10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Timing is a crucial factor when you’re scheduling a window replacement. You’ll want to get the most out of your existing window’s lifespan, delaying the removal of your old windows until they begin to affect your quality of life. For this reason, you must recognize the signs of window failure.

Drafts

Drafts are more obvious in the wintertime when the cold air can be felt wafting into your house. This will make your furnace work strenuously as it kicks into high gear to keep the air inside your home at a comfortable temperature. Signs of a draft include:

  • Feeling cold air around the window frame
  • Seeing light coming through openings in the frame
  • Hearing the wind whistle through your windows
  • Holding a tissue near the frame and it trembles

If you feel a draft when you’re close to your windows, this is a sign that the seals are damaged and it’s time to consider replacing your windows. Window replacements guarantee energy stays inside your house so you can enjoy considerable energy savings. Drafts are a problem for several reasons:

  • The cool air from your HVAC unit is seeping out and the hot air outside is coming inside your home.
  • A room with drafty windows feels uncomfortable and more humid than the rest of your home.
  • Since outside air is seeping in, your heating and cooling system must work vigorously to keep your house at the temperature you set.

Getting your windows replaced seals the drafty windows and decreases your energy bill.

They Won’t Open

If your windows won’t open or if they stick when you try to open them, it’s time for replacements.

Windows can become difficult to open for several reasons such as:

  • Faulty roller system
  • Dust builds up
  • Tight springs
  • Swollen windows due to temperature changes

Windows that won’t open are a serious issue since they’re inoperable. Being able to open your windows can lessen heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, there’s a safety issue. If your home is on fire, your windows might be the only way to escape.

Opening a window should be easy and fast. For homes in Denver, windows like double-hung windows make great replacements since they can be easily opened due to their construction. If you are having a more difficult time opening and closing your windows than normal, it might be time for an upgrade.

Visible Damage

This is perhaps the most noticeable sign you need window replacements since there are visible indicators. When a window is damaged, it can crack completely, which leaves your house open to more severe damage like pests, mold, water seepage, and mildew. It also makes your home easier for thieves to get inside. Replacing a damaged window as soon as possible will keep your loved ones safe and help you prevent more costly repairs in the future.

Your windows are consistently exposed to destructive UV rays, cold temperatures, rain, harsh winds, and more. Harmful elements can lead to warping and foggy windows that you can’t see out of anymore. Windows are crafted to offer good airflow, lighting, and ventilation to our homes. If any of these are compromised, it’s time to replace your windows.

Excessive Condensation Between the Glass Panes

You may see “sweat” on your windows on cold days. Condensation could mean that your windows’ glazing is no longer any good.

Due to weakening seals, moisture can get between the glass panes, creating condensation. Exterior condensation typically happens when it’s warm outside and interior condensation when it’s cold outside and moisture comes into the home. Some actions can be taken to decrease interior condensation.

On the same line as condensation, if you see water coming in through your windows, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace them. When a window leaks, you may not see actual water seeping in, so watch for the following issues:

  • Beneath the window is warped flooring
  • Wet drywall around the window
  • The humidity is high in the room
  • Water stains on surrounding furnishings

To avoid these problems, you might want to invest in new energy-efficient windows like Altius brand windows.

Increase in Energy Costs

With your HVAC unit working overtime to make up for your drafty windows, you’ll probably see an upsurge in your energy bill. Consider the excessive and wasted money and energy.  Instead, put your money into getting new windows and you’ll see huge savings on your energy bill.

Plenty of things can cause your energy bills to increase rapidly but if you’ve observed that your electric bills have gradually increased, your windows may be the reason why. As stated earlier, drafts let the HVAC air inside your house escape, which makes your heating and cooling unit work diligently to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. This pushes your energy bills upward and the bigger workload can reduce the life of your HVAC system. Replacing old windows with new windows that are energy-efficient aids in lessening your monthly bills and ensuring your air conditioner doesn’t have to work harder than needed.

Carpet and Furniture Near Your Windows Are Faded

If the carpet, furniture, décor, or rugs that are unprotected from the direct sunshine coming through your windows have faded, your windows most likely don’t have the UV protection provided by newly designed windows with low-emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopic film that keeps UV rays and solar heat from coming through. This stops your carpeting, drapes, and furnishings from fading as well as keeping your house cooler.

Hearing Outside Noise

If you live on a busy street, near the airport, or have noisy neighbors, you may think there’s not a lot you can do about the sounds drifting inside your home.

That’s not true. Modern windows offer more insulation and tighter seals to keep out unwanted noise. Replacing old windows can help to diminish the total amount of noise you hear inside.

It’s wonderful to hear the birds chirping in the morning, but you don’t want to hear every other sound in your neighborhood. Older windows don’t offer much sound insulation, so if you can hear your neighbor’s dog from way down the street, you may want to think about replacing your old windows with newer-designed ones to absorb those everyday noises.

If you’re wondering when the ideal time is to replace your windows, excessive noise is a sign your windows don’t have enough insulation. Our Altius windows are constructed to decrease sound transfer, resulting in relaxing, quieter living spaces.

Deteriorating Frames

Even top-quality window frames can deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture. In some cases, mold can develop. Inspect your window frames and sills. If there are signs of mold or decay, it’s time to replace your windows.

Adverse weather and age can be unforgiving on your windows. In fact, they may suffer enough damage that window repairs just won’t do it. If your current windows are chipping, cracking, rotting, or decaying, replace them to improve the décor of your home.

If you have wood windows, moisture could cause the frames to decay. If your exterior framing feels soft to the touch, you’ll need to replace your windows and frames immediately to prevent mold growth.

Our Altius windows have narrow frames and interlock, delivering exceptional energy efficiency and thermal performance.

Unattractive Curb Appeal

Windows are one of the most noticeable features of your residence and can deliver excellent curb appeal. If they look unattractive, then your house will too.

New energy-efficient windows will enhance the value of your home while being visually effective. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Make yours count with window replacements.

Windows are frequently one of the first things a potential buyer notices about a home. Whether you want to replace your windows to boost your home’s curb appeal, modernize its appearance, or enhance your property value, replacing old windows is a smart upgrade.

Looking to Boost Your Property Value

Regardless of how much you love your house, you never know what will happen in the future. If you decide to sell your home, you’ll want to get the most value out of your property.

Typically, homes with aesthetic appeal such as updated windows, get higher resale prices and sell quicker than those with old, outdated windows. Therefore, investing in window replacements could substantially boost your home’s value. New windows offer visual appeal and enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency in your home, making it more eye-catching to possible buyers.

Comprehensive Window Replacement for Denver Homeowners

Don’t let old and tatty windows badly affect the temperature inside your home and increase your energy bill. Our team is highly experienced with window replacement in Denver. If you need to replace your windows, call us today or fill out our online form to inquire about our window replacement service and receive an instant quote.