Most homeowners are at least vaguely aware that their windows will eventually need to be replaced (hey – nothing lasts forever!) and that when they need new windows for their home, making the right choice can save them money in reduced energy costs and can help to make their family healthier, more comfortable throughout the seasons, and even safer. But many homeowners decide to wait until their current windows have reached the end of their life before replacing them with new windows. That’s a good plan, especially when long-term cost is an important consideration. But how will you know when it’s time to replace your old, leaky, drafty windows with stylish, new, energy efficient ones?
When They Get Damaged
There are many reasons windows might be damaged or broken in day-to-day life. Sometimes it’s an errant baseball, sometimes the window gets slammed too hard, sometimes it’s hail damage, sometimes it could be the result of a break in. But if you’re faced with the prospect of HAVING to repair or replace your windows, it’s worthwhile to take a moment to consider whether it’s worth repairing an older window, or if it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient style while you’re at it.
When You Feel a Draft
Drafty windows are a problem, and when the draft is significant enough to be noticeably felt, it’s a big problem. If your windows are obviously drafty – if your curtains are moving when the windows are closed, or you always feel the need to put a sweater on when you’re in a certain corner of your living room, your windows are either damaged in some way you haven’t noticed, or they just need to be replaced.
When They’re Wet on the Inside
Foggy, wet windows are absolutely fine – if the wet stays on the outside. If your windows are regularly forming condensation in an otherwise dry room (i.e., not in the bathroom right after you’ve had a shower) then your windows need to be replaced. Left alone, foggy windows become wet windows which become moldy windows, and that’s a health hazard your family shouldn’t have to face. If your windows are routinely foggy on the inside, it’s time to seriously consider replacing them.
When Your Energy Bills Are Too High
This can be a tricky one, because who DOESN’T think their energy bills are too high these days? But if your bills have steadily crept upwards over the years (not due to rate increases, but due to increased energy usage), or if comparing your energy consumption with your friends and neighbors who have homes of similar size and age makes you realize that you’re using more power than everyone else you know, drafty, leaky old windows may be to blame.
When Your Windows Don’t Open or Close Properly
When your windows get “stuck”, so they either don’t open or close properly, it’s time to consider a replacement. Whether due to the windows themselves warping or if there’s some other reason they’re no longer seated properly (such as your house settling) then you should think about having them replaced. Warped windows can be a sign of excessive moisture, which (as we’ve already said) is absolutely something to watch out for.
When They’re Getting Old
Windows, like everything else, WILL eventually need to be replaced. Depending on the type of windows and the other conditions in your home, windows typically don’t last more than 15-20 years, so once you know they’re reaching the end of their lifespan, you should be starting to plan for replacement.
When You Want to Invest in the Value of Your Home
New windows will update your home’s appearance, lower your energy bills, and help maintain the health, comfort, and safety of your family. Replacing your windows has an immediate, noticeable effect on the way your home looks and feels, so window replacement is a good idea if you want to make an investment in your home.
Whatever the reason, when it’s time to replace your home’s windows, all of us here at Harper Siding and Roofing will be here to answer your questions and help you through the process. If you’re looking for a Cincinnati window company that can do the job right, contact us today to find out how we can help you best care for your home.