Top 5 Signs that You Need a Window Replacement

Often, homeowners will go above and beyond to improve their homes in terms of insulation. After all, a properly insulated home can potentially save you thousands in energy bills and other home improvement repairs. However, time and time again, one area of the home is constantly neglected during such a project, and that is the home’s windows. Windows provide more than just a nice aesthetic to your home; they also serve to reduce your energy consumption and protect the home. This is why it is so important that window replacements are conducted every few years. But when is it the right time to have this done? Read on to learn 5 of the most common signs that will tell you that it’s time for a window replacement.

1. HVAC System Working Harder

One of the first signs that indicate a need for a window replacement is your HVAC system having to work harder to keep your home cool/warm. If your system is in manual mode, you may see yourself having to constantly move the dial up or down to ensure a comfortable home. Those that have smart systems won’t often notice this until their utility bill comes at the end of the month, and the cost of their energy is much higher than usual. But how can you be sure it’s your windows causing this? A great way you can quickly tell if your windows are allowing energy to escape is to simply run your hands around it. If you feel air coming from the outside, that is an indication that the air within the home is escaping.

2. Living within an Older Home

If you have just entered into a newly constructed home, the state of the windows should not be an issue. However, if your home is older than 20 years, there may be a need for a window replacement very soon. This is because, during those years, the house has no doubt shifted in its foundation or has been faced with harsh weather that often causes wood and other materials to expand. In this case, it is highly recommended for you to conduct some research on the age of the home as well as the last time any home improvement projects were conducted on the property.

3. Difficult to Use & Clean

If you’re like most homeowners, you likely take pride in the appearance of your home and want it to be clean. However, when it takes multiple cloths and a lot of window spray to get the area looking clean, it may be time for a window replacement. In addition, if your window is difficult to use (opening/closing), that is a clear indication that the window frame has shifted considerably and needs to be replaced.

4. You Can Hear the Noise from Outside

One of the lesser-known signs that a window needs to be replaced involves the amount of noise that it lets into the home. Newer windows are designed to minimize the noises from the outside, and thus if you are starting to hear pedestrians talking and loud car noises, this may be a sign that your windows need to be replaced.

5. Heavy Damage to the Window Glass/Frame

It is often not normal wear and tear that calls for the need to replace your windows but simply everyday damages caused to it. For example, if you have kids or pets within the home, your windows will likely be damaged at some point. For example, kids may have thrown a baseball towards the glass and chipped it, or a small cat may have scratched the window frame trying to catch the bugs outside of it. No matter the reason, if the damages are severe enough, you may need a total window replacement.

A home’s windows are what allow your home to both look nice and feel comfortable. That is why it is important to ensure that they are functioning correctly and not just looking nice. Thus it is highly recommended to contact your local home improvement professional to get started on this much-needed upgrade.