Is air leaking in and out of your windows? Heat gain and loss are responsible for 25 to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy usage. Without proper window insulation, your energy bills might start to rise.
Instead, consider contacting a window replacement company. They can ensure your windows are in the best possible condition.
Not sure if it’s time to look into home window replacement companies yet? Here are seven signs it’s time to make the call. The longer you wait, the more likely your energy bills will rise.
Become more comfortable in your own home! Discover when it’s time to call for replacement windows with this guide today.
1. High Energy Bills
Remember, improving your home’s energy efficiency will also improve the state of your energy bills. One of the first signs it’s time to call a window replacement company is changes in your total for the month. If you’re noticing constant fluctuations in your energy bills, look at your windows.
Light a candle and stand near one of your windows. Does the smoke lean toward the window? Is the flame flickering and swaying?
It’s likely there’s a draft in the window, allowing air to seep through.
If your window is old enough, you might notice light peeking through your window as well. Wait until it’s dark. Then, have someone point a flashlight at your window frame from outside.
If light spills through, you likely need replacement windows.
Even the smallest gap in your window gives cold or hot air the chance to seep into your home. Your AC will start fighting to regulate the temperature inside. As a result, you’ll start noticing fluctuations in your energy bills as weather changes occur.
If you’re trying to stay warm during the winter, the heat from your furnace will escape through that gap. During the summer, cool air from your AC will escape through your old windows, too.
Requesting replacement windows can help improve the energy efficiency in your home. You won’t have to worry about air slipping in or out.
If you’re worried about your energy bills, consider switching to ENERGY STAR certified windows. These windows could cut your energy bill by 12%.
2. Whistling Air
Remember, if your energy bill is fluctuating, there’s likely a draft. Most people notice drafts during the window when cold air slips through poor sealing. Take a look at your weatherstripping and feel around for a gust.
Use your ears, too. Do you hear air whistling through the window?
You can feel a draft during the summer months, too. Consider researching window replacement companies if the room feels warmer than usual.
Old, drafty windows will force your AC to work double-time. Your AC could wear itself out as a result. In addition to affecting your energy bills, your AC might suffer, too.
You might need a replacement unit sooner than expected.
By hiring the best window replacement company in town, you can reduce your reliance on your HVAC system and extend its lifespan.
3. Discoloration
Are you still using single-pane windows? These old, outdated windows don’t perform as well as double- or triple-paned alternatives. If your windows are old, you might want to look into window replacement companies for hire.
Single-pane windows make it easier for the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation rays to spill into your home. These rays can cause your furniture, rugs, photos, and other valuables to experience discoloration over time.
Switching to double- or triple-pane windows can protect your belongings from weather damage. They can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home. If UV rays can shine through, the room will heat up faster.
Your HVAC unit will have to work overtime to cool the room down.
Beyond energy efficiency benefits, replacement windows could also improve your home’s security and noise insulation.
4. Condensation
Is moisture starting to build up against your windows? Condensation and frost against the inside of your windows indicate a problem. You might have a crack in the glass or weatherstripping issues.
Pay attention to condensation between your window panes, too.
New windows trap krypton or argon between the panes. The gas provides an extra layer of insulation. If the window is damaged, however, the gas has likely escaped.
Are you noticing condensation against the inside of your windows? Usually, this indicates your home is too humid. You might want to improve your home’s ventilation.
Call a window replacement company as soon as possible if you notice moisture buildup against your windows.
5. Noise
Pay attention to the noises you hear as well. Are outside noises seeming louder than normal? Maybe you can hear construction, a lawnmower, or children playing.
Either way, these noises can become an annoyance over time.
Single-pane windows transfer sound vibrations from outside into your home. If you want to live in a quiet environment, consider contacting window replacement companies.
Newer windows can absorb soundwaves to keep them from ruining the quiet.
6. Warped Frames
Old, decaying window frames are a definite sign it’s time to replace your windows.
Over time, moisture can cause wooden windows to become warped. The window frames might even rot as well. If your windows aren’t insulating properly, water might even pool onto the floor beneath these older windows.
Replacing your windows now can help you avoid damages to your home in the future. For example, you can switch to vinyl windows to avoid warped frames in the years to come!
7. Stuck Windows
When was the last time you tried to open your windows? Are your windows opening and closing smoothly?
Windows that don’t operate properly have likely aged overtime. You should have to struggle to get your windows open and shut.
Consider calling a professional window replacement expert as soon as possible to fix the problem.
Increased Efficiency: 7 Signs You Need to Call a Window Replacement Company
Do these signs sound familiar? Don’t hesitate to call a window replacement company for help. They can upgrade your old windows to help you avoid future problems down the road.
Switching to new windows can increase your energy efficiency, protect your belongings, lower your bills, and more.
Looking for more ways to improve your home? Check out our latest guides today for more tips!