Buying replacement windows is something most people only do once or twice in their lifetime, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s a big investment that a lot of people often dread. Most people don’t even think about window replacement until something goes wrong. While everyone’s house is different, the signs that it’s time for a window replacement remain the same from home to home. Here are seven signs it’s time to consider a window replacement for your home.
1. They’re Old
Like all things, windows have a lifespan. If the windows in your home are 20 to 30 years old, chances are they’re made with single-pane glass and need to be replaced. Even if they are dual-pane, they’re probably not energy efficient as the Energy Star® labeling program didn’t begin until the early 1990s. In addition to being energy inefficient, older windows lack proper glazing and do not protect your home from UV rays, which can lead to fading and sun damage on carpets, window treatments, and furniture. If you’ve noticed fading on your home’s interior items, or if you just know your windows are 20 years or older, it’s probably time to consider replacement windows. New windows with Low E glass can help keep the temperature in your home more consistent and better protect your belongings from color fading and sun damage.
2. Your Home Feels Drafty
Don’t let your hard-earned money leak out the window. According to Energy Star®, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. So, if you can feel the hot or cold outside when you touch your windows, or if there is a noticeable draft when you stand next to your windows, it’s time to consider replacing those drafty windows.
3. They’re Hard to Operate
There are several reasons why your windows may be hard to operate. If your windows are aluminum, decades of temperature changes may have caused swelling, or the springs in the handle have become inoperable from years of use. With older wood windows, which are often repainted time and time again to maintain appearance, they may seem glued shut or stuck. If your windows are hard to open and close, it’s time to consider a window replacement.
4. Your Home is Too Hot or Cold
Does your home feel like an oven during the summer months? Or do you find yourself reaching for the thermostat often when the temperature drops? Older windows often lack proper insulation, which can drive your electricity bill up and allow hot or cold air into your home. According to Energy Star®, certified windows and doors can reduce energy bills by an average of 12%. While this may not seem like a lot, that savings adds up over your window’s lifetime. In some instances, energy-efficient windows can even pay for themselves over their life.
5. There’s Visible Damage
One of the most obvious and easily identifiable signals that it’s time for replacement windows is visible damage to your windows. These signs include deterioration or warping of the frame, cracks or chips in the glass, and of course broken glass on the outer or inner pane of your windows. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may not be able to go long before replacing your windows. If it’s an isolated incident, you may consider replacing just that one window for the time being. At any rate, visible window damage is not something you should take lightly or put off. It can end up costing you way more than it’s worth.
6. Noticeable Noise Pollution
A lot of people may think that hearing their neighbor mow their lawn or enjoy a backyard barbeque is just part of life. But if you hear outside noise when your windows are closed, your windows aren’t providing enough acoustic insulation. While no window can block 100% of noise pollution, there are replacement windows available that block up to 95% of exterior noise. This is especially valuable for people who live in noisy locations such as close to airports or highways. Sound transmission class, or STC, is the measurement used to determine a window’s ability to block noise. The normal range for a single-pane window is between 18-20, while double-pane windows average between 28-32. At Clarity, we’re proud to offer Anlin Windows, which offer exceptional noise insulation. Anlin’s single-hung windows offer a nearly unparalleled STC of 37, making them twice as effective at blocking noise as your average single-hung windows.
7. They’re Just Plain Ugly
Windows are the eyes to your house and play a major role in the overall look, feel, and curb appeal of your home. A window replacement allows you the opportunity to create the exact look you want, from the window frame and colors to decorative grids and glass options. Beyond just looking good, replacement windows also have an incredible return on investment, especially if you are considering selling your home in the next five years. According to Remodeling Magazine, a window replacement in an upscale home can have up to a 93% return on investment. Replacement windows can also provide additional selling points. For instance, all our windows come with a double lifetime warranty, which includes everything from accidental glass breakage to parts, freight, and labor. That means if anything happens to your windows, anything at all, it is 100% covered. To make things even better, this warranty is extended to one subsequent homeowner. They won’t have to worry about their windows at all for as long as they live in the home.
Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions as to whether or not it may be time to consider a window replacement for your home. When that time comes, or if you’d just like some help determining the effectiveness of your windows, feel free to give us a call or stop by our showroom in Southlake. We also offer free in-home consultations for those of you who want to know how effective your current windows are, or if you just want to talk about your options.