Do you know how old your windows are? Unless you’ve lived in your home for decades, there’s a good chance you aren’t sure, as you may not have been the one to replace them. But age is an important thing to know about your windows to determine whether they need replacing or not.
There are several signs that windows might need replacing, and sometimes they are obvious. But in other cases, it can be hard to tell if the problem is serious enough to warrant total replacement unless you know how old they are.
But if you don’t know the age, there are some other strong signs to pay close attention to that will give you an indication of whether you might need to simply do some repairs or maintenance or get ready to replace them.
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Excessive Drafts
New, premium quality doors and windows that have been properly installed won’t be drafty. But over time, windows slowly may start to leak, especially ones that are decades old. If you begin to notice that it always feels cold in your house during the winter, your windows are likely to blame. Some caulking and weather stripping might be enough to fix the issue, but if the problem keeps occurring, that means your windows are no longer working effectively or performing as they should be. In this case, the only permanent solution is to replace them.
Increasing Energy Bills
If your windows are leaking, but your heating covers up the noticeable impact, you might be able to see the signs in your energy bills. If the heat is blasting constantly to make up for the air leaking, it will cause your energy use to increase. A similar thing can happen in the summer with your air conditioning.
This can happen suddenly, but if the problem has been slowly getting worse for years, you might not notice the impact it had on your energy bills until you replace your windows. Windows today are much more energy efficient than they were a decade or two ago, so installing new ones will mean you will likely notice a decrease in your energy bills.
Condensation
Are your windows constantly covered with water? That’s a telltale sign that your windows aren’t working properly. However, it might be possible for them to be repaired, so contact a professional before jumping to conclusions. But if you also notice fog between the window panes that you can’t reach, that means the seal has broken, and a replacement is the only fix.
Outdoor Noise
Windows should insulate against a lot of outdoor noise. If significant levels of outdoor noise are reaching your inside, even with windows and doors all shut tight, it could be an indication that your windows aren’t properly insulated. Sound pollution can have many negative health effects, especially if it impacts sleep, so replacing them with newer models with increased insulation will help keep the noise where it should be: outside.
Windows are a significant part of your home, so it’s important that they be in good working condition. Replacing them might seem like a big job, but the benefits to your home and comfort will be worth it.