If you don’t have a gaping hole in your window that’s letting in a gusty breeze, it might be a little harder to know exactly when to replace your windows. Some situations are obvious, like badly leaking or rotten windows, and others are not, like warped frames.
The Window Fits
If trying to open your window sends you into fits of rage, it’s time to replace it. If not for your window – then for your mental health. Your windows should open easily. If they stick or jam, they aren’t functioning as well as they could be. For those with older homes, aged windows are more likely to warp, stick or leak air or water. Check your windows’ latches and if they have become rigid, rusty or inoperable over time, you may want o think about getting them replaced..
Cracked Glass
Having cracked glass can really diminish your air conditioning retention in the summer and heat loss in the winter. When glass is cracked, the decision to replace your windows is easy, but glass doesn’t necessarily have to be cracked to result in heat loss. Builders often use thin pieces of float glass in their windows and generally don’t use glass with energy efficient coating on them, like low. Use a draft testing tool to determine if your windows are losing heat in certain places.
The Money Pit
If you are repainting or repairing your windows every few years, then your windows are becoming a money pit and it’s better spent on purchasing new windows. If your panes and weather stripping just needed replacing, you can bet it won’t be long before your frames and weather stripping will need replacing too.
Extreme Fogging
Among the many wonderful jobs that windows do, one of them is providing a view of the outside world. If they are constantly fogging up, not only is your gorgeous Hamilton view compromised, so is your heating bill. Fogging is a sign that your glass is starting to fail. If this happens, it’s time for a replacement.
Weather Stripping
Finally, check the weather stripping on your windows. It can deteriorate over time, and it will mean your windows start to lose their ability to retain heat. If you can see cracks or spots of light coming through your frame, your weather stripping is starting to break down.
Knowing exactly when to replace your windows is a simple, easy process to complete. Inspect your windows and spend the money on new ones when you notice your windows starting to fail. You’ll be thankful that you did.
Comments
I really need to replace my windows soon. I bought this house about 20 years ago and the windows have never been replaced. I don’t want my windows to just look better.. I also want them to help save energy. It gets very cold here in Maine in the winter and I need to save money on heat any way I can.
It’s about time to replace the windows in my bedroom. They are old and not energy efficient anymore. In the winter time I get so cold in bedroom because the windows don’t block out the wind and cold air. I’m looking at the energy star windows. I think they will be very energy efficient and help me keep warm in my bedroom.
Linda Hamilton – You definitely would benefit from getting new windows. Here at Clera, the windows not only look nice; they are also very energy efficient. You said that you live in Maine, so you definitely will need good windows so that you avoid spending so much money on energy each month. Our windows are specifically designed to help save energy.
Well, I think it’s finally time to get some new windows. The ones in my kitchen and living room are cracked and fog up very easily. They are not very energy efficient either. I seriously think these windows are at least 40 years old.