Is it Time to Replace Your Home’s Windows?

With winter in full force, some homeowners might be feeling a draft as they sit by the window or noticing condensation and frost on the window panes. These aren’t just signs of a classic New England winter - they’re actually signs to homeowners that their first spring home improvement project must be replacing those old windows. Over time, many parts of your home will eventually need to be replaced and your windows are no exception. Aside from staying warm, there are multiple reasons why it’s worth it to invest in new windows.

Add value and save money

Replacing windows not only adds value to your home by making it look updated and giving you curb appeal, but it also can save you money on heating and cooling costs for years to come.

Nearly 40 percent of home heating loss occurs through your windows and doors, but energy-saving window replacement ensures substantial savings. This is especially true if your home still has outdated single-pane windows. According to energystar.gov, if your home has single-pane windows, the heat loss you are experiencing may be as much as 50 percent.

Replacing those old drafty windows could produce dramatic savings, and the money you save can often cover your cost of the window replacement in a short amount of time.  

Protect your health

Older windows can put your home and even your health at risk. For example, in the winter, frost formation on the inside of your windows might look pretty but is a sure sign your windows are failing you. This frost eventually melts and creates moisture that seeps into the framework of the window. Mold can grow and respiratory issues can become a problem for your family. The moisture also rots the wood, and this kind of damage can go beyond the window.

When to replace

There are a few signs to look for that indicate you need to schedule a professional window evaluation and replacement:

• Your windows are more than 15 years old, and look like it.
  
  
• You find excessive condensation and frost formation on the windows.
  
  
• It is difficult to open and close your windows. They are sticky and seem to not fit quite right.
  
  
• Your windows will not stay open on their own and need to be propped open.
  
  
• You can feel or see signs of drafts and air exchange with the outdoors. If your curtains move or you can feel a draft, it is a pretty big issue. You can test for drafts by lighting a candle (remove curtains to be safe) and place it near the window.  If the flame is flickering, outside air is leaking in.
  
  
• Your windows need constant upkeep with scraping, replacing putty, and new paint. Today's replacement windows deliver substantial savings in maintenance costs because newer windows can be almost maintenance free.

Although replacing your windows can be a significant undertaking, it’s one of the biggest ways you can increase the energy efficiency of your home and add value.