New windows are a large investment, so it’s important to replace your windows when the time is right. Sometimes it’s more practical to repair your old windows, while other times it may be wiser to invest in new ones that will perform better and keep your house more comfortable. If you replace your windows too soon, you could end up spending a lot of unnecessary money. On the other hand, if you wait too long to replace them, your home can become drafty and inefficient, and your indoor air quality can suffer.
So, how can you tell if it's the right time to replace your old windows and spend the time and money on installing new ones? Read on to find out.
Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Making a Decision
How comfortable (or uncomfortable) is your house?
Is your house drafty and uncomfortable? Are you tired of feeling that cold chill sweep through the house during the winter, leaving you shivering, or the heat that seeps in during the summer, making your home stuffy and humid? If your windows are single pane, they are most likely inefficient and letting a lot of “bad” air into the house from outside and allowing “good” air from inside to leak out. Double pane replacement windows may be a great update for you to make to save money and get the kind of home comfort you are seeking.
How much work and money will go into repairing your windows?
Sometimes windows need simple, inexpensive repairs. Other repairs can be costly enough to disqualify them as wise or viable options. A window can almost always be repaired, but the time and effort it takes to do the job well could be more than it’s worth. Some examples of situations that make repair challenging include
- Moldy windows
- Rotting wooden frames
- Fog developing between panes of double pane windows
- Parts of the window that are worn out or sagging
- Necessary replacement parts that are very difficult or impossible to find
If any of these describe the state of your windows, replacement may well be better solution than attempting repairs.
Are your windows difficult to operate?
How easily can you open and close your windows? Do all the moving parts crank or slide easily, or are they stiff and stubborn? How easily can you clean your windows? Are they accessible? If your windows are troublesome to operate due to old age, consider replacing them.
How often do your windows require attention?
Do you keep running into problems with your windows? If you find yourself making minor repair after minor repair, this is a sign that your windows are past their prime, and it’s time to start shopping around for replacements. Are your windows painted? Painted windows require more regular upkeep than windows with vinyl or aluminum cladding.
Is it better to replace all windows simultaneously or one at a time?
The first thing to consider when answering this question is your budget. What can you afford? What do you NEED? Family Handyman recommends two good strategies for replacing your windows. One is to replace windows on one side of the home at a time. Another is to replace windows on one floor at a time. This way, you won’t have to spend a fortune replacing all the windows throughout your home at once, and you will still maintain consistency in your home's appearance.
Window Replacement in Ankeny, Huxley, and Ames
If you need window services in Central Iowa, give us a call! We’ll let you know if your part of the state is within our reach. If you need some advice or an evaluation to determine the best option for your budget and your home, let us know. We can come out and inspect your current situation, offer our professional advice, and give you a free quote.
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