A home is where we spend a significant amount of time, living, resting, making memories and even working. Your home should be a welcoming and well-functioning space where you want to spend time — a space that brings you joy, not stress. And at the core of every functional home is functional windows. After all, these are the “eyes” from which you view the outside world and how people view your home.
Windows give a home life and character. They can make a space feel entirely different depending on its size, shape and functionality. Look at the room you’re sitting in right now. Where are the windows? What are their size and shape? How much light do they let in? Now try to imagine if there were no windows at all. It’s an incredibly different experience.
But windows require maintenance. Even the highest quality windows will need repair and replacement when they start to show the telltale signs that they are no longer functioning as they should. What are these signs? Keep reading as we cover the obvious and not so obvious things to look for.
9 Different Signs You Need New Windows
Window replacements can enhance the beauty and function of your living spaces for years to come. When deciding whether to invest in new designs and window installations, see if these nine factors apply to you.
1. It’s Hard to Open and Close the Window
Windows should not be a hassle to open and close. They need to be functional, too! There will be times when you want to enjoy a breeze and need to open the window to do so.
To properly clean and care for the windows, you also need them to open properly. And most importantly, from a safety standpoint, you need windows that can be opened in case of emergency. If any of your home’s windows don’t open or close properly, this is a sure sign it’s time to start looking for an upgrade!
2. You Can Feel a Draft
Do you have any windows in your home that let in the outdoor elements even when they’re closed? This problem can impact your home during every season. In the winter, you may feel cold air when you walk by a window or sit beside it. When pollen season rolls around and small particles find their way inside your living spaces, your allergies may worsen.
In the summer, windows with a draft can let in heat. And if air can get in, it’s highly likely small insects and critters can also find their way into your home. This is another sign to prioritize getting new windows soon.
3. You Notice an Increase in Energy Bills
If your windows aren’t doing their job keeping the outside elements outside, your energy bills will likely reflect this inefficiency as well. Have you noticed your heating or cooling usage has gone up, but it’s not because your home is set at a different temperature than normal? This is a sign that outside air is getting into your home, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain its desired temperature.
Windows are an investment and one that can easily pay for itself over time in reduced energy costs alone. Plus there are so many more benefits you’ll receive from new windows!
4. You Notice the Glass Is Hot or Cold
Beyond feeling drafts and noticing your energy bill rise, you can check the temperature of your windows. Touch the inner plane of glass — does it feel hot or cold? If so, this is a common sign the seals have been compromised and the windows no longer work how they should.
If this is the case, you could benefit from window replacements. Many modern designs have protective features, like dual-pane insulated glass with coatings. The strong materials and seals help prevent outside temperatures from affecting your home.
5. You Hear a Lot of Outside Noise
Old windows are more likely to let in outside noises. This is due to aging as well as the use of older materials and technology that don’t function as well as what’s new on the market. Especially if your home is located near a busy road or train, or you have nearby neighbors, well-functioning windows that block sound can make a huge difference!
The bottom line is you should never have to live with outside noise that disrupts your sleep or the way you live in your home. Looking into new windows, especially ones that are specifically designed to block sound, can take this headache and turn it into a distant memory.
6. You See Condensation
Can you see condensation gathering on your windows? If it occurs between the panes (i.e. you can’t touch it) the insulated unit has lost its seal and is no longer functioning properly. It’s time to get a new window!
Over time, the condensation will also damage the window and anything else it touches. Unwanted water is never a good thing in a home! And on a very superficial level, it simply doesn’t look great, and it blocks your view. If you see condensation between your windows’ panes, take this as your home’s cry for help that it wants new windows, too!
It’s important to note that when moisture shows up on the outside of the glass (you can touch it), there are a number of other factors that contribute to the issue that may or may not be the fault of the window performing its duty. Seek a professional opinion from someone who can examine your window and determine the cause.
7. You Have Faded Furniture and Carpets
After creating a space you love, you’ll want to protect those carefully chosen pieces or treasured family heirlooms. Have you noticed the colors begin to fade? If so, you could benefit from getting new windows.
Many modern windows contain UV protection. The designs with film or treatments can prevent sun rays and solar heat from passing through the glass. Investing in these features allows you to maintain the visually pleasing look of elements in your home for generations.
8. You Find Damage
A damaged window needs to be addressed promptly. For all the reasons discussed above, a window that lets in outside elements will cause big problems sooner than later. Even if you need only a single window fixed, a reputable window and door company can help.
Damage to a window not only impacts the window’s function, but it decreases a home’s aesthetics and value. If you find damage, the time to start window shopping is right away.
9. You Desire a New Look
And let’s not overlook an equally important sign that it’s time to upgrade the windows of your home. You may simply desire an enhanced look! Window styles and technology change over time and old windows can significantly date a home.
By investing in new windows, a home gets an instant facelift that substantially changes its curb appeal. You can upgrade the color, shape and styles of your windows to play up your home’s best features, let in more light, and create a stunning first impression.
Why Choose HomeRite Windows and Doors for Your New Windows?
HomeRite Windows and Doors is a leading provider of high-quality windows throughout central Pennsylvania. We’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life and accomplishing your home improvement goals. Here are some benefits of working with us:
- Outstanding customer service: We go above and beyond to offer guidance for your new windows with detailed suggestions and answer your questions.
- Award-winning recognition: We value our relationships with customers and have earned the Neighborhood Favorite Award from Nextdoor.
- Easy shopping experiences: We provide ways to browse our inventory online or discuss your ideas with a project manager virtually or in person.
- Straightforward pricing: We give you instant, honest, and fair pricing so you can budget for your project accordingly, whether you need one new window or want to upgrade every window in your home.
Get a Window Replacement Quote Today
If any of these signs point clearly to the fact that it’s time to get new windows for your home, here’s the good news. It can really be a fun and easy process when you align with the right company!
With HomeRite, you can start shopping right from our website, where you’ll find clear and convenient pricing to help you make an informed decision. Then when you’re ready to take the next step, contact us to connect with a project manager who will help you every step of the way. Let’s get started!