Warning Signs to Replace Your Windows

If you’re trying to figure whether you should repair or replace your windows, here are a few clear signs that it's time to replace them.

You Feel Drafts in Your Home

Even the best windows will allow a slight amount of air infiltration, but it should never be something you can feel or notice.

Your first instinct may be to apply weather stripping to the gaps however, noticeable drafts often indicate an air leak caused by more than missing or damaged weather stripping. In fact, sealing and weather stripping should not be considered as anything more than just a temporary fix.

So, what's the best solution to avoid these drafts? Replacing your windows entirely.

You Have Difficulty Shutting or Opening Your Windows

If you can't open or close your windows properly, it's time to get new ones.

This is especially true for older double hung and single hung windows, which have issues with balance.  The balance is the mechanism that keeps the window up when you open it. When the balance fails, the window will no longer remain up when opened and can slam shut, posing a danger.

You See Condensation Inside the Glass

If you have double-or triple-paned windows and notice condensation or fog inside the glass, you either need to replace the glass or the entire window - depending on the seriousness of the issue.

Condensation and fog between the glass panels can indicate seal failure. When the seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass and as a result, air will condense on the glass. And when this happens, the insulated glass is no longer doing its job - which is to create a barrier to cold air.

Condensation in between the panes of glass will leave a white film which is caused by calcium deposited on the glass. If you see this white film, even if there is no visible condensation, it's a safe bet that the insulated glass unit has failed.

Your Energy Bill is Expensive

If your heating and cooling costs are high, it's likely that you have an inefficient furnace, or old windows that are simply not energy efficient.

So how do you know if you should replace your windows?

According to the Department of Energy's (DOE) website, "If your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs."

What are your best bets for energy-efficient windows?

 

The DOE suggests looking for windows that have at least two panes of glass or ENERGY STAR® labeled windows. These are high-performance windows which meet efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy.

 

If your windows need replacement, call Kruse Home Improvement today at 860-877-0775  for an estimate.