Investing time and money in your home is a must if you want to maintain its value. From mowing the lawn to replacing a leaky roof, every aspect of your home requires attention at some point. One of the things people often overlook is their windows.  Windows might look fine on the surface, but some subtle, and not so subtle clues could mean it’s time for an upgrade. Here are the signs it’s time for a window replacement.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are a sign they have lost their integrity. Age slowly decreases not only your windows insulating abilities but often the effectiveness of the materials used to install them. This allows cold air to enter your home, and conditioned air inside your home to leak out. As a result, your home tends to be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. This puts more demand on your HVAC system costing you money on your energy bill.

Increasing Energy Bills

That brings us to our second sign: expensive energy bills. As mentioned above as your windows age they lose their insulating abilities. That costs money. If you notice your energy bills are more expensive or that you have to make constant adjustments to heat and AC, then you could need new windows.

Your Windows are Single Pane

Single pane windows are old windows! In fact, they haven’t really made single pane windows since the early 1950s. Your single pane windows are probably pushing 70. That’s just too old for your windows to do much more than let in the light.

Poor Operation

Windows should be easy to open and close. The locks should work, and the handles shouldn’t fall off. If your windows are an annoyance to open, close or adjust, they are best replaced.

Condensation and Frost

Condensation occurs when hot and cold air collide. If your windows have condensation or frost, your windows are not maintaining your interior temperatures. The cold AC in the summer and heat in the winter is being transferred through your faulty windows. Windows are designed to keep the weather out, and the comfortable temperatures in. Your windows’ insulating properties are “broken” if you have condensation.

Increased Noise Levels

If you can hear outdoor noise even when your windows are shut tight, this could be a sign you need new windows. Windows are insulated not only to keep your home comfortable temperature-wise but to also block out noise. If you find you’re waking up when a truck rumbles by on a busy road nearby, or that the sounds of dogs barking or kids playing next door are annoying, chances are you need new windows.

Visible Signs of Decay and Damage

Sun, wind, rain, snow, and ice all take their toll on your windows eventually. Depending on the kind of windows you have, visible signs your windows are old can include:

• Rusty, flaking on metal frames
• Rotting wood
• Peeling paint
• Stains around the walls
• Mold or mildew
• Cracked or broken glass
• Warping

If your windows are showing any of these signs, it’s time for window replacement. Be sure to call the experts at Empire Construction. We can provide a quote and let you know if it’s time for new windows.