When you think about it, the windows in your home wear many hats. Windows allow you to look outside. They serve an aesthetic feature for your home’s curb appeal. You can open your windows to allow fresh air inside. And, it’s your windows–not the weather–that greatly impact your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home.

Are you overdue for a window replacement?

If your windows are more than 15 to 20 years old, allow drafts inside, are unsightly, or simply don’t function as they should, it could be time for a window replacement home improvement project. What follows are six telltale signs window replacements should be on your horizon.

GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The quality of window manufacturing has made great strides in recent decades. So much, in fact, that single-pane windows simply don’t cut it anymore for many reasons. One of the great benefits of installing new windows to replace your single-pane or outdated windows is greater energy efficiency.

According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing your old outdated windows with new ENERGY STAR®-certified windows can reduce your energy bills by up to 15 percent. When you tally your energy bills for the entire year, that’s a lot of money you would be saving with window replacements.

MOISTURE PROBLEMS

Excess moisture in your home is a recipe for problems. Windows are one of the biggest culprits for water and moisture penetrating homes unnoticed. By the time you do see the effects of excess moisture, such as mold and mildew growth on walls and ceilings, the damage has been done. Older windows simply lose their ability to keep moisture out and actually work against your efforts by allowing condensation.

DRAFTY ROOMS

The shell of your home is the insulation barrier between comfortable indoor conditioned areas and the bitter cold or summer heat outdoor temperatures. Deteriorating older windows and single-pane windows aren’t able to keep the outdoor elements from infiltrating your home. The result is uncomfortable and drafty rooms. Window replacements not only eliminate those drafts, but they help your HVAC system heat and cool your home more evenly.

PROTECTION FROM UV RAYS

Windows available today have a UV coating that keeps out harmful UV rays. Older windows don’t have this coating. This means that UV rays can fade your carpets, furniture, and walls. If you like to open up the shades or curtains to let sunlight into your home, you may want to consider new windows.

LESS MAINTENANCE

Do some of your windows not function as they should, such as being difficult to open and close freely? Or, perhaps, your old windows are overdue for a paint job. Maintaining older windows isn’t so simple and takes up valuable time. New vinyl or fiberglass windows give you the luxury of minimal maintenance.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

If you are considering selling your home and want to boost its curb appeal, stunning new windows are a great investment to catch a buyer’s eye. It is certainly something to consider when you’re revamping your home to maximize your return.

If you’re ready for a window replacement or still undecided but considering it, call Aurum Contracting for a FREE WINDOW INSPECTION AND ESTIMATE. We proudly serve Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, and we’re here to help with your home improvement projects! WI: (608) 466-6876 and IL: (815) 318-0280.