When Should I Replace My Windows?

Replacing windows is the first thing most homeowners think of when they consider home energy upgrades; in fact, “Should I replace my windows” is probably the most common question people ask about home energy savings.

One of the biggest selling points that many window companies here in Kentucky like to use when talking to homeowners about replacement windows is how the windows will recoup their costs over time due to the energy savings they provide and the upgrade to the look and feel of your home.

While in and of itself, this is a very real and very true statement, homeowners should know the "real" truth…

According to a report published on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website:

“Many replacement windows, typically made from vinyl or aluminum, especially the lower cost ones, have an average life span of less than 20 years. This is much shorter than their payback period, which is anywhere from 40 to 250 years”

The reality: there are so many variables that you have to consider before you can even think about how long it's going to take to get your money back. It's like we said before; "windows are a lot more complicated than you think… or what others would have you believe."

The bottom line is, if you have to keep replacing your windows every 10 years because they fail prematurely, they will NEVER pay for themselves!

Despite what the salesman told you, unless you are buying the “right” window, it is relatively rare for a window replacement to financially make sense as an initial energy-saving upgrade.

That’s why it is so important to make sure you are buying the “right” window.

The right window—installed correctly—can make a huge difference in your energy bills. It's simple… high quality windows that are going to save you money on your energy bills are going to cost money. You simply can't get quality cheaply.

But setting aside the "energy savings" conundrum, the fact of the matter is that if your windows are in bad shape, then you should, by all means, replace them. The reality is that damaged or malfunctioning windows could actually be more detrimental to your home (and your pocket book) than not replacing them.

Leaky, damaged, or improperly sealed windows can let moisture get in, rotting your window frames. More importantly though is that faulty windows could be potentially letting water in to the actual structure of your home where it can do serious damage over time.

Here is the unvarnished list of instances where you should seriously consider upgrading your windows:

• Consumers whose homes that have windows that are over 10 years old should strongly consider upgrading or replacing their windows and doors. In fact, According to The E.P.A, Windows That Are Just 8 Years or Older, Are Not as Energy Efficient as Today’s Modern Windows & ENERGY STAR labeled windows and doors are twice as efficient as the average windows manufactured just 10 years ago.
• Homes with windows that were made prior to 1978 should seriously consider replacement considering that lead-based paints and primers were still being widely used.
• Also, prime candidates for replacement are windows that are sealed shut, painted shut, non-functioning, or no longer energy efficient. Drafty windows, deteriorated doors, or broken products should always be evaluated, and if needed, replaced.
• Other clear indicators for an immediate repair, upgrade, or replacement, is if there is mold, mildew or moisture between the window frame and the wall.