Top 5 Reasons to Replace Your Windows Today

AS A HOMEOWNER, your windows are a big part of the investment you’ve made in your home. Whether you’ve lived in your home months or years, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace them. Perhaps there are visible signs, like broken locks or cracked glass, that are causing window safety concerns. Maybe your home isn’t as quiet as you would like, and you’re interested in window noise reduction. You may be dreading opening your heating or cooling bills and wonder if your windows are to blame. Or, the hassle and danger of dragging out that big ladder to wash your windows have you considering a change.

To help you determine if it’s the right time to replace your windows, we’ve compiled the top 5 reasons to replace your windows.

REASON #1: HIGH ENERGY BILLS

According to a University of Illinois Housing and Urban Development study, approximately 70% of your home’s heat and 46% of your air conditioning may be lost through outdated windows and doors (checking on this quote/finding link to reference). With U.S. households spending about $2,060 per year on utilities as reported by U.S. Department of Energy, there’s a significant likelihood that some of the hard-earned money you’re paying to your utility companies is leaking out of your windows and doors. IT’S LIKE YOU’RE PAYING FOR NEW WINDOWS IN THE FORM OF HIGHER ENERGY BILLS WHETHER YOU BUY THEM OR NOT.

TIP: Don’t be fooled by appearance. Many windows look the same. Windows that may not look bad to the naked eye can be big energy vampires. Single pane and even inferior, non-energy efficient double-pane windows can be the culprits behind energy loss. Even if their appearance doesn’t bother you, it would likely be time to replace your old windows with the best energy-efficient windows for maximum savings.
BONUS TIP: If you live in an area that has harsh winters, you need windows for colder climates. Not all windows are created equal and not all perform equally well in various environments. For the best performing energy-efficient windows, they need to be “custom-climatized” for your area. Make sure to ask how your windows will perform well in the weather most likely to be experienced in your specific state. Most windows are mass-produced. Windows manufactured and designed for Florida won’t perform especially well in Ohio or Kentucky. The best performing replacement windows harness the sun’s warmth in the winter and turn it into heat for your home while deflecting it in the summer and reducing the need for your air conditioner to work overtime.

REASON #2: OUTDATED APPEARANCE

Curb appeal is one of the most popular reasons homeowners look to replace their old windows. Windows have a significant impact – both positive and negative – on the overall look and outward appearance of your home. If you’re like many of the homeowners we speak with, windows that are warped, sagging, foggy, have paint-chipped frames and are just plain unsightly, are a source of embarrassment. They block the pride they feel in the ownership of their homes from shining through.

Window condensation can also ruin your home’s appearance – both inside and out. It not only looks bad, but it also blocks beautiful views with unsightly fog. Condensation happens when warm, humid air comes in contact with a cold surface. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. When warm air and a cold surface come into contact, water will form on the surface as the air cools. Condensation can form on walls as well. However, it’s much more visible on windows since it obstructs your view. If you see condensation between the panes of your windows, it’s most likely caused by a seal failure. In that case, the ONLY REMEDY IS TO REPLACE YOUR OLD WINDOWS.

Beyond the desire to have our houses look great, the exterior appearance of our homes, as well as our home’s energy-efficiency, goes a long way toward increasing its value.  According to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, 70.8% of the cost of new windows can be recouped. When you consider lower energy bills, improved curb appeal, and a strong return on your replacement window investment, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners replace their old windows each year.

TIP: With so many window styles available today, there’s a wide variety of options to suit your personal design preference. Use your imagination and think of replacing a set of double-hung windows with a beautiful, energy-efficient picture window. It’s the epitome of form meeting function. You get a great view, with the benefits of saving on your utility bills.

REASON #3: NOISE REDUCTION

Some of the most common feedback we get from customers who have our new windows is how quiet their homes are after installation. They’re blown away. They didn’t realize how much of the outside was getting inside. It doesn’t matter if you live by the freeway, in an urban setting or by the woods; noise is all around us. Replacement windows are proven to reduce noise and can provide greater comfort, not only through keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter but through providing a peaceful, quiet setting for rest and relaxation.

TIP: The best energy-efficient windows like Improveit Home Remodeling’s SOLARTECH LINE, are constructed with an optimal mix of glass, frame, and spacer for maximum noise reduction.

REASON #4: SAFETY CONCERNS

Whether you have small children in your home or not, broken or missing locks on your windows is a serious safety concern. Locks don’t always work even if they’re functional if you can’t get your windows to close fully and properly. Not being able to close a window and form a solid seal and then lock it securely can leave your home open to burglary and unwanted intruder risks. The other serious safety concern is broken or missing window glass. KEEP YOUR FAMILY OUT OF DANGER by quickly replacing windows where the glass has been comprised.

TIP: If you’ve ever intrigued by what seems to be a phenomenal deal on new windows, take note. Many window companies will advertise what seems to be “too-good-to-be-true” pricing for their windows. What often is omitted is the cost for critical window components, such as locks, exterior trim, insulation in and around frames, landfill disposal of old windows, low-E glass, sill and jamb repair, and local sales tax. Always read the fine print regarding what’s included in the price of your new windows.

REASON #5: HARD TO CLEAN & OPERATE

Ever want to enjoy the fresh air on a beautiful spring day or open your windows to let the sweet smell of fall come in only to give up after struggling to open your windows? What some homeowners feel is even worse is the hassle – and danger – of cleaning their windows. If you’ve ever had to drag out a large step ladder and perch preciously on it to get to those high windows or tough spots, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. If your windows are hard to clean and operate, reduce your risk, end your aggravation and let the fresh air in with new windows.

TIP: Looks for windows that have a “tilt-in-clean” feature that makes window cleaning a breeze. You can stay safely off the ladder while opening and cleaning each of your windows, no matter where they are in your home. It makes window cleaning truly fast and easy.

FIND A TRUSTED ADVISOR

If you think you might be in the market for new windows, do your homework and find a company that you can trust to educate you and have your best interests at heart throughout the window buying process. Buying the best energy-efficient windows can be time-consuming and confusing. There are many factors to consider and the process can be daunting. Look for a company that focuses on making the window buying process easy. An ideal fit is an organization dedicated to making you an informed consumer and helping you make the right choice, even if it’s not with them.

GET A FREE HOME ENERGY-ASSESSMENT

Whether one of your main reasons to look at replacing your old window is for energy savings or not, it’s good to have a home energy-assessment done. Reputable companies like Improvement Home Remodeling offer free assessments done by trained professionals. If your main goal with new windows is beauty and comfort, energy savings may not only be the cherry on top; the savings can pay for your new window over time. We think that’s the proverbial win-win!