Call it determination. Call it grit. Call it resolve. Whatever you call it, you have a sense that it’s time to make a change. Specifically, when it comes to your windows.
New windows can improve your home’s curb appeal by instantly improving the exterior look of your house (and the interior too). What’s more, replacement windows can potentially help reduce your energy bills, decrease the outside noise that penetrates your home and assist in your overall comfort.
Nevertheless, if you’re still not sure if it’s the right time, ask yourself these top 10 questions. If you answer yes to any of them, it might be time to start window shopping.
- Is it drafty in your home?
One sure sign you need new windows 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, since 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.
- Are your windows old?
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.
- Are you having trouble opening your windows?
Another indication that you might need new windows is the inability to open your current ones. 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.
- Is it too hot in the summer months?
Today’s windows are remarkably energy efficient. With warm-edge spacer systems, dual-pane units, gas-fill options, and other features, many modern windows are extremely effective at keeping hot and cold air from penetrating the home. As temperatures rise, and the warm weather frequently stretches well into the fall, it’s important to have windows that will keep your home at a comfortable, continuous temperature.
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.
- Is too much outside noise getting inside your home?
Although people routinely check for energy efficiency when shopping for windows, too few look into a window’s sound-transmission performance. And that’s unfortunate, because a good window should enable your privacy by limiting outside noise. When researching a window’s sound-transmission performance, there are two terms 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. For this reason, OITC is a better standard for determining how well a window blocks outside noise. To get a window’s OITC score, you merely subtract the interior decibel from the exterior decibel. Thus, if your exterior decibel is 70 and the internal is 30, your OITC is 40. And just like with STC ratings, it’s better to have a higher OITC score.
- Is there visible damage to your windows?
Chips in the paint. Scratches on the glass. Water damage on the frames. These are all signs of visible damage to your windows. If you have these or other issues with 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.
- Do you want to improve the appearance of your home?
Aesthetically speaking, you can’t go wrong with new replacement windows. Not only do they offer a certain gleam and appeal that any new product has, but today’s windows also have numerous aesthetic options. There is a variety of colors, grids, blinds, 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.
- Are you getting the most out of your windows?
Your window should do more than just provide a view to the outside, they can also provide air flow and natural daylight. To get the most out of your window, consider how they operate in each room. Maybe your current window is fixed, and you want to be able to open your window to enjoy a nice breeze. Perhaps the color of your window 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.
- Are your windows difficult 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.
- Are you looking for a return on investment (ROI) on your home?
If you’re contemplating selling your home at some point, then you’ll want to optimize its resale value by making renovations. And replacing your windows is one of the best ways to do that. Indeed, a 2021 report by Remodeling Magazine stated that replacement windows in high-end homes have a 68.3 percent return on investment in the mid-Atlantic region. 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’s curb appeal. And once you get those prospective buyers in your house, they’ll notice the superior energy efficiency and sound absorption.
We hope you’re ready to begin your search for replacement windows. To get started, contact your local dealer to see what our windows can do for you.