1. Drafty Windows
Drafty windows don’t just make a room uncomfortable. It means that the home’s HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. Consider that during the summer hot and humid air is seeping into a room the air conditioning is struggling to keep cool and comfortable. In the winter, cold air is coming into a room the HVAC is trying to keep warm. This is not only frustrating, but energy bills rise as the homeowner keeps cranking up the heat or A/C to keep the room at the desired temperatures.
A homeowner who doesn’t know whether their windows are drafty or not should close and lock a suspect window and hold their hand at the bottom. If they feel incoming air, the window is drafty.
2. Window Glass is “Sweating”
Nowadays, most windows have double or triple panes for energy efficiency. The space between the panes is airtight and filled with a noble gas for insulation. If condensation forms on the inside of the panes, it’s a sign that the insulation has failed, and it’s time to replace the window.
3. Windows Don’t Keep Out Sounds
While a single-paned window may still be structurally sound, it doesn’t keep out noise as well as a window with two or three panes. Having a window that dampens outdoor noises is a bonus if the homeowner lives in an area with lots of traffic, lives right across the street from train tracks or a stadium, or just has neighbors who like to blast their music late at night.
4. Faded Fabric Near the Window
Old windows not only have single panes, but they probably don’t protect the inside of the house from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays cause the colors of rugs, carpets, draperies, and upholstered furniture to fade. Modern windows now have low emissivity glass that protects against UV rays.
5. Needs to Raise the Home’s Resale Value
Attractive new windows that insulate the home from both drafts and damaging ultraviolet rays can raise a home’s value. According to some real estate experts, the value of a home can increase by nearly $14,000 on average.
6. Windows Stick
Even modern windows have been known to stick, but if windows keep sticking, it might be time to simply replace them. Not only is a stuck window vexing, but it can stay stuck when it’s open. This lets in not just inclement weather, but pests and even undesirable people.
7. Curb Appeal is Lacking
Though homeowners may think that people passing down the street don’t notice their windows, they do. They can even tell when the windows are new, for new windows improve the look of a house immediately.