Do you have cold drafts blowing in through cracks in the windows? Do you have water condensing on the inside of the window, or fogging the space between double panes? If so, it may be time to replace the windows in your home.
Read on to learn some ways to tell if it’s time for replacing home windows.
Damaged Window Frames
If the window frames are warped, twisted, or damaged, you should probably replace them. While you can make minor fixes by caulking or covering gaps, a window with a broken frame should be completely replaced. New window frames will also look more attractive.
Broken Glass
If your window glass has cracked or broken, it’s time to get a new window. Some windows can’t be repaired, such as double-paned windows with argon gas between the panes: even if only one pane is broken, there’s no way to replace the pane and re-seal the window. In this case, you should get a new window from somewhere like this window replacement company.
Water Damage or Rot
If water has started creeping in through the cracks around the windows, it can start to cause rot and mildew in the window frame and the surrounding wall. Replace the windows to prevent further damage.
Fog Between Windowpanes
If your double-paned windows are fogging up, it means that a seal has been broken. Double-paned windows usually form a sealed unit with some form of inert gas, such as argon, between the panes to reduce heat loss. Fog indicates that the panes no longer seal, and moisture has crept into the space between the panes.
It’s theoretically possible to drill into the windows to let out the moisture, but doing so removes the insulating benefits. Replace the windows instead to help keep your heat inside
You Want to Save Energy
25% to 30% of heating and cooling loss in a home happens through the windows. The biggest culprit is old, single-paned windows with aluminum frames, which provide very little insulation. If you want to save energy, upgrade to new windows with insulating frames.
Low-E coatings on windows add even more energy savings. In winter, these coatings reflect heat back into the room instead of letting it radiate away from the house. In summer, the glass reflects heat away from the house, keeping the interior cooler.
You Want to Save Money
If you have a 2000 square foot home with single-paned windows, replacing the windows can save up to $340 a year. To decide whether it’s worth it, figure out how much of your wall area will be insulated by new windows, the amount you’ll save on your monthly heating bill, the incentives you qualify for, and the price of the window installation
Even if your savings don’t end up covering the cost of the new windows, you’ll enjoy shrinking your heating bill while warming your home.
Maybe It’s Time for Replacing Home Windows
If your windows are old, cracked, or fogged up, it’s time to decide what to do. Whether you want to replace damaged windows, keep your house warmer, or lower your utility bill, replacing home windows is a good idea. Your home will look better and stay warmer, too!
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