3 Signs You Need A Window Replacement
Did you know that old, drafty windows account for a significant amount of residential and commercial energy loss every year? Along with ruining the comfort of your home or office, leaky windows are notorious for driving up annual utility bills.
The problem is most of the time defective frames and dysfunctional panes are not easy to spot; knowing how to detect these issues before they become worse is important for keeping costs as well as your property’s energy-efficiency in check.
New replacement windows should never be considered a wasted expense; in the vast majority of cases, they are an essential investment that can offer long-term financial benefits to both the appearance of your home and the comfort of your family.
When should you swap out your old windows?
You feel drafts
It is virtually impossible to prevent air infiltration altogether, but there should never come a time when you see or feel drafts. This can be the result of many things, ranging from natural wear and tear to faulty construction to improper installation.
Regardless of the cause, drafts continue to be one of the leading causes of wasted energy and high utility bills. Nearly all homeowners notice an instant improvement in their home’s energy-efficiency and comfort level when replacing old windows.
You notice condensation
The formation of condensation is highly indicative of broken window seals; when these seals are damaged, moisture will inevitably enter the spot between the glass panes. In addition to allowing frost and ice to form, the main area of concern is compromised R-value. Once seals are affected, it is not long for a window’s energy-efficiency to plummet.
They are not as quiet as before
For most people, noise insulation is just as important as climate control. This is particularly true for homeowners who live in urban and other busy areas. If your windows are unable to adequately block out sound, then it’s definitely time to think about replacing them. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, keep in mind that many buyers are attracted to quieter properties!
There are many other warning signs that your windows need to be upgraded (like cracked/rotting frames, cracks in the pane, and other aesthetics failures), but the above tend to be the most common. Swap out with new ones and start seeing the energy saving benefits.