Until today, you may not have thought about your home’s windows and patio doors. Many homeowners don’t realize the excitement new windows have when helping to make their homes brighter, cleaner, and beautifully designed. Replacing your windows and patio doors is not an everyday experience, so it is important to understand how and when to get the best windows for your home. This blog will discuss knowing when to replace your windows to ensure they provide maximum efficiency and benefits for your home.
Ready for a Change?
Everyone’s home and living situation is different and constantly changing, so many reasons can spark interest in replacement windows. Maybe you just bought a home with the right floorplan and square footage, but the windows aren’t what you like. Or, you’ve lived in your home for so long that you never thought about your windows regarding comfort, safety, or aesthetics but have started experiencing some issues stemming from your windows. If you’re considering new windows or patio doors in your home, don’t start until you read these top signs that it’s time to replace them.
Feels Drafty
About 30% of a home’s heat escapes through its windows. If you feel the cold from the outside when you touch your windows or stand nearby, it’s time to consider replacing your windows. High-quality windows and patio doors are designed for energy efficiency to keep the weather of your local climate outside where it belongs.
Very Old
If the windows in your home are 20 to 30 years old, they’re probably the same single-pane windows from when the house was built. If they are dual-pane, they probably aren’t too energy efficient because the ENERGY STAR® labeling program did not begin until 1992. Older windows without glazing or coating may not keep the UV rays out of your home, which can cause carpets, draperies, and furniture to fade. Newer windows with Low-E glass help the temperature in your home remain more consistent all year and are better protected to resist color fading.
No Longer Opens
There are many reasons a window may not open. Older aluminum windows can swell during temperature changes, making them inoperable. Older wood windows have painted frames that can cause a window to get stuck. If your windows stick or seem glued shut and won’t open, it’s time to replace them.
Home’s Interior Is Too Hot
Does your home feel like an oven when your windows are closed in the summer? Older windows lack proper insulation and ENERGY STAR® components that help keep heat out when the sun beats down. ENERGY STAR windows and doors are certified and verified to perform at levels that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA.
In addition to the energy efficiency new windows offer, you may want to increase the airflow in your home. Casement, awning, horizontal sliders, and single or double-hung windows all offer different degrees of ventilation.
Outside Noise Inside
If you hear outside noise when your windows are closed, chances are they aren’t providing enough acoustic insulation. Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures a window’s ability to reduce sound. The higher the STC rating, the better sound control you can expect from a window. The typical STC rating of a single-pane window is between 18-20. A double-glazed window has an STC rating between 28-32. Many homeowners notice their home’s quieter once they’ve installed replacement windows.
Visible Damage
Chipping, deterioration of the frame or glass, visible water stains on or around the window, a warped or broken frame, and even broken glass are just a few examples of noticeable damage that means it’s time to replace your windows. Window damage may not be something you can live with for very long, as it could affect the comfort of your home from a heating or cooling perspective.
Operation
If you are considering upgrading your home’s appearance, consider changing how your windows function. Ever wish your view was not interrupted by a line down the middle of your window, or have a picture window where you wish you could have more airflow? Your windows and patio doors can do many things to improve your comfort.
Hard to Clean
Cleaning windows may not be at the top of your list of things to do, but it should be done at least once a year. Older windows can be difficult to clean if they do not easily lift out of the tracks. Newer replacement windows are much easier to remove, making cleaning easy. For second-floor rooms, consider a double-hung operating style where the sash can tilt inward, making exterior cleaning a breeze.
ROI
Replacement windows can reach over a 70% return on investment, which is great news if you think you may sell your home in the next five years. Buyers will also be more attracted to the curb appeal new windows provide. They may even notice the comfort benefits of reduced noise and temperature regulation as they walk through the home to decide if it’s fit.
Replace Your Windows with Vista Windows and Doors
If you notice any of these signs in your own windows, it is time for a window replacement. Waiting to replace your windows may lead to larger efficiency and safety issues. When you are ready to start, call us at (626) 359-3600 or click here for a FREE estimate!
- Call 626-359-3600 and Visit our Showroom at 600 E. Fig Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016
