Waiting to Replace Those Old Windows? Don't Look Now, But Winter is Coming!

Changing leaves and cooler temperatures make it clear: winter is coming! As outside temperatures drop, you might also notice a similar drop inside your home. If you’re finding that you’re struggling to stay warm inside your home, it might be because old or damaged windows are allowing cold air into your home. Get ahead of the problem by getting your windows replaced before winter. 

Why You Should Replace Your Windows

Replacing the windows on your home can seem like a major renovation. However, a skilled, professional window company can make the process simple while helping you upgrade your home. Let’s check out some of the reasons why you may need to replace your windows. 

Energy Bills

When windows become old or damaged, they allow the warm air from inside your home to escape, while letting cold outdoor air squeeze its way in. Because windows make up a significant percentage of your home’s exterior, a lot of warm air could potentially be lost. Besides making your house cold and uncomfortable this winter, this issue also makes your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit work harder than it should.

On average, more than half of the energy your home uses is from heating and cooling. That means that most of what you pay in monthly energy bills comes from how you heat and cool your home. If your windows are in bad shape, you’re probably overspending to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Optimize your home’s efficiency with new windows!

Mold & Mildew

Worn-out windows are more susceptible to mold and mildew. If there are cracks in the window or frame, these spots may be allowing moisture from the outside to make its way indoors. However it happens, moisture exposure over time can allow mold and mildew to grow on or around your windows.

If you’ve noticed even tiny spots of mold, this can be a warning sign that bigger problems are occurring. The presence of any mold or mildew can also have serious health implications, especially for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Risks

Old windows can be an eyesore, but they’re also dangerous. This danger is exacerbated in the colder winter months. That’s because cracked windows are at much greater risk of cracking further or shattering in extreme temperatures. If the damaged windows are in a child’s bedroom or playroom, the risk of injury from shattered glass is even more significant. Best to replace cracked window glass right away.  

When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Windows?

The leaves begin to turn and the air is delightfully crisp. Yes, we’re talking about fall! While fall’s cool beauty is refreshing, it’s also a friendly reminder that it’s time to prepare your home for winter. Maximize your enjoyment of winter and gain energy savings by replacing your home’s windows in the fall.

Additionally, the busiest seasons for home repairs and window replacements are typically spring and summer. When you wait until fall, a high-quality, experienced window company will likely have better availability. This means you’ll likely be able to get on the schedule fairly quickly. 

What You Need To Know Before You Replace Old Windows

We don’t often give the windows on our home much thought. But as you plan to replace yours, there are some factors to consider. You need to think about materials, costs, aesthetics, and more. We have you covered. 

Window Materials

Most window frames are made of one of three materials: wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. Wood windows are a good choice if you’re looking to match the window to an existing wood trim on your home’s interior. The most durable of the three materials, fiberglass windows (also known as composite windows) will typically have the longest lifespan. Finally, vinyl is the most popular by far, making up about 75 percent of all windows sold. These windows are available in several different colors, adding to your custom options.

Type of Windows

There are a handful of options available for the type of window you can install in your home, as well. Double-hung windows are the most popular window type for residential homes, especially two-story homes. That’s because these windows are designed to tilt into your home and can be cleaned without the need for ladders or stools. 

Sliding windows are a wider but shorter type of window and are also a good choice. Lastly, crank-out windows should also be considered as not only can they be used in a variety of different openings, but they are also the most energy-efficient option.  

Glass Package

Regardless of the material or type of window you choose, the glass package is the most important part of your decision. Low emissivity coatings (Low-E) are recommended, as they play a large role in making a home more energy-efficient. They allow heat into your home in the colder months and reflect heat away from your home during the warmer months. This means that you save on energy costs no matter the season. 

Budget

When it comes to window shopping on a budget, feel free to choose the cheaper material and style options. Many of the less expensive materials look very much like more expensive options and will still last you for many years. However, you should not take shortcuts with the glass package. Quality Low-E coating will save you money in the long run and add value to your home.

Maintenance

Because wood requires greater maintenance and is prone to issues like rotting, you may opt for an alternative. Vinyl windows are the most affordable choice, or you can get real wood windows covered by an aluminum skin ("cladding") on the exterior. Window cladding comes factory painted in your color of choice, and that finish is guaranteed for 20 years. That’s a solid three to four times longer than the lifetime of exterior paint applied to solid wood windows. In terms of budget, you will likely pay about 15 to 20 percent more for aluminum-clad than unclad wood.

Aesthetics

Homeowners can get approximately 73 percent of their replacement window investment back when they resell the house. However, choose the wrong windows, and replacements can actually detract from home value. That’s why it’s important to work with experienced professionals to make sure to match the look of the original windows. Alternatively, you may be opting to upgrade to more attractive windows than what came with the house. In that case, now is your opportunity to really make your home shine!

Bottom Line

If you are ready to update and beautify your home’s interior and exterior while maximizing your energy efficiency, new windows are the way to go. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for a trusted window company in your area today!