Replacing the windows in your home can be a big decision. One reason for this is that window replacement often comes with a rather large price tag.
However, the advantages of window replacement go beyond cosmetic appearances.
New windows are a wonderful way to invest in the value of your home. It will also improve your home’s energy efficiency, ultimately helping the environment and your wallet.
Signs of Window Wear
Not all windows need to be replaced, but there are telltale signs that your windows could use some upgrading. These signs include efficiency shortcomings, such as: windows that are difficult to open or close; windows that let cold or hot air leak in or out; windows that have become fogged and are hard to see out of; windows that face the side of your house most exposed to the sun or other weather elements and windows that have been painted or nailed shut.
Cosmetic signs that your windows are in need of replacement include windows filled with water stains; windows that are chipped, cracked, broken or deteriorated; windows that are outdated; windows that are covered with paint or another permanent substance and windows that don’t blend in with other more modern home upgrades.
Finally, windows may need to be replaced if they are extraordinarily difficult to clean or if they are so old that replacement parts are rare or no longer made.
Advantages of New Windows
Aside from making your house look wonderful, new windows have several advantages. These benefits include a better ability to isolate noise; an exterior appearance that is consistent (assuming all windows are replaced at the same time) and a home that is more modern and stylish.
Because they prevent cold and hot air from leaking in (or out in the terms of air conditioning and heating), new windows can also greatly improve your energy efficiency and save you money on utility bills. These savings are further compounded by windows that have low-emissivity, glass coatings (this helps decrease heat transfer and can reflect sunlight away from your house), windows that protect your home from UV rays, windows that are double or triple paned and windows that have Energy-Star status designated by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of window replacement is its ability to increase the value of your home. According to Fox News, homeowners who replace their windows may recoup up to 75 percent of the costs when they sell. This may increase in areas where weather is known for fluctuations of extreme heat or extreme cold (as the energy savings from new windows would be greater).
The Cost of Window Replacement
Replacing windows is not cheap, with the cost averaging between $9,000 and $12,000 for an entire house. But it can also lead to increased home value. The cost can also be reduced by keeping window frames in good condition, not replacing windows that are not visible (such as basement and cellar windows) and shopping around for the best prices available.
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