Changes in temperature and humidity and normal wear from use can cause window seals to crack and shrink. There comes a point when it’s a better investment to replace the windows rather than throw on another layer of caulk, especially if you’re a qualifying homeowner who meets the criteria for an energy tax credit.
Here are some signs it’s time to replace your windows:
It’s difficult to open or shut your windows.
This one is pretty obvious. If you can’t close your windows properly, it’s time to replace them. Besides being a safety concern, air escapes through windows which aren’t completely closed.
There’s fog or white film between panes of glass.
Condensation on the inside of double or triple-paned windows can indicate seal failure. When the seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass. This means that air from the outside is getting through as well and your windows are no longer as insulated as they should be.
You feel drafts in your house.
Noticeable air drafts often indicate an air leak caused by more than missing or damaged weather stripping, so sealing and weather stripping shouldn’t be considered as anything more than a band-aid. When the sealants expand and contract again, it’ll only lead to more gaps.
Your energy bills are too high.
If you feel you’re heating and cooling your home efficiently but are experiencing high energy costs, it’s likely that your windows are not energy efficient. The Department of Energy’s website says “If your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs.”
For more information on how The Honey Do Service, Inc. can help you with window replacement, visit our website: www.honeydoservice.net