5 Reasons to Replace the Windows in Your House

Buying a house is a beautiful process; however, it’s like raising kids: no one tells you about the behind-the-scenes upkeep required in order to prevent major damage. One such housekeeping item is window replacement. Windows are the life of the home, allowing light and beauty to enter the space; however, old windows can produce small problems that have enormous consequences. 

Ask Yourself Five Questions

Sometimes, you obviously need to replace your windows: A kid hits a golfball through the window; a crack starts to surface; or puddles start to form on the window frames. Other times, the need isn’t so obvious. Here are a few questions to ask in order to determine whether or not you need to start thinking about new windows:

1. Are my energy bills noticeably higher?
2. Do my windows leak anywhere?
3. Is there condensation on the inside of my windows?
4. Do my windows open and close easily?
5. Do my windows keep noise out?

If you answered “yes” to questions 1-3 and “no” to questions 4-5, the culprit could be a defect in the sealing on your windows. Read on to find five specific ways replacing your windows can improve the quality of life in your home.

Energy Efficiency

Older windows allow air to escape your home. In the winter, the heat, quite literally, goes out the window, causing your furnace to expend more energy to heat your home. Alternately, in the summer, your AC unit must work overtime in order to cool your house. Replacing your old windows with newer energy efficient models will help prevent the loss of heat and air. 

Financial Savings

Increasing the energy efficiency of your windows results in almost immediate savings on energy bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy efficient windows can save the average U.S. homeowner an estimated $120-$425 per year.  Installing Energy Star certified windows also makes you eligible for a 10% tax credit, up to $200.  With these savings, the windows won’t necessarily pay for themselves; but it will free up a little extra cash for other projects. It’s also important to note that improving your energy efficiency will also prevent costly repairs and help prolong the life of your HVAC unit.

Curb Appeal

When you replace your windows, you aren’t bound to choose the same type of window you’ve always had. Windows come in various types of material — including wood, vinyl, and composite materials — and in numerous styles, such as casement, double-hung, awning, and bay windows. Each of these styles creates a different effect on your home’s design. You can also change the sizing of your windows and the grille patterns for dramatic effect. Changing up the style and frames of the windows can completely alter the exterior look of your home. 

Noise Reduction

If you’re near a window and can hear the cars passing by outside, your windows aren’t doing their job. Older single-pane windows and cheap windows don’t give you the peace and quiet you want in your home. However, newer energy efficient windows will absorb the sound waves created by outside noise, preventing the noise from being heard indoors. 

Safety 

Older windows and/or windows that have been damaged might not open and close properly, which can create an undesirable situation if there’s an emergency and you need to get out of the house quickly, especially with younger children or older adults who live in the home. That’s reason enough in and of itself to replace your windows. But also consider the security factor.  Newer windows, made with stronger materials and designed with improved locking technology, increase the security of your home from the outside. New windows make it easier to get out and harder to get in.

Replacing your home windows is no small feat, with the average replacement cost ranging between $150-$650. Although this cost might feel hefty, one look at the benefits might change your mind. According to the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling, homeowners can return up to 72% of the project cost upon resale of their home, making it one of the top 10 ROI home improvement projects. New windows boost your homes’ value, while also saving money and improving the safety and security of your home. If you need help finding a reputable company to replace your windows, contact us today!