How Do I Know if My House Needs New Windows? 2024 Guide

Old windows, especially those made of aluminum or wood, will start giving you trouble sooner or later if they haven’t already. Homes with original windows that are more than 20 years old are likely time for an upgrade. But, when is it time to replace your windows?

The aesthetic value of your home, the amount of natural light you let into your home, and the energy efficiency of your home can all benefit from well-designed windows.

The security of your home and your comfort inside are both compromised by old, rotten, and broken windows. It’s important to know if you need new windows, and there are clues you can look for around the house to determine if your house needs new windows. If it’s time to begin planning a window renovation project.

Experts in windows are here to explain the most obvious warnings that it’s time to replace your current set.

6 Reasons Why Your House Needs New Windows

1.    You are Receiving High Electricity Bills

When warming up on a chilly day, you should brace yourself against your window panes. Can you tell if it’s cooler there than elsewhere in your house? Try touching the glass. If you notice that the glass is chilly to the touch, that’s because the warm air from your heating system is being cooled down as soon as it comes into contact with the window.

Your heating and cooling costs will fluctuate with the seasons much like the weather outside. This is not just a waste of money, but also a source of discomfort.

Please light a candle or incense stick. Keep it supported by the window casings as you methodically work your way around every corner.

A draft is present if the flame of a candle or the smoke from a burning candle flickers or moves. If you do this in the dark with a flashlight, you may be able to see light coming through the window frame. Think of how much better it would be if you sealed up all the cracks and crevices in your home.

Newer windows are very efficient and are designed to help prevent air from leaking in and out of your home, whereas older windows are typically single-paned and prone to leaks.

To lower your heating costs, you should replace your old windows with new ones that use argon gas and low-emissivity (LoE) glass.

By retaining heat in the winter and releasing it in the summer, Low-Energy-Effects (LoE) glass can drastically cut down on utility bills while also making your home more pleasant all year long.

2.    Faulty Window Operation

Check the smooth operation of all the windows in your house by walking about while opening and closing them. Pressure or force is needed to open them, or if they are painted or swollen shut, then it is time to replace them.

This is a common problem with wood windows. The windows in your home should open and close easily, without requiring any effort on your part.

If you haven’t already, double-check the locks. Do they perform as intended? A lack of ability to unlock and lock windows presents an unnecessary security risk and limits the means of escape in the event of a fire. You need to have a rapid and safe exit strategy in the event of an emergency.

If the windows are tough to open, there will be fewer escape routes in case of an emergency. There’s a logic behind why egress windows are required by law.

3.    Leakage in Windows and Decayed Frames

Having rotting window frames is a definite indication that you need new windows. Wooden window frames will deteriorate as soon as they are exposed to moisture.

Long-term exposure to moisture can produce rot and decay, which can compromise the structure’s integrity and pose substantial health and safety risks.

You could have leaking windows. We have seen houses with windows that leak so badly that they leave puddles on the floor. Yikes!

The amount of water loss might not seem significant enough to warrant a makeover, or maybe you’re hoping the leaks dry up until summer rolls around.

Always keep in mind that any amount of moisture will promote mold growth when deciding to replace windows. The likelihood of a significant issue caused by the leaking window increases the longer you put off upgrading.

Improper installation or a broken sealing unit are two of the most prevalent causes of leaking windows. Maybe you’re thinking, “Why can’t they just be fixed?” Fixing the windows wouldn’t solve the issue, though. It’s important to remember that while your leaking window is an issue, it is not THE issue. The presence of condensation on windows is indicative of a more serious problem. Leaky windows can only be permanently fixed by replacing them with new ones that have never failed before.

4.    Soundproofing

Relax for a second and wait quietly by the window for a passing car. It seems to be coming down the street, but can you hear it? Even with double-pane glass, street noise can get into your home through the single-pane glass.

The serenity and quiet will be overrun by the growing cacophony of sounds before you know it. The most effective energy-saving windows will keep the noise outside.

5.    Frequent Condensation

Do you frequently wake up to foggy or condensation-covered windows? You will need to assess the kind of condensation you are dealing with, as not all condensation is terrible. It could be of no consequence depending on where it manifests.

But if there’s condensation between the panes, you know the seals have failed and the windows need to be replaced before the leaks get too severe.

Your home’s various components—including its windows, doors, HVAC, insulation, ventilation, and siding—all work together to form a unified whole. All parts must be in proper working order for you to maintain your home’s top efficiency and get the most out of your restoration project.

6.    Updated Look

If you don’t like the way your windows look, you should consider replacing them because of how noticeable they are. Energy-efficient windows that also appear sleek and modern are a great way to increase your home’s value and curb appeal.

How Long Do Windows Last?

There is some variation in durability and service life depending on the type of window you purchase. A double-paned window has a 20-year lifespan, whereas a fiberglass one has a 40-year lifespan.

Windows made of aluminum have an average lifespan of roughly 30 years, putting them in the middle of these two extremes.

How well you take care of your windows will determine how long they survive. However, if they near the two-decade mark, it may be time to evaluate their condition, even with proper maintenance and cleaning.

Are New Windows Worth It?

The cost of window replacement is typically recovered between 70 and 80 percent of the selling price of a home. You can save an additional $27-$465 annually on energy bills by installing Energy-Star-certified windows in your home.

Should I Replace My Windows and Doors All at Once?

The major benefit of replacing all the windows at once is that you may unify the look of your home’s inside and exterior at once if the cost is reasonable.

How Long Does It Take to Install New Windows?

New windows can be fitted in as little as a day or two. The key to a successful renovation is to take precise measurements of your current windows and doors and have a garbage removal solution ready to reduce the number of times you have to take the trash to the dump.

Why it is Important to Replace Faulty Windows?

If you see a rise in your utility bills every month, it’s probably because your windows are not performing as they should. If you want to save money on monthly utility bills, consider replacing your old windows with newer, more energy-efficient models. Incorporating newer, more secure locking mechanisms and thicker glass into your window replacement project will boost your home’s safety significantly.