Your home is the project that never ends. It feels like there’s always one project or another that needs completing and they all cost money.
One of the home repairs we all need to make from time to time is window replacement. With a cost of up to $1,200 per window, though, how do you know when it’s necessary?
You can stop guessing once and for all. Here are the signs that it could be time for new home windows.
Signs You Need New Home Windows
New windows might be expensive, but leaving damaged windows in place can cost you even more. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a replacement.
1. Your Windows Are Leaking
Aside from an actual crack in the glass, a leaking window is the most obvious sign that you’re due for a replacement. It’s a sure sign that something isn’t sealing right.
Keep in mind, though, that you may not need to replace the whole window. In some cases, it’s a simple matter of recaulking around the window. Other times the frame is warped and that’s creating a crack that lets in water when it rains.
Some puzzled homeowners find water around their windows even when it isn’t raining. That water comes from condensation on your windows. Condensation tells you that your window isn’t sealing out the outdoor temperature well and it’s time for a repair or replacement.
2. You Can Feel the Air Coming Through
As we learn on https://firstplacewindows.com/, winters are the easiest times to notice that your window needs to be replaced. On a cold day, place your hand near the window. If you can feel cold air coming through, it’s time to buy new windows.
You don’t have to wait until winter to do this test, though. You can do the same thing on a windy day, checking to see if you feel the wind through the window.
3. Your Windows Don’t Operate Smoothly
If you’re struggling to open or close your window, it may not be a sign that you need to hit the gym. It could be telling you that you’re due for a new window.
Over time, window frames can become damaged or warped. That shifting shape makes it harder to open or close the window. Over time, it can cause larger problems like leaking air and leaking water.
4. Your Energy Bills Are Rising
We all see our energy bills shifting throughout the year. Depending on where you live, your pricey season could be winter or summer. Paying closer attention, though, could alert you to a problem.
Compare your energy bills from the past few months to your energy bills from the same months last year. If they’re rising and your energy provider hasn’t raised their rates, you may need new windows.
High energy bills are a sign that your heating or air conditioning is leaking through the windows. That leakage requires your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable and this costs you more money.
5. Cold Surfaces
This is another easy winter test: touch your windows when it’s cold outside. If they’re cold, it’s a sign that your window’s seal isn’t working at its best.
Keep in mind that this test is only valid for double pane windows. Single pane windows will always be cold to the touch when it’s cold outside because they’re less efficient by default.
6. You Want to Sell Your Home
If you’re getting ready to sell your house, you probably have a long list of projects. You want to make your home look as attractive to buyers as possible. Some improvements can even raise your value by more than you spent.
New windows are a great step to take during this process. For one, they make your home look more modern and polished.
On top of that, more and more homeowners consider efficient windows to be a “must-have.” If your home already has them, it makes it more attractive to buyers.
7. Your Windows Are Foggy
Have you ever woken up in the morning and been unable to look out your window because of fog between the window panes? If so, it’s time to consider a window replacement.
That fog happens when the seal between the panes of your double pane window is failing. The indoor temperature and outdoor temperature hit each other, fogging up your windows.
In some cases, a professional can fix this problem with a repair rather than a full replacement. Still, it’s always a sign that you aren’t getting the seal you need.
8. You’re Hearing Too Much
When people think of windows, they think of them as temperature barriers and physical barriers. It’s easy to forget that they’re meant to be noise barriers, too.
If you’re hearing a lot of noise from outside your home, it may mean that your window isn’t sealing well. That could mean a problem with the window itself or the frame.
For some homeowners, noise itself isn’t enough of a reason to replace their windows. That’s valid, but it’s a sign that you need to be on the lookout for signs that your window is letting air and water through as well.
9. Water Damage Near the Windows
Homeowners tend to assume that if their windows are leaking water, they’ll know. It’s not always as obvious as you think.
Instead of assuming, look for signs of water damage near your windows. This could include rot in your wood, dark staining on hardwood floors, warped wood, water stains, or mold.
All these could be symptoms of a sneaky leaking window that needs to be replaced.
Keeping Your Windows Up to Snuff
Your home windows serve more functions in your home than you may realize. They block temperature, moisture, pollutants, and noise. They’re also security measures and cosmetic features to boot.
Replacing your windows in a timely manner is crucial to keeping your house in tip-top shape. The red flags above are important warning signs no homeowner should ignore.
For more ways to make your home more enjoyable and comfortable every day, read more articles on our lifestyle blog.
