Routine maintenance is part of homeownership. Whether you’ve just been handed the keys to your new house or you’re looking to refresh your current home, you may be wondering if your windows can wait until later. Cosmetic updates can get pushed down your priority list, but there are some functional issues that can help you determine if now is the time for new windows.
Poor climate control
If your heater or AC isn’t keeping you as comfortable as it used to, test your windows before blaming your climate control system. Older windows are less energy-efficient. With most months in the Northern U.S. 40 degrees below or 10 degrees above “room temperature” at 68 degrees, you could be more comfortable in your home with better insulation from your windows.
You might also be feeling more of the outside temperature than you’d like because your windows aren’t easily operated. The older your windows get, the more likely they are to stick in one position or even break, making them unusable. Whether you’d like to let some heat out or some fresh air in, newer windows will make it easier for you to maintain a pleasant temperature in your home.
High energy bills
Even if you don’t feel it in the air, you might feel it in your wallet. If your energy bills have been increasing with no noticeable change in the weather from year to year, your heating and cooling systems might be working harder to compensate for your windows. Heat transfer through your windows can account for up to 30% of your home heating and cooling bill. While some heat transfer is unavoidable, newer energy-efficient windows can minimize heat transfer, keeping more money in your pocket over the long term.
Condensation
Not all condensation on a window is bad. If you see condensation on the outside of your window, you know that the heat is being kept inside your home instead of being let out. If you have multi-pane windows and are finding condensation between the panes, you will need to replace the window, as this is a sign that the insulating seal has failed.
Condensation on the innermost panes of your windows could be a sign of a poor window seal, which will need to be replaced. This can be a particularly serious issue because that moisture can promote the growth of mold and mildew, affecting your air quality and compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Visible damage
It may sound obvious, but if something looks broken, it probably needs to be fixed. If you have a visibly damaged window, you could try to remedy the problem yourself, but restoring the appearance of your window doesn’t necessarily restore its functionality. Cracked or broken windows hit your wallet in multiple ways. They drive down the curb appeal of your home, they increase your energy bills because they can’t insulate your home, and they offer easier entry to anything outside, including allergens and insects. Replacing the window resolves all of these issues at once, and you may even be covered by your installer’s warranty.
Damage isn’t limited to your windows themselves, though. If you keep your shades open to get some extra sunlight, your windows might be letting in more UV rays than necessary, fading the finishes on your flooring and furniture. Extend the life of your furnishings by getting more energy-efficient windows.
Breathe easier with new windows
Whether you’ve got a single damaged window or a whole set that needs to be upgraded, Kraz Construction can get the job done. Contact us today to get an estimate for your replacement windows or ask questions about the installation process.
