Replacing your windows isn’t something you do every day, so you want to ensure the timing is right, as it’s a costly repair. Many homeowners know that their windows need to be replaced without much deliberation.
However, some folks think they can get a few more years out of their old windows, but they have no idea how much they’re costing themselves in excessive energy consumption.
6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows
If you doubt whether it’s time to replace your windows, here are a few signs that let you know for sure. Shockingly, experts evaluate that you could be losing up to 30 percent of your energy costs through old, leaky windows. A repair like this seems costly, but it will pay for itself over time. Here are some signs that new windows are needed.
1. They’re Drafty
One of the most obvious indications that your windows are old and outdated is that they’re drafty. When the air inside your home is escaping, it’s like throwing your money out the window.
Old, drafty windows will take up nearly one-third of your heating and cooling costs, so upgrading to modern windows is an easy fix. If you can feel the cold air pouring in your windows, you can ensure your warm air is flowing to the outside.
2. There’s Condensation on the Glass
Do your windows leak and have condensation built up on the glass? This issue is primarily noticed in the wintertime when the heat from the inside meets the cold from the outside.
Condensation shows you a leak in the window’s seal, and it can’t keep your home’s temperature where it should be. Getting replacement windows in South Carolina is the best way to restore a comfortable temperature and lower energy bills.
3. There are Cracks or They’re Broken
Cracks come in all shapes and sizes, and while a small one isn’t a cause for alarm, a larger one is an energy hog. The problem is that cracks spread, and as they become more prominent, they compromise the stability of the glass. It’s dangerous and costly on the energy bills.
If the window isn’t too old, a cracked pane can be replaced in some instances. If the window is older, it’s a hallmark sign that it’s time to replace them.
4. The Windows are Foggy or Clouded
Condensation often occurs inside or outside the window, but you might notice a haze or cloudiness that won’t wash away. When the seal on the windows breaks or becomes compromised, it allows moisture to get in between the panes.
There’s no way to clean these unsightly windows, but cosmetic concerns aren’t the biggest issue. The window is no longer capable of keeping your heating or air conditioning inside.
5. They’re Cold to the Touch
A properly insulated window shouldn’t’ feel cold to the touch in the winter or too hot to the touch in summer. If the window is old or lacks proper insulation, you will be able to feel the elements by simply touching the glass. Switching to a more energy-efficient window can save you significantly.
6. Your Windows Are Old
Technology and products are improving every day. The expected lifetime of your windows is 15-25 years. If your windows are older than these thresholds, then it’s time to replace them.
Windows made 25 years ago don’t have near the protections that windows of today offer. You’re costing yourself a great deal of money in energy expenses by letting this necessary home maintenance item go unfixed. The windows might also not be aesthetically appealing. While aesthetics doesn’t affect their function, they can decrease your property value.
Should you decide to sell your home, the windows will be one thing that potential homebuyers notate, and it can make or break the sale.
Making the Right Decisions to Replace Your Windows
Many people avoid the inevitable because they don’t want to spend extra money. The problem is that they don’t realize how much money they’re throwing out the window in unnecessary heating and cooling expenses.
Sure, buying new windows is a costly investment upfront, but you must think of all the money it will save you over time. New windows will pay for themselves in a short period. Isn’t it time you replace those old, drafty, leaking windows?
