15 Tell-Tale Signs You Definitely Need Replacement Windows

There are some parts of your home that are easy to tell when it’s time to replace them. For example, you replace air filters when they’re filled with dust and appliances when they die. However, other aspects of your home aren’t so easy to tell when it’s time to replace. Your windows are one such example. There are, however, great ways to tell you need replacement windows

Apart from a shattered window, it can be difficult to tell when you need replacement windows. Most window manufacturers recommend changing your windows every 20 to 30 years.

If you’re unsure of when your home’s windows were last changed, there are some easy ways to tell. Here are some ways you can know if you need replacement windows.

1. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

Take a look at your energy bills over the last year or so. Has the total balance been creeping up slowly?

If your energy rates haven’t gone up in the last couple of years, but your bills have, you might have a draft issue with your windows.

Having drafty windows not only causes your energy bills to creep up. They can cause your HVAC system to work harder than you intended, thereby decreasing its lifespan.

Purchasing high-efficient replacement windows is an easy way to reduce your energy bill and avoid overtaxing your HVAC system.

2. Your House Feels Outright Drafty

While airing out your home is essential for your air quality, you want to do that in a controlled way. Continually having air flowing in and out of your home via drafts in the windows is an easy way to let allergens in and cause your HVAC to work overtime.

If you feel a noticeable draft in your home, you likely have issues with the window frame or seal. You can temporarily combat the drafts with insulated curtains or window coverings.

There are some DIY fixes for seals, but generally, replacement windows are a better option.

3. Tell-Tale Signs of Deterioration

When you look at your windows, are there any visible issues like rotting wood, chips, breaks, or warping?

When you see these physical problems with your windows, don’t think you automatically need new windows. Some issues like rot only require replacing the wood around the window rather than the window itself.

However, only a window professional can tell you when you need replacement windows when you spot deterioration.

4. Your Windows Don’t Open and Close Properly

Some people choose to live with windows they need to fight with to open and close. They might even decide not to open those windows at all.

But what happens in an emergency?

Not many people want to imagine situations where they need to quickly leave their home in case of a fire or home invasion. However, having fully functional windows that open quickly is paramount to your survival in such cases.

If you can think of any sticky windows in your house, you should get them replaced to ensure your safety in an emergency.

5. You Live in a Frequent Storm Area

Most people think about the stress rain and storms put on their roofs rather than their windows. However, moisture can be your windows’ worst nightmare.

If you live in a heavy-rain area or a humid area, you should check your windows regularly. Moist conditions are perfect for rot to start in wooden window frames, especially if they’re not given a chance to dry out completely.

6. You Want to Update Your Home’s Appearance

While there is no way to block noise from entering your home altogether, windows are meant to help block out a good portion.

Over time, your windows might start to allow more noise from the road or neighbors into your home. Or, if you live in an older house with single-pane windows, you likely have a high level of noise entering your home already.

Insulating your home against noise can help you feel more relaxed, especially if you live near a busy road. Plus, potential buyers will notice how little noise comes into your home.

7. There’s Tons of Noise Coming into Your House

While there is no way to block noise from entering your home altogether, replacement windows are meant to help block out a good portion.

Over time, your windows might start to allow more noise from the road or neighbors into your home. Or, if you live in an older house with single-pane windows, you likely have a high level of noise entering your home already.

Insulating your home against noise can help you feel more relaxed, especially if you live near a busy road. Plus, potential buyers will notice how little noise comes into your home.

8. You Want to Sell Soon

Speaking of potential buyers, replacement windows are a great investment if you’re looking to sell soon.

There are some improvement projects you can do in your home that increases your listing price.

Studies have shown that installing replacement windows within a year or so of putting your house on the market can significantly increase your listing price. It’s a project that has a high ROI from which homeowners can expect to recoup 75% of the value of the project.

9. Condensation Builds Up Between the Panes

Seeing condensation between your window panes shouldn’t be a cause for alarm but can indicate your windows will need replacing soon.

If you have double-paned windows, you might notice condensation building up on humid days or frost build up on cold days. These occurrences can indicate the seal on your windows is starting to give out.

In some cases, the breaking seal can also allow dirt and debris between the panes, making it impossible to have spotless windows again.

10. You Have Single-Pane Windows

All windows used to have single-panes. You’ll still find houses around that have single-paned windows, especially older, historic homes.

However, single-pane windows are not energy efficient and can be inflexible. In most cases, the windows come in smaller panes that are fused to permanent grilles. The permanent grille makes the windows difficult to clean and customize.

Getting double- or triple-pane replacement windows will allow you to choose different removable grilles, making them easier to clean. Plus, multi-paned windows are more energy efficient.

11. Your Home Needs an Eco-Boost

Eco-conscious homeowners might be interested in upgrading their windows for a couple of reasons.

First, upgrading to energy efficient replacement windows helps control how hard your HVAC system needs to work. This control keeps your energy consumption and carbon footprint down.

Second, there are tax incentives in the state of California to upgrade your home with energy efficient projects. In addition to installing energy-efficient windows, you’ll need to complete two other projects on the state’s website.

While completing three projects might seem like a lot, they’re ultimately going to help you reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bill.

12. You’re Constantly Cleaning Your Windows

We’ll be honest, cleaning windows isn’t the most fun activity out there. But you need to do it to keep your house looking clean and presentable.

A way to tell you need replacement windows is if your windows are difficult to clean or they show spots and dirt quickly. Over time, the glass can catch more dirt, meaning more cleaning for you.

If you don’t have time to continually clean your windows or don’t want to spare the cost of hiring window cleaners, consider getting new windows that will resist dirt a bit better.

13. Bugs Crawl Through Your Windows

You need replacement windows if bugs are getting into your house through the windows. Having bugs in the house can make your home feel dirty and unsanitary.

While you might not directly see bugs crawling through cracks in your windows, you might notice many bugs accumulating near one window. This is a reasonably accurate sign bugs have access to a large enough hole in your window frame.

14. Your Windows Look Outdated

Over the years, you might have updated the interior or exterior of your home to match more modern tastes. However, if you or the previous homeowner failed to update the windows, they can start to look a bit out of place.

While this might not be your only reason to install replacement windows, it would be a good reason along with any structural issues with your windows.

15. The Windows Lack Basic Security

If your replacement windows don’t have necessary locks or they don’t work, you’re leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins. Nearly all new windows come standard with locks.

Many new window materials are much stronger than traditional glass windows. You can find reinforced glass like tempered and laminated which is very difficult to break. You can also find acrylic glass materials which are ten times stronger than traditional glass.

Improving your home’s security can also garner reductions on your home insurance policy from 5 to 20%. Check with your insurance company to see which security measures will give you the highest premium reduction.

Know When It’s Time for Replacement Windows

Knowing when your home needs replacement windows is not rocket science. There are plenty of ways to determine both inside and outside your home when your windows need to be changed out.

From spotting visible degradation around the windows to feeling a slight draft, there are many indicators it’s time to seek a professional’s opinion about replacing your windows.

Learn more about our window replacement service here and request a free quote in the top righthand corner.