5 Signs It’s Time to Replace the Windows in Your Home

In a well kept home, windows can last for 20 years or longer. It may be decades before a homeowner thinks about replacing them, but there are telltale signs that indicate window replacement is the right move. Well-maintained windows maximize the comfort, safety, and energy efficiency of your home. They can extend its life and value as well. Here are five signs replacing windows will have noticeable benefits.

There Are Visible Signs of a Problem

Replacing a damaged, broken, or warped window frame or sash typically yields a longer-lasting solution than repairing it. The window may still be usable. However, if it is 15-20 years old or more, the problem may be more serious than it looks, and additional problems can crop up later. That means spending more time and cash on repairs or replacements. Investing in new windows early can mean substantial long-term savings.

Condensation and ice are also trouble. Heating and freezing cycles can damage the frame and mold can grow inside. Replacing the windows is the best solution for mitigating the problem.

The Window Won’t Open, Close, or Lock

If a window is hard to open, you waste valuable time and effort. On the other hand, a window that doesn’t stay open is inconvenient and unsafe. The window can suddenly close and easily smash fingers. A broken lock puts a home and its occupants’ safety at risk, as it invites intruders. In any of these three cases, replacement windows are the best option.

Your Energy Bills Are High

Drafty windows can raise energy bills by 10% to 25%, the U.S. Department of Energy states. In the winter, they can let warm, cozy air escape the home, which increases the demand on heating systems. Summer drafts provide a means for cool air to escape. Cooling systems therefore work harder to maintain the temperature set on the thermostat. Replacing windows with better-sealed ones reduces monthly bills and adds a selling point when putting a home on the market.

You Can Feel a Draft

A draft can make a home uncomfortable to live in. The source is often old windows. To feel if a window is drafty, put your hand next to it to feel if air is escaping. Aside from comfort, a draft can contribute to increased electric bills, and often correlates with the age of windows.

You’re Remodeling a Home

Windows are often a key design consideration during home remodeling and renovation projects. A warped window or faded material can reduce the aesthetics, plus the longevity, of the overall structure. Homeowners may install larger windows to allow more natural light in. Historic homes have unique window replacement needs. Some have vinyl replacement windows that don’t match their look; a company specializing in custom windows can provide historically accurate, matching replacements.

Replacing windows can make your home much more livable. Thanks to Renewal by Anderson Sacramento homeowners can have all their window replacement needs met. You therefore don’t have to live with the inconveniences of old, damaged, or unsightly windows.