may have noticed that the carpets and furniture closest to your windows have started to fade. This is because your windows are allowing excessive UV rays in your home due to old window panes or poor-quality glass.
If you allow this to continue, chances are your upholstery will look different, in a bad way. There are many window options that could help with this problem. You can go with laminated or low-E windows, both of which will block UV rays and protect your upholstery from fading.
A Lot of Noise Comes into Your Home
If you live in a relatively noisy area, such as close to traffic or in neighborhoods where there’s regular lawn mowing, you may become frustrated with all the noise that gets into your home. With high-quality windows, the noise and sound should stay out, but so if you can hear them, it means that you may need new windows for your home.
There are many types of windows that offer noise reduction. Look for thicker glass that will dampen the amount of noise that comes through, or look for windows that have more space between each glass pane.
If noise is an issue around your area, triple-pane glass windows are recommended. You can also opt for laminated glass over tempered glass because it comes with an extra layer.
Your Windows Lack Security and Privacy
There is more to home windows than just the aesthetic feature because they serve the purpose of protecting your home from thieves and burglars. If your current windows would be easy to penetrate, then it’s about time for you to consider window replacement. New and modern windows come with stronger materials and offer better safety features that will keep intruders out.
Top 9 Telltale Signs You Need New Windows for Your Home
If you have noticed any of the signs, then it’s up to you to check whether there are other signs as well so you can decide whether it’s time for you to get new windows for your home.
There are many types of replacement windows you can choose from that will go well with your property and offer you the aesthetic appeal that you need.
Now that you know what signs to look for in order to replace your windows, would you like more informative content? If so, please peruse our website because we have so many more valuable articles just like this one. Feel free to check out our blog section today!