Your old, wonky windows are making you lose money.
That’s according to energy.gov, anyway. Apparently, 25-30% of your energy bill can be accounted for by sub-standard windows.
But that’s not the only issue.
From excessive outside noise to lowered housing prices and ugly aesthetics to fading furnishings, a wide range of problems stems from poor quality windows.
Clearly, replacing them is important when the time’s right.
But this process can also feel time-consuming, expensive and altogether annoying. Consequently, it’s helpful to know exactly when you should make the investment.
Keep on reading to discover 10 key signs you need new windows!
10 Signs You Need New Windows
Let’s go through some of the major indicators that it’s time to replace your windows.
1. Damaged Glass
Damaged panes of glass are one of the primary signs your windows need replacing. If you see cracks and breaks anywhere in the unit then consider getting replacements.
Cracked or broken panes of glass mean your window’s no longer airtight.
Older units often enable the owner to replace single panes at a time. But modern designs usually require a full window replacement. Equally, sometimes it’s possible to repair your windows instead of replacing them.
However, this approach may not be ideal.
A repair to a frame is sometimes tantamount to putting a plaster over a serious wound. It may do some good, for a brief period of time. But it’s unlikely to address the underlying issue.
You can save money in the long run by nipping the problem in the bud early, with a full replacement.
2. Damaged Frames
Damage to window frames is a common issue. And this is especially true for certain types, like those made from materials such as wood.
As beautiful and practical as wooden windows are, problems to frames are natural and should be expected over time.
For example, environmental changes to the temperature and climate can all be responsible for deteriorating quality. First to go are usually the corners and joints, so keep your eye on these at-risk areas in particular.
Consider window replacements if you notice warping, rot, breakages, or any other type of damage to your window frames.
3. Excessive Energy Costs
Fed up with the extent of your energy bills each month?
Replacing your windows for a more energy-efficient alternative is a great way to save. A thin or damaged glass that leads to ineffective insulation and/or drafty frames can significantly increase the amount of money required to regulate the temperature of your home.
As we’ve already noted, poor-quality windows can seriously impact how much you spend on your energy bill. That’s reason enough for us to change our windows!
It’s effectively an investment. The money you spend on upgrading your home in this way will be earned back over time through energy savings alone.
But your potential money savings don’t stop at reduced energy bills either.
For anyone hoping to sell their home, new windows are a fantastic selling point for aspiring buyers. Recoup the cost of your new windows with an increased selling price on the home.
4. Condensation Concerns
Condensation on the inside of your windows isn’t a good sign. It indicates a current problem that, if not addressed, can lead to further issues over time.
If your windows are properly shut, but condensation (as well as ice and frost) continues to form on the inside, consider replacing your windows. Otherwise, it can lead to mold and eventually rot in the frame.
Condensation between the panes can also signal problems in more modern window frames too. It means air from outside is entering the window. And, equally, the argon gas that frequently lies between panes may have escaped.
This would mean the window can no longer insulate your property as it was designed to.
5. Old, Outdated and Ugly Windows
Old windows can be a serious eyesore. Anyone looking to improve the aesthetics of their home could consider replacing their windows.
Seriously, the type of window you choose can make a big difference. For lots of light, improved airflow and so on, match the style of window with your vision of the house.
Equally, poor-quality windows of this standard can be detrimental to anyone’s efforts to sell their home. At best, it can reduce the asking price. At worst, it can mean the house doesn’t sell.
Furthermore, old windows (pre-1970s, for example) are far more likely to be single-pane glass.
Not only is this far less eco-friendly (thereby increasing your energy bills), it also damages more easily and lets more noise into the house.
Modern window designs are now double-paned at least and are often triple-paned. Replacing old panes can, therefore, have a huge practical impact as well as aesthetic and financial.
6. Your Home Suffers Severe Weather
Not all windows are created equal when it comes to houses. There’s rarely a one size fits all option and the right window for your house will depend significantly on the conditions they’ll experience.
Houses located in places with severe weather need to be far more durable to withstand the elements they’ll encounter. Equally, in this way, such windows are likely to need replacing more frequently–especially if they weren’t fit for that purpose initially.
Extreme winds, heat, humidity, salty sea air and so on can all impact the state of your windows over time. And if your home has just survived a serious storm, for instance, there’s an even greater likelihood that repairs/replacements will be necessary.
7. Outside Noise Enters Your House
No-one likes a noisy neighborhood. You could also consider changing your windows if you’re constantly complaining about how loud it is outside.
As we mentioned above, old-fashioned, out-dated and unfit for purpose windows are unable to prevent external noises from entering your home. In a busy world with growing air-traffic, road noise and so on, triple-paned windows, for instance, can make all the difference.
This fact is particularly true if you currently endure single pane windows in your home. Seriously think about changing your windows if this is you and you’d enjoy a quieter house.
8. Windows Jam and Get Stuck
Windows that require strongman strength to properly open and close are another tell-tale sign they need replacing.
They’re frustrating, for one–no one enjoys battling to open their windows every day. But they also present a significant risk to your personal safety in terms of house fires.
If you need to get out in a hurry (and the front door isn’t an option), you want to ensure you can open and close your windows without an issue.
Equally, jammed windows that don’t fit properly in their frame can let unwanted air into your home. And, as we’ve seen, this can increase your energy bills.
9. Faded Carpets and Furniture
Windows that need replacing also tend to allow excessive UV rays into your home through old and/or poor quality panes of glass. Over time, this can damage your upholstery indoors.
You’ll notice your carpets, furniture, and wallpaper all begin to fade and discolor.
Of course, if you enjoy spending time sitting in the sun in your home, the same damage can be done to your clothes and skin.
New, better quality windows are often attached to labels such as ‘low E’, or ‘laminated’. Both are positive qualities that block UV rays and improve the regulation of temperature in your house. It’s also possible to find windows that are tinted, for extra UV protection.
If you’re tired of losing your things to light, it might be time for new home windows.
10. No Replacement Parts
A final sign it might be time for a window upgrade is if you can no longer find replacement parts for your current ones.
Manufacturers may no longer make the necessary parts to repair your current windows. This means problems are far harder to fix.
It may no longer be possible to sort out those damaged panes of glass, or that funny looking frame, or the handle that’s a hassle.
A complete replacement may make your life easier overall.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: 10 signs your house needs new windows!
Changing your windows can feel like a daunting task. Especially as the costs, both to your time and wallet can quickly stack up.
But as we’ve seen, making the change can have significant positive outcomes. And choosing not to can lead to significant negative ones.
If you notice damage to your glass or frames, hope to sell your house, experience too much noise from the neighborhood, find your furniture fading, and/or experience any of the other issues above, consider upgrading your old windows to new ones!
And now we’d like to hear from you!
Have you noticed any of the above signs in your windows at home?
Perhaps you’ve got a few cracks or broken frames? Or is it too noisy, or drafty inside? What’s stopped you from changing them up ’til now?
Let us know in the comments. And be sure to contact us to see how we can meet your window wishes!