Top 5 Reasons It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Most of us enjoy what we see when we look through the windows of our home.  The summer sun, a child riding a bike or a bird chirping in a tree.  But, it’s safe to say that far fewer of us enjoy what we see when we look at the windows of our home.  Is the paint chipping on that old window? Is there a draft coming in?  Is it costing you lots of money?  You can probably answer the first two questions.  If the answer of the first two is yes, the last answer is also yes.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss from inefficient windows can account for 10 to 25-percent of your home’s heating bills.  Those windows also let that precious air conditioning seep out in the summer.  Beyond the money you will save in energy bills, here’s a look at five reasons to buy new windows.

• Added home value – According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2012-2013 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing windows will increase the average resale value by roughly $7,000.

• Increased curb appeal – It’s not just about efficiency, but also aesthetics.  By adding a bay window or a picture window you can really catch the eyes of your friends during a dinner party or a potential home buyer.

• Maintenance free – If you buy vinyl windows, they will not rust or corrode and you don’t have to paint them.

• Noise reduction – You won’t have any trouble falling asleep or watching a movie with double-pained windows because you won’t be able to hear the neighbor’s dog or the ambulance racing down the steet.

• Functionality – If you burn the apple pie or there is a huge thunderstorm, you won’t have to worry about trying to open paint-sealed windows or windows with a broken lock.

If you do decide to buy new windows, you should be aware of the following features when making your purchase:

• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label – products with this label have passed tests that prove the products meet minimum criteria for energy efficiency.

• Low-emissivity or low-E coatings – the coating goes on the glass and helps reduce the amount of heat transfer, essentially keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Low-E windows are significantly more expensive than non-coated windows.

• If you live in a colder climate, pick a window with a low U-factor.

• If you live in a warmer climate, go with a window that has a low SHGC (solar heat gain co-efficient).