7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Windows in Your Home

How do you know when it's time to replace windows?

Here are seven common signs.

1. You Feel a Draft

A draft is most often noticed in the winter when cold air seeps through a window’s damaged weatherstripping or poor sealing. Sometimes, you can even hear the air whistling through the window when there’s a strong breeze. Drafts also occur in the summer, making a room much warmer than it should be.

A drafty window needs to be replaced because it’s affecting the comfort of your home. Leaks also make your HVAC system work harder, which causes it to wear out faster and increases your energy usage and utility bills.

2. You Notice Higher Energy Costs

Energy costs change for various reasons; however, if you see a dramatic increase in energy costs compared to the prior season, old or damaged windows may be to blame. As your HVAC system works harder and longer to keep your home comfortable, it uses more energy than before. Losing heated or cooled air through your windows increases your carbon footprint, and it also wastes your money.

Install new windows to maximize the efficiency of your home and lower your utility bills. Sears Home Services helps homes meet Energy Star ratings by installing modern, energy-efficient windows.

3. Your Home Has Single-Pane Windows

Speaking of modern, does your home still have windows made with only one pane of glass? Single-pane windows are outdated and perform poorly when compared to double- or triple-pane windows. Replace single-pane windows with stronger modern windows to enjoy these benefits:

• Improved energy efficiency and lower costs

• Protection from weather and damage

• Security with modern locks and thicker glass

• Insulation from outside noise

Some modern multiple-pane windows offer protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation rays. New windows also make a home more attractive, increasing its curb appeal and value. Replacing windows is a good investment for your home, especially if you plan to sell it in the future. If you have energy-efficient windows installed, you may qualify for a tax credit to offset costs.

4. You Hear a Lot of Noise

Old, poorly made, and damaged windows offer poor insulation from temperature and noise. If you hear a lot of outside noise from neighbors or traffic, it’s time to consider window replacements. New vinyl windows with proper sealing and multiple panes of glass make a world of difference to the level of quiet and comfort inside your home.

5. You See Condensation

Moisture is a bad sign when it comes to windows. If you see condensation or frost on the inside of your window, it could be due to a crack in the glass or a seal failure. Condensation between panes of glass isn’t a good sign, either.

Modern windows have argon or krypton gas trapped between the panes to offer an extra level of insulation. If there’s condensation between the panes, the window is damaged somehow, and the gas has escaped. Your windows aren’t performing as they should be and need replacing.

6. You Observe Damage

Damage may seem like the most obvious sign for replacement, but windows can sometimes be repaired instead of replaced. However, if you see any of the following types of damage, your windows are likely beyond repair:

• Mold
• Rust
• Cracks
• Water damage
• Rotten wood
• Warped frame
• Foggy glass

At Sears Home Services, our experts help homeowners determine their window replacement needs. We offer a free in-home consultation where we can answer all your questions about installing new windows and provide estimates.

7. It's Hard to Open and Close the Window

A good window should work smoothly and efficiently. It should be easy to open and shut and shouldn’t get stuck in any position. It’s also a major safety concern if you’re having trouble securing the lock. If you’re having difficulty operating the window, likely, it was poorly installed or damaged somehow.

What are some window replacement benefits?

There are many advantages to replacing old, damaged, or poorly made windows. The following benefits make investing in your home’s windows worth it:

Greater Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means that you use less energy. In the winter, you use energy to heat your house, and the less insulated your home is, the more heat energy escapes. As a result, you have to keep your heaters on to stay warm. A lot of heat can escape through windows. New windows can significantly increase your home’s overall insulation.

Energy efficiency doesn’t apply just to winter months: In the summer, many people use energy to cool their homes. Better-insulated windows prevent heat from entering your home, meaning you won’t need to run the air conditioner as much.

Lower Energy Costs

Because you won’t be losing as much heat energy to the outside during the winter or letting as much heat in the summer (and running the air conditioner), switching from single-pane windows to energy-efficient, single-pane windows can save you between $236 and $366 per year.

Even making the switch from older double-pane windows to newer, more efficient double-pane windows can save you between $87 and $134 annually.

Longer HVAC System Life

Not only does the decreased need for energy save you money on your electric bill, but by running your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system less, you can extend the life of your system. This saves additional money and the hassle of replacement.

Increased Home Value

Energy-efficient homes are more desirable to potential buyers. The amount in energy costs they can save over the years really adds up, and buyers are often willing to pay more on a home purchase because of this. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, buyers are willing to pay an average of $8,728 more for a home if the total energy efficiency savings is at least $1,000 per year.

Better Curb Appeal

New windows can also provide your home a fresh look, increasing your curb appeal and making your home more attractive to the neighbors and prospective buyers when it comes time to sell.

More Comfortable Indoor Temperatures

Increased energy efficiency isn’t just great for your pocketbook. Poorly insulated windows can cause temperature variation inside a home. That sofa near the old, single-pane window might always be cold in the winter, no matter what you set the heat. But new windows will make it much easier for the temperature throughout your home to remain consistent.

Increased Security

The updated construction of new windows can also increase your home’s overall security. Such windows are harder to pry open or break and may come with more secure locking mechanisms.

Easier to Operate

Old windows can stick easily, close incompletely, or otherwise not work smoothly. New windows are often much easier to operate, not requiring extra muscle or broken fingernails to open and close.

Better Sound Insulation

Just as new windows prevent heat from moving easily into and out of your home, so too can they prevent sound from doing so. This can be especially nice if you live near a busy road or another source of consistent outdoor noise.

Increased Protection from Sun and Weather

Certain types of glass in some new windows are designed to filter out UV. This radiation can fade drapes, carpeting, and furniture over time. Well-constructed and installed new windows are also less likely to have leaks, which let in rain or moisture.

Contact Sears Home Services for a Free Consultation Today

Sears Home Services can help you increase your home’s energy efficiency and make it a more comfortable place to live. Our vinyl window collection provides a stellar combination of leading-edge technology, style and affordability.

Consider scheduling a free consultation with our Home Improvement and Remodeling Services to get started.