Many homeowners know deep down that they need to replace their old, leaky windows. But even after month after month of high energy bills, they continue to put it off. The biggest reason they procrastinate is that they feel they can’t afford replacement windows. Experts say, you lose more energy with old, leaky windows than with anything else in your house. Putting it off is actually costing you money.
Aside from giving your home some newfound curb appeal, replacing your old single-pane windows or leaking windows with the latest energy-efficient double- or triple-pane glazing can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Look for windows and doors that are ENERGY STAR certified. You will save so much on your energy bills, that overtime your windows will pay for themselves!
Another reason you should consider replacing your old windows is to protect your furniture and other belongings inside. Sunlight that shines through the windows will affect the interior of the home in other ways besides heating it up. It can drastically fade your furnishings. If your windows do not have Low-E (low emissivity) glass coatings, which helps to reduce heat transfer and ultraviolet rays, the sunlight can fade your carpets, walls and furniture. Low-E glass also reflects heat back to its source, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer as well as warmer in the winter.
If you live in an older home, you may have what’s called fixed windows – windows that do not open. Replacement windows that open will improve the air flow in your home which allows you to cool your home when the temperature drops in the evenings and increase the fresh air in your home.
New replacement windows will also help seal out the sounds of traffic, or noisy neighbors. Because of the technology that is used today when manufacturing replacement windows, homes will be significantly quieter after they are installed.
When considering when to replace your windows, look for high energy bills. This is the first sign of inefficient windows. Also, it’s time for new windows if opening and closing is a difficult task or cannot happen at all. Last but not least, if you have air leaks in or around the window, and condensation is occurring on or between glass panes; you need to replace your windows. Think of it this way, overtime, you will get your investment back in energy savings! Many homeowners say, this was a home improvement they should not have put off for so long!
