Know When You Need Window Replacement
Knowing when the right time is to replace your windows can help stop damage to your home’s structure and help you avoid costly utility bills and repair costs. Each manufacturer sets its standard when recommending window replacement; however, the average window lasts between 15 and 30 years. Hardware, weather stripping, caskets, etc., may need replacement after eight years, depending on wear and tear. We look at six main items when recommending if a window needs to be replaced or not.
1) Drafts
Do you feel drafts around your windows? That is a sign that the window needs replacement. To test for a draft, place your hand around the edges of your window and see if you can feel any air coming through the seals. Another way to check this is by getting an energy audit. Energy auditors can run tests that determine the amount of air leaking out from around the window seals.
2) Moisture
If you have double-pane or triple-pane windows, check them for moisture and condensation between the panes. These windows are built with a layer of air between the insulated panes to keep the weather out. If you find moisture between the panes, this means the insulation is no longer working, and homeowners should replace the window.
3) Difficult to Use
Windows that do not work correctly need replacement. Meaning if you have a problematic window to open or close or a window that tends to slide down, as a homeowner, you would want to replace those windows. Over time, the frame and balance of the window can warp, causing usage issues.
4) Broken or Cracked
This should go without saying, but homeowners who find a cracked or broken window should get the window replaced. Broken glass is a safety hazard and utterly worthless at keeping the elements out of the house.
5) Gaps
I recently went to a friend’s house, and the window in her kitchen had a significant gap in it big enough to slide a pamphlet through. Gaps between the window seals indicate that your window should be replaced. To check, look around your window. Do you see several spider webs in the corners of the window? Can you see the light shining through the cracks? As windows age, the materials expand and contract eventually; they become old and worn and need replacement.
6) High Energy Bills
No homeowner is ever happy to receive a high energy bill. Why would anyone allow high bills to continue? Before blaming these high bills on the kids in the house, check the integrity of your home’s windows by checking the items listed above. In Wisconsin, there are several programs that can help you with energy bills, and tax benefits for upgrading and replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones. Wisconsin homeowners can also save energy by obtaining a free “Energy Pack” from Focus On Energy. (Click Here for the Link)
Each pack contains a variety of products, such as:
- ENERGY STAR® certified light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs
LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, producing less heat and more light per watt. Plus, they have a long lifespan, typically 15,000 hours or longer.
- High-Efficiency Showerhead
Efficient showerheads lower the gallons of water used per minute, without compromising performance—allowing you to use less water and potentially lowering water and heating bills.
- Water-Saving Bathroom Faucet Aerators
These simple screw-in aerators reduce water use in your sinks while providing the pressure you need to wash. Reducing your water use will save you money on the cost of heating your water.
- Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation may be used on domestic cold and hot water pipes. Pipe insulation will help to reduce heat loss by up to 80% through hot water pipes and will stop sweating on cold water pipes.
Add a home windows check to your spring and fall to-do lists. By doing regular maintenance checks on the windows, homeowners can avoid major problems in the future. Remember, if any of the above items ring true, then it’s time to call High Quality Contracting, Inc today and get your windows quote.
( Due to the pandemic, some window types may not be available. We will always do our best to get you the window replacement you want at a price you can afford. However, we have no control over the amount of time it takes to get the products in. Thank you for your patience. )
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