Why Replace Windows?

Replacing your home’s windows can increase the value of your home as well as improve energy efficiency. How do you tell if your home can benefit from window replacement? According to a recent article published by US News & World Report, the median US house price is now 3.2 times the family income. Now more than ever a home should be treated as an investment, and knowing when to act is as important as knowing what to do when it comes to home improvement. Replacing your home’s windows is a substantial job that can be expensive if you don’t do your homework ahead of time. A recent estimate for replacing five double-hung wood windows with new wood windows, including labor, in a 90-year-old house was $2,500 or $500 per window. Of course, it is also a project that can improve your home aesthetically, economically and environmentally.

Knowing When to Replace Your Windows
Old or poorly installed windows can cost as much over the course of a few years as the cost of installing brand new windows. New windows can lower your monthly heating and cooling bills, increase your home’s resale value and increase the security and safety of your home. Here are a few signs that your home is a good candidate for window replacement:

• Peeling paint revealing warped or water damaged wood.
  
• Nearby carpet and furniture is faded.
  
• Drafts near closed windows.
  
• Outside noise can be heard strongly inside.
  
• Energy bills are high year-round.

The type of material used in your existing window frames can also cause damage to your home. Because aluminum window frames are often colder than the ambient air around them, condensation could form around your windows. As this condensation builds up, it bleeds into the frame and damages the window sills. Eventually, the wood rots and more water leaks into the surrounding walls. This damage can be extremely expensive to repair since you’re not only replacing the windows and frame, but the surrounding structure as well.

Value Proposition: Where is the Love?

When you replace your windows, there are also less visible benefits besides increasing the resale value. For instance, new windows can block harmful UV rays, which damage carpet and furniture fabrics. New windows also improve security and safety since old, faulty windows can make entry easier for criminals. Of course, the most obvious value is in improving energy use. With the right kind of windows you can save as much as 27-38 % on heating bills in winter and 16-32 % on cooling bills in summer. A look at the electricity and gas prices in the US can quickly illustrate how important new windows can be to your bottom line.

Living in the Material World

Probably the most difficult decision to make when it comes to replacing your windows is choosing the right style and materials. The overall cost depends on what type of glass is used, energy efficiency, frame materials, warranties, and finally, style. There are four basic materials used by window manufacturers. To make the right decision for your needs and budget, here is some information on the various material options:

• Aluminum: Years ago aluminum frame windows were among the most popular due to their cost and easy installation. As stated earlier in this article, aluminum has inherent flaws that can make aluminum a poor choice for your home.
  
• Steel: Sometimes used for housing, steel is most often used in commercial applications. Versatile, practical, weather-resistant, durable and energy efficient, steel is also expensive. The variety of style is also a drawback.
  
• Vinyl: Moderately priced, vinyl windows come in a variety of styles, are durable, are readily available, and require no maintenance.
  
• Wood: Choice is the biggest benefit to wood frame windows. Of course, you pay dearly for the freedom of choice as these windows can be expensive and require a high level of maintenance.

Working Relationships: Who Does It?

Doing-it-yourself can save you money, but it can also cause you huge headaches. The easiest solution is to have someone do it for you. A professional contractor can help you choose windows and materials that are right for your needs and budget. There are as many qualified window installation specialists as there are options. Check the credentials of any window installers you are considering and ask for local examples of their work or references from past clients. The Internet is also a good place to begin your window replacement project.