Oh if these walls could talk. Ever wished your house could give you a heads up when something needs maintenance? It does. It could be a creak in an old floorboard or a strange stain in the ceiling below your upstairs bathroom—a house has plenty of tells when repairs are required and it’s important to pay attention. Have your windows been talking to you lately? Watch for the following tells that your windows should be replaced and make an investment that can truly pay dividends in the long run.
- Your Energy Bills are Abnormally High
If you’re paying excessively high utility costs, your windows could be a major culprit and it could be time to get replacement windows here. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your energy bill is rising steadily each month. Don’t blame the changing weather, as the perpetrator is most likely your windows. Older windows are often crafted of materials that don’t withstand the elements effectively, and any drafts that come through improperly sealed windows can make your heating and cooling systems work a lot harder than they should be. This can drive up your utility bills and make it harder to keep your home comfortable on a tight budget.
- Outside Noise is Becoming a Nuisance
If you’ve been increasingly bothered by outside noise, or you’ve noticed a major increase in the noise levels, your windows might be to blame. High levels of ambient noise indicate your window’s seal or insulation is no longer adequate. You may hear heightened noise from car traffic, overhead planes, and even the conversations of your next door neighbor. Modern windows provide better insulation that can help keep ambient noise out.
- It’s Difficult to Open Your Windows
If you’ve got old windows in your home, it’s likely that you’ve found it hard to open and close them on occasion. As windows age, their frames may expand or contract, and these alterations can make it more difficult to easily open and close them. This can be more than a nuisance; when windows are near impossible to open, they can present a very dangerous fire hazard.
- Your Windows Look Cloudy
One of the most important roles your windows play comes in the form of moisture protection. High-quality windows are designed to keep moisture out of your home, but there are easy to spot signs that they may not be fulfilling their duty. If you’ve noticed your windows look cloudy no matter how many times they’re cleaned, it’s likely that moisture has made its way between the window panes. This frosty-looking appearance is actually a result of calcium deposits left behind on the glass. Your windows must be replaced to ensure your home’s moisture barrier remains intact, and an upgrade will serve your home’s curb appeal well.
- Noticeable Drafts
When you stand near your windows, do you notice a dramatic dip in temperature? Perhaps you constantly see breezes rippling through your living room window treatments—drafty windows mean the sealing on your windows is faulty or rundown. Drafts from your windows could also mean there are issues with the frames. You can attempt to get rid of the draft through caulking and new sealing measures, but when there’s major damage to the frame, it’s likely you’ll need to completely replace your windows.
When it comes to new windows, there are a variety of decisions to be made. Homeowners have plenty of options to choose from, and it’s important to find windows that are tailored to the function and appearance your property requires. Many homeowners are moving towards the adoption of energy efficient windows, as they can substantially reduce heating and cooling energy costs and usage within the home. Energy efficient options can be costly, but this investment has been proven to save homeowners a significant chunk in energy costs. Not only that, but sustainable upgrades have also been observed to improve home resale value. If you don’t have the finances to handle the upfront cost on your own, consider applying for home improvement financing from a company like Renovate America that helps homeowners purchase energy efficient upgrades for residential properties.
If you’ve noticed your windows aren’t providing the protection they should be, it may be time to seriously consider a window upgrade. The right selection can improve the function and overall look of your home for the better.
