Has your utility bill slowly increased with no significant weather changes? Do your window coverings move around for no apparent reason? If you have experienced these or similar symptoms of unwanted drafts, it’s time to consider replacing your windows. Older windows can actually cost you more than they are worth by letting conditioned air escape the home. Today we will suggest six telltale signs your windows need replacing.

Reason 1: You Struggle to Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

Uncontrolled drafts are a primary reason why homes feel uncomfortable in winter. As we know, energy prices are on the rise and are now nearly double the price from only one year ago. Single pane glass is very inefficient by today’s energy standards, so replacing them with high-quality window glass can save nearly 25% in energy costs. The new technology integrates insulation into the design, resulting in energy efficient, low maintenance windows that can last as long as the home.

Reason 2: Foggy Glass

Most of us have seen older windows you can barely see through due to the accumulation of condensation between the panes. Double pane windows are more energy-efficient than single panes of glass, but only if they remain sealed and separated from each other. Double pane windows reduce or prevent the thermal transfer of heat from the interior to the exterior glass, maintaining the thermal envelope.

Energy-efficient windows maintain a vacuum between the panes for this reason, but the seals will eventually fail, allowing moist air to enter. The moisture then condenses on the glass, resulting in a fogged window. Unfortunately, once the vacuum is broken and the insulating gas escapes, the window must be replaced.

Reason 3: Stuck Sashes

One common telltale sign it’s time to replace your windows is a window that doesn’t want to open. More often than not this is a result of a window frame or sash that has experienced water damage. When water is absorbed into the frame or sashes of a window, they tend to swell. This swelling creates friction inside the window frame, causing them to resist being opened and closed.

Frames can also fall out of square, meaning the window frame no longer fits the window sashes. Water damage and rot can cause a window frame to sag and warp, again causing friction. Eventually, this friction will wear out the sashes and light will become visible between the sash and the frame. Obviously, this will cause unwanted drafts, allow insects to enter, and increase your utility bill.

Although it is possible to replace an ill-fitting sash, most professionals replace the entire window. This is because most new windows are made to order to fit a very specific opening. Even slight differences between the old sash and the new one can allow air to escape even when the window is locked. The cost difference is often negligible, so replacing the entire window and frame is strongly recommended.

Reason 4: Your Home Is Noisy

Nuisance noises, such as street traffic can become a source of aggravation for the occupants. Homes located near busy areas or close to the street often need an effective sound barrier to reduce these disruptive sounds. Fortunately, the same technology that prevents conditioned air from escaping the window resists sound transmission as well.

Soundproof windows are a great investment because you get energy efficiency and sound reduction for the same price. In general, these windows will be custom-made for your home from extruded vinyl, which can carry a warranty in excess of 50 years. When used in conjunction with an insulated front door, these windows can reduce sound transmission by up to 95%.

Reason 5: You Plan to Sell In the Future

It may seem counterintuitive to replace the windows on a home you are about to sell. However, the opposite is often true in practice. Especially if the home is 15-20 years old, home improvement projects like window replacement can provide a 70% return on investment. Because well-made windows have a long lifespan, many homeowners install them as soon as possible, due to the significant monthly energy savings.

Because you are saving money every month, the windows will often pay for themselves in 10-12 years. Considering that the lifespan of the windows can exceed 30-40 years, it becomes quite apparent the new owners will also assign value to the new windows. If a prospective buyer can afford more house as a result of lower utility bills, they usually will.

Reason 6: Deterioration

A window in disrepair might seem an obvious candidate for replacement, but sometimes the damage is hidden. Paint and caulk technology has advanced considerably in recent years to become more resilient and durable. If these materials are applied to a window that really needs replacing, they can conceal the damage and allow it to worsen until the window literally falls apart.

When professionals perform an inspection, many will use a blunt probe to inspect the brick molding and other trim surrounding a window, as well as the window itself. In the worst cases, the paint and caulk have formed a shell around the damp, moldy window preventing the moisture from evaporating. Of course, this leads to even more rot, which will eventually make its way into the framing of the home and cause structural damage.

Let Us Help You Find the Right Windows For Your Home

Window installation is as important as purchasing the window itself. It is recommended to select an installer with experience and training. The network of Marvin dealers have the reputation, experience, and training to install your new windows and doors the right way. Marvin dealers have provided doors and windows for generations, so we know a thing or two about energy efficiency and how to maximize it.