New windows can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal. They might also help reduce your energy bills, decrease the outside noise that penetrates your home, and make your home more comfortable. These are all good reasons why you should consider replacing your windows. But how often should windows be replaced? And how do you know when it’s time? Let’s go over when to replace windows and how to find the right replacements.
How often should you replace windows?
You should replace your windows every 15 to 20 years on average, depending on their material, condition, and energy efficiency. Older windows may develop issues like drafts, condensation between panes, or difficulty opening and closing. So when should you replace windows? If you notice these signs, it may be time to replace them, even if they haven't reached the 20-year mark.
In addition to age, high energy bills or a drafty home are good indications of when windows should be replaced. Modern windows offer better energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security. Regular maintenance can extend a window’s life, but upgrading to newer models may offer long-term savings and increased comfort.
10 signs you need new windows
If you’re still thinking, “How do I know if my windows need replacing?,” look for these top 10 signs. If they sound familiar, it might be time to start window shopping.
1. Your Home Is Drafty
One sure sign your windows need replacing is that your current ones are drafty. Many older windows just can’t keep the cold out the way newer models can. The cool air that enters your home then effectively reduces your living space, because people will naturally stay clear of the areas closest to the windows. But with the dual- and triple-pane windows available today, you’ll be better prepared to keep the cool air at bay and maintain comfortable interior temperatures regardless of the season.
2. Your Windows Are Old
Sometimes, knowing when to replace windows is easy: If they’re more than 20 years old, chances are you need an upgrade. Technology has come a long way in so many areas, and when it comes to windows, this is definitely true. Most windows on the market today are dual-pane or even triple-pane, and many manufacturers give you the option of adding a gas fill to increase energy efficiency. Plus, today’s windows are durable and often require less maintenance over time.
3. They Don’t Function Properly
While there’s no hard-and-fast answer to “How often do you need to replace windows?,” one surefire sign is that they’re difficult to open – or won’t open at all. There could be any number of reasons for this, including the possibility that parts of the window have deteriorated. Having the ability to open your windows is important for air flow and overall comfort. So if you’re struggling to open your windows, you should definitely consider replacing them.
4. Your Home Gets Hot
The signs you need new windows aren’t always obvious – one of the biggest reasons people replace their windows is to increase comfort and decrease energy bills. As temperatures rise, it’s important to have windows that will keep your home at a comfortable, continuous temperature. With warm-edge spacer systems, dual-pane glass, gas-fill options, and other features, today’s windows are remarkably energy efficient.
One good indication that a window offers first-rate energy performance is an ENERGY STAR certification. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1992, the ENERGY STAR rating is reserved for products that are top of the line in energy efficiency. According to one study, consumers can see an average reduction in their energy bills of 12 percent if their windows and patio doors are ENERGY STAR qualified.
5. You have a lot of outside noise
Thinking about when to replace windows also means considering your outdoor environment. In addition to energy efficiency, modern windows can help keep outside noise where it belongs – outside. If you live in a noisy area, it’s worth researching replacement windows with a better sound-transmission performance.
There are two acoustical ratings you need to know: Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). STC measures interior noises based on a series of frequencies between 125-4,000 hertz. Generally speaking, the higher a window’s STC number, the better for the homeowner.
Alternatively, OITC measures frequencies from the outside, like barking dogs and rush-hour traffic. Just like with STC ratings, it’s better to have a higher OITC score. An experienced window installation company can help you learn how to tell if you need new windows for noise reduction, and which ones to choose.
6. Your windows are visibly damaged
Chips in the paint. Scratches on the glass. Water damage on the frames. One of the easiest ways to answer the question, “When do windows need to be replaced?” is to take a close look. If there’s visible damage to your windows, it’s time to replace them. Not only will your new windows look better, but they’ll almost certainly have better energy efficiency and sound absorption than your damaged windows.
7. You want to improve curb appeal
Sometimes, the sign you need new windows is simply that you want them to look nicer. Not only do replacement windows offer the shine of brand-new materials, but today’s windows also have numerous aesthetic options. There are a variety of colors, grids, blinds, shutter styles, and other features available today. With so many choices at your disposal, you’ll easily be able to find a window that meets your home’s architectural design and interior décor while improving its curb appeal.
8. You want more airflow or light
Windows should do more than just provide a view to the outside. They can also provide air flow and natural daylight. Much like exterior curb appeal, a desire for a better interior environment can also indicate when to replace windows.
To get the most out of your windows, consider how they operate in each room. Maybe your current window is fixed, and you want to be able to open it to enjoy a nice breeze. Perhaps the color of your window trim doesn’t match your new interior décor. Or maybe you have too many grids on your window, and you want one that features the view. These would all be good reasons to upgrade your home with new windows.
9. Your windows are hard to clean
Let’s face it, doing work around the house is difficult enough without having to struggle to clean your windows. If you have older windows, it might be hard to get them out of the tracks when it comes to cleaning. Furthermore, many older windows do not tilt out, making them difficult to clean. But most double-hung windows on the market today do tilt, enabling you to more easily get to those hard-to-reach spaces.
10. You want to improve your home’s value
For many people, the answer to “When is it time to replace windows?” is when they’re selling their home. Replacing your windows is one of the best ways to optimize your home’s retail value. Indeed, a 2021 report by Remodeling Magazine stated that vinyl replacement windows have a 68.6 percent return on investment.
This shouldn’t be surprising: Aesthetically pleasing, well-maintained windows are one of the first items that potential buyers notice when assessing a potential home. And once you get those prospective buyers in your house, they’ll notice the superior energy efficiency and sound absorption.
Update your windows with MI Windows and Doors
Deciding when you should replace windows isn’t always easy. Whether you’re thinking about just replacing a few windows, or doing the whole house, a professional can help you not only determine when to replace windows, but also which new windows to buy. They can even help you measure your windows, provide cost comparisons, and make sure your new windows are installed correctly so they last for years to come. If you’re ready to begin your search for replacement windows, contact your local MI Certified Dealer to see what our windows can do for you.
