Is It Time to Replace the Windows in Your Home?

There are many benefits to getting new windows for the home, but due to cost and inconvenience, many homeowners put off replacing them. In fact, you may be wondering if it’s really time to replace the windows in your home, or if you are simply tired of the ones in place. Here, we’ll help distinguish the difference between ‘wanting’ new windows and ‘needing’ them.

There are three basic factors to consider when evaluating the windows in your home. They include energy efficiency, maintenance, and ease of use. Keeping these three things in mind, ask yourself the following questions:

Are my windows energy efficient?

To gauge the energy efficiency of your windows, consider the comfort level of your home. Is it difficult to maintain an even temperature during hot and cold months? Do you feel drafts around the window casings? Can you hear whistling through the window on a windy day? If so, it may be time to replace your windows with a more energy efficient set.

Windows that are certified as energy efficient can help regulate temperature, block sunlight, and control indoor humidity levels. Moreover, the purchase of Energy Star rated products may qualify for a Federal Tax Credit.

Do my windows require a lot of maintenance?

If you find that you spend a great deal of time and energy maintaining your windows, it may be worth the expense of replacing them. Maintenance may include, but is not limited to:

Removal of old paint – Painted windows require frequent scraping of old paint. Failure to remove it will result in wood rot.

Painting – When windows for the home are scraped of old paint, they need to repainted. If you spend a great deal of time on this chore, it may be time to replace them with easy-care vinyl or aluminum windows.

Operational adjustments – If you frequently have to force the windows open, replace hardware, or lubricate them often, they may need replaced.

Are my windows easy to use?

Can everyone in the household open and close the windows? If they refuse to open, stick in the up or down position, or won’t swing in and out of place, it can pose a serious danger in the event of a fire. This, in itself, is a good reason to replace the windows in your home.

Additional signs that it’s time to replace your windows:

Fogging – If your windows are frequently fogged between the panes, it’s a sign that the glass needs replaced. If your windows are extremely old, it may be difficult (and costly) to find replacement glass.

Rot – Once the windows begin to rot, there’s no stopping it. Rot can not only cause damage to the windows themselves, but to the area around it. Wet rot can attract termites, which can destroy a home.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

8 Ways to Donate Used Appliances

Tell Tale Signs It’s Time to Change the Furnace Filter

20 Handy Uses for Leftover Paint

Source: Personal knowledge

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index