Windows are a huge part of your home. They ventilate the house, reduce noise, save energy, and add to the décor and style. If your windows no longer serve these purposes, it might be time to consider window replacement.
Like any other repair, window replacement in Colorado Springs is all about timing. You want to maximize your window investment for as long as you can while ensuring the windows don’t risk your well-being.
So, what’s the sweet spot? What is the best time to install new windows? Here is a checklist to help you know when to replace your windows.
1. Visible Damage on the Windows
Broken glass is one of the obvious signs you need new windows. Cracks are never good for a home. Once a window cracks, it’s likely to break completely, causing more damage. It also compromises your security by making your home easily accessible to intruders.
Besides security, broken windows can compromise energy efficiency in your home and allow allergens and insects in your space. Replacing glass as soon as possible helps you avoid more expensive home repairs in the future and keeps your family safe.
2. Your Windows are Drafty
Windows are the gateways for cool or hot air in your home. Broken windows waste all that money you spend on heating and cooling your home by straining your HVAC system. The system has to work harder to maintain your home at the set temperature.
The increased workload on the HVAC automatically increases the electricity it needs to keep it running. All this pressure on your HVAC system affects its longevity, leaving you with unnecessary extra costs.
Besides the increased humidity, drafty windows can encourage mold and mildew growth, which can risk your family’s health. Drafty windows are more noticeable during winter when the cold air blows into your home.
You can also test your windows by holding a tissue on the window frame and see if you notice any quivers. If your windows are in terrible shape, you’ll see some light through the gaps in the window frames.
3. Condensation on the Inside of the Windows
Condensation on the inside of the windows is another reason to replace them. Continuous condensation could mean excessive humidity indoors. This could be due to poor ventilation, excess moisture from cooking, showering, or even drying clothes indoors.
Condensation between panes shows that the airtight seal has failed and the insulating gas has escaped. Persistent condensation can lead to rotting or warping of wooden frames and sills, potentially affecting the integrity of the window.
Colorado tends to have low humidity, especially in winter. While low humidity levels outside may seem beneficial, they can amplify indoor humidity issues.
When you heat your home in cold weather, the air indoors becomes even drier relative to the outside. If there’s excess moisture indoors, it can create a bigger contrast between indoor and outdoor conditions, leading to more significant condensation when warm, moist air meets cold window surfaces.
While being in Colorado doesn’t directly cause window condensation, the climate characteristics can exacerbate indoor humidity imbalances. Making it more noticeable or problematic if your home isn’t properly insulated or ventilated.
4. Skyrocketing Energy Bills
When you think about energy bills, windows are the last thing that comes to mind. But if everything else is constant, your windows might be to blame. As mentioned earlier, drafts allow the temperature control inside your house to escape, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain the set temperature.
Drafty windows affect your energy bills during winter and summer when the HVAC is working to keep the rooms cool. All this wasted energy and money can be saved by installing new windows.
5. Carpet and Furniture Close to the Windows Fading
If the rugs, carpet, and furniture close to the window are fading, your windows are no longer protecting them from the sunlight. Most old windows don’t offer the UV protection that modern windows with low-emissivity (low-E) glass offer.
Low-E glass has a microscopic film that keeps solar heat or UV rays from passing through. These protect your curtains, furniture, and carpet from fading and cool your home even better. If you want to protect the dignity of your furniture, it might be time to replace your old windows.
6. Outside Noise Getting Louder
Outside noises can upset your sleep patterns and significantly affect the comfort of your home. Consider replacing your windows if you hear everything happening outside, including barking dogs, lawnmowers, and flying airplanes.
While it’s impossible to get 100% soundproof windows, several types of glass reduce the noise coming into your house. These include panes that dampen sound frequencies or panes of specific glass thicknesses. Proper airtight installation and insulating window frames can also help by improving sound resistance.
If peace and quiet are a priority for you, replacing your windows with noise-resistant windows is an option.
7. Difficulty Operating
Opening and closing windows shouldn’t be a daily workout routine-they’re supposed to open and close seamlessly.
Different reasons might trigger issues with your window operations. Including tight springs, dust, or a roller system problem. Windows made of aluminum can also swell with temperature changes.
Windows that won’t open are frustrating and a real problem. Nothing is fun about sleeping with an open window on a fall night. You also miss out on the energy costs you can save by opening windows as the season changes.
Windows that don’t open are also a safety risk. For example, if a fire occurs, windows are one of the ways you can run for safety.
8. Your Allergies are Getting Worse
Opening your windows to let in some fresh air during spring is okay. Even then, there are safe times to open windows during allergy season to avoid more watery eyes and sniffing.
If you realize your allergies are acting up more than usual, even with windows closed, your window seals may be letting in allergens into your home. Even the best window seals deteriorate from time to time. That said, if it’s been fifteen years since you installed the windows, it’s time to replace them and save on those tissues.
9. You Wish to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Windows are the soul of your house. They go a long way in expressing its style and unique features. Unfortunately, many homeowners miss out on window aesthetics when planning a home upgrade.
Your windows should help focus and bring to light your vision for your space and not distract it. Good windows portray the style of your home, whether it’s timeless, traditional, or trendy. If you want to restore your home’s historical design or update it to something modern, windows can help you achieve this.
Improving a home’s curb appeal is crucial, especially if you plan to sell it. Replacing your windows adds modern window benefits such as efficient temperature regulation or reduced outside noise, boosting its market value.
Plus, selling your house with broken windows will likely end up with you paying for the cost after the inspection. Replacing the windows is convenient and can help establish trust with buyers. Otherwise, they’ll be left wondering what else you omitted.
10. You Wish to Change Your Window’s Function
Window renovating isn’t only about aesthetics. It’s also a chance to improve your window’s functionality. Windows serve different functions, including accessing other points, improving airflow, or increasing the natural light in the house.
For example, you might decide to replace a window with a glass door to access your outdoor space or patio. You can also replace a wooden window that obstructs your view with a glass window for a better experience.
In addition, changing your window functions can improve your home safety for children or pets.
11. Window Maintenance is Becoming a Bigger Chore
You could have the best windows in the world, but if they’re dusty, it’s hard to enjoy any of their benefits. Older windows are harder to clean because they lack flexibility. Unlike modern windows, older windows don’t lift out of their tracks quickly, and you might even need ladders to access them.
On the other hand, modern windows come with features such as tilting that make cleaning easier. No more ladders also means more safety when cleaning windows. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your windows help improve their appearance and longevity.
12. Decaying Frames
Even quality and modern window frames rot and decay with the years. Being exposed to moisture causes dampness that could encourage mold development or rusting. Look closely at the window sills and frames for any signs of mold growth or decay. If you spot them, it’s time for new windows.
Over time, the decay can worsen, affecting other parts of the window and potentially causing structural damage to the surrounding wall. Moisture can then seep through decaying frames, leading to mold and mildew growth. Ultimately affecting indoor air quality and posing greater health risks.
Window Replacement With Complete Window Care
Many factors can call for the necessity of window replacement. If your windows show any signs we discussed, it’s time for new ones.
We are the Colorado window experts, a family-based business committed to solving your window needs. We pride ourselves on honesty and will only sell you what you need. To get you started, request a free estimate so that you can plan.