When to Replace Your Home Windows

It’s easy to look the other way when it comes to replacing your home windows. Windows lifespan is typically around 20 to 25 years, so that feels like a really long time. And it is, but time flies, and windows sometimes fail.

Replacing them is an expensive undertaking that many homeowners avoid as long as they can. However, there comes a time when you can no longer ignore the issue. That leads to the question: when is it a good idea to replace your windows?

If your windows are single-pane, rotting, drafty, are difficult to open and close or have other issues, it might be time to bite the bullet and replace them. 

Check out our detailed guide to help you determine when to replace your home windows.

Six Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Home Windows

Your windows are trying to tell you something if they fall under any of the six following categories: 

Single-Pane Window

Do you have single-pane windows? That in itself might be a good reason to go ahead and replace your windows. Double-pane or triple-pane windows provide much more insulation, which helps to lower your energy bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your resale value.

Warped, Rotting, or Broken Windows

If your window frames have water damage, are soft to the touch, sag, or are chipped, cracked, or broken, it’s likely time to replace them. These issues could mean that your windows have rot and water infiltration.

You Feel a Draft

You feel a draft. But your windows are closed, and your A/C is off. Why are you feeling a breeze?

It is likely coming from your window, which releases a draft due to what could be one of several issues, such as failing seals or faulty installation. 

In fact, we’ve seen windows that you can actually see a sliver of light shining alongside the frame. That is indeed a cause for concern. 

Ultimately all of these signs mean that there is cool and warm air entering and leaving your house. Your furnace and air conditioning unit have to work double-time to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

So you are uncomfortable not only while feeling that draft, but when you see your energy bill go up month after month. 

Difficulty Opening, Closing and Locking Your Windows 

Could you open your window in case of an emergency? Or even just to get a bit of fresh air?

Can you easily lock your windows so that you feel safe? Or could you get out quickly in case of a fire or another incident, such as a break-in?

If you have any issues opening, closing, or locking your windows, it may be time to replace them. 

You Hear Everything Going on Outside

You love your neighbors, but if you hear everything they say and do, it might be time to replace your windows. 

Glass windows with double- or triple-pane glass with a gas filling such as argon or krypton can greatly reduce the amount of noise coming into your house from outside. 

Your neighbors will likely thank you because they can probably hear you, too!

Condensation Buildup

Do your windows have condensation building up between the layers of glass? Or do your windows appear foggy? That could mean that moisture is getting in through failing seals. If your window had any of that “good gas” that keeps your house insulated, it’s gone now. 

Additional Reasons for Replaced Your Windows

While there are perfectly good reasons to repair your windows rather than replace them, if any of what you have read applies to you, it’s time to take the next step.

If your windows are old, rotting, and ultimately falling apart, then you definitely have valid reasons for replacing them. 

Beyond what we’ve discussed so far, there are other reasons for replacing your home windows – check them out:

You Want to Reduce Your Energy Bill

So you’re becoming an energy-conscious homeowner. You want to reduce your carbon footprint and make the world a better place. You understand by installing energy-efficient windows, you will be able to save money in the long run. 

All of that is great – they are all perfect reasons to move forward with new or replacement energy-efficient windows. You can lower your heating and cooling costs while bettering the environment.

You are Considering Moving

When you replace old, failing windows with modern, energy-efficient windows, buyers are going to notice when you go to put your home on the market.

One tip – make sure you weigh the cost of new windows and their installation with your home’s value before and after the upgrade. That analysis will help you determine if you are going to get out what you put in. 

You are Updating Your Home 

It’s exciting when we can upgrade our kitchens or bathrooms so that they are modern and gorgeous. We love painting our front door the latest, trendiest color of the year.

However, we often overlook windows, which need updates just as much as the rest of our homes. 

And if you are doing major renovations, you can even change the window’s size and style. Maybe you’ve always wanted a gorgeous picture window or a handy casement window. There are so many excellent, ENERGY STAR approved windows on the market to choose from.

Why Replace Failing Windows?

There are plenty of reasons to replaced failing windows. The main reason is to save money. If your energy bill is slowly creeping up each month, you likely have a problem and are just forking out more and more money to not have to deal with it.

Not only will replacing your windows save you money, but they can provide the security you might not have had with your old windows. They also will give your home quite the makeover, so get ready for plenty of compliments from your neighbors!

In Conclusion

While replacing your home windows may seem like an overwhelming task, it can be a life-changing investment. Besides saving money, you will be more comfortable in your home while helping out the environment.