It’s easy to take your home’s windows for granted. After all, you spend most of your time looking through them, not at them. However, at some point, you may need to think about replacing them. The following are a few signs that indicate it might be time to invest in new windows:
Your Old Windows Aren’t Looking Too Great
Over time, your windows are going to be exposed to a lot of different things, from rain and wind to the sun’s UV rays. This means that the older your windows are, the more likely they are to begin experiencing visible wear and tear. For example, the wood frame may begin splintering and breaking down or water may begin leaking through the windows during rainstorms. Whatever the case may be, their visual appeal will begin to decrease as a result. Brand new windows can help improve the look of your entire house, thereby boosting your property’s curb appeal and overall value.
Your Old Windows are Difficult to Operate
If your windows are difficult to open, then it’s probably time to have them replaced. This is especially true if you have double-hung windows that require you to lift the bottom window up in order to open it. Once they become difficult to open, they not only become a nuisance to use, but they could be potentially dangerous. For example, if they have trouble staying open, they could come crashing down. As such, once your windows start having issues with their function, you’ll want to replace them.
There’s a Draft Coming in Through Your Windows
If you can feel a draft coming through your windows during the winter season, it means that your windows are no longer very effective at keeping outdoor air from penetrating into your home. This could be because the glass isn’t very energy efficient or it could be because there are leaks throughout the frame of the window. Either way, new windows can help keep outdoor air outdoors, thereby helping to maintain the comfort of your home.
Your Heating and Cooling Costs Seem to be High
Comfort isn’t the only issue that can result when outdoor air comes inside. If you’ve noticed that your heating or cooling costs have increased significantly, it may be because your windows are leaking air. It means that the heat and air conditioning your HVAC system is producing is escaping, while outdoor air is coming inside. As a result, your heating system or A/C system will have to work extra hard to try and reach your desired temperature settings, resulting in more energy use and therefore higher energy bills.
At this point, you’ll want to invest in energy efficient windows, such as windows that are certified by Energy Star, which means they meet or surpass the energy efficiency standards established by the EPA.
You Want to Improve Your Home’s Value
Investing in new home features will often help to boost the value of your home. This is especially true with windows. Windows are an expensive home improvement project, and if your home has new windows, it’s one less thing a potential buyer will need to do. That can be very appealing to a lot of people. If your windows are particularly old, then they probably look it. By replacing them with brand new windows, you’ll boost your home’s value. This is not only the result of giving your home a facelift (which can improve the curb appeal), but also as a result of improving the function and energy-efficiency of your home as well.
These are a few signs that indicate it might be time to think about replacing your old windows. For information about the different types of windows we carry, and to learn about our expert installation, contact us at Armorvue Home Exteriors today.
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