Helpful Hints

When Do You Need to Replace Your Windows?

Investing in new windows can improve the look, comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Appearance and condition of a window can offer clues as to when it is time to replace it. Answer these questions to help determine if your windows are in need of replacement:

 

• Is there a draft? Does a lit candle flicker when held in front of the window?

• Is the window difficult to open and close?

• Is the window difficult to clean?

• Does condensation or fogging often occur between glass panes?

• Are outside noises excessive despite the windows being closed?

• Is there wood rot on or around the window? Inside or out?

• Is there peeling or chipped paint around the window?

• Are there water stains around the window?

• Is the style outdated?

• Are replacement parts difficult to find?

 

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, it is probably time to replace your windows. New windows are visually appealing, can help seal out exterior sounds (traffic, noisy neighbors, nature), improve your home’s energy efficiency and even help protect your furnishings. There are several considerations to keep in mind when planning a window replacement:

• To keep the exterior appearance consistent, consider replacing all the windows on one side of your house at once.

• If you’re planning to replace siding as well, have the windows installed before the siding. This ensures the best fit, which translates to a neater overall appearance and better energy efficiency.

• To better protect interior home furnishings, ie; furniture, rugs, even wood floors, opt for Low-E (low emissivity) glass coatings. This type of glass helps reduce heat transfer and ultraviolet rays by reflecting heat back to its source, helping your home to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

• Replacing old single-pane windows with today’s energy-efficient double or triple-pane glazing can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

• To add to overall energy efficiency, look for products that meet the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® standards. These products can help you achieve substantial savings on heating and cooling costs.

• If your window frames are in excellent condition, the easiest way to replace them is by removing the old sashes and putting a replacement window into the existing frame. This allows the existing trim to remain in place. However, if the frames are worn or damaged, the entire window unit should be replaced.

• Replacing a window can be challenging, especially in older homes when the openings are often not square. To ensure that you get the best possible fit, thereby reaping the full benefit of your new windows, consider hiring an experienced, professional window installer to handle the replacement.