It is common homeowners to delay replacing windows until the need for replacement becomes obvious. Some of the obvious signs for replacing windows include condensation and fogging glass, or rotted sills and frames. For some, the maintenance for older wood windows can become too much of a hassle. After multiple coats of paint many windows become stuck shut.

There are other reasons for replacing windows that are not so obvious but can provide tremendous benefits. Benefits of new windows include:

1. Lower Energy Costs: Well-insulated windows separate your home from extreme exterior temperatures, reducing adjustments required by your heating and cooling system. This can often translate into lower energy costs.
2. Aesthetics Appeal of Your Home: Windows are the cornerstone of your home’s visual interest, both inside and from the curb. Windows can add a striking feature and focal point to your home.
3. Light: Natural light makes any task more pleasant. Today’s replacement windows have smaller frames and larger glass surface that allow more light into your home.
4. UV Protection: Windows with UV protection guard against damage that can occur to inside walls, floors and furnishings from solar heat and harmful rays.
5. Air Flow: Windows can increase airflow and ventilation, improving the comfort and health of your home.
6. Noise Reduction: High quality, properly fitting windows reduce outside noise and increase privacy.
7. Easy Maintenance: Homeowners benefit from advancements made in window design, technology and manufacturing. Today’s windows are well-constructed, easy to clean and durable.

Your windows may not have started to show obvious signs of needing to be replaced. Because not all signs of window failure are so obvious, I suggest having your windows inspected by a professional to determine the level of benefits you could receive by replacing your windows. Because of the energy savings, replacement windows are actually more of a necessity than a luxury.

Do replacement windows pay for themselves?

Standard vinyl replacement windows can cut your energy bills by 25% - and that is a conservative number that doesn't even factor in tax credits or inflation. If your monthly energy bill is $150 that would equate to an annual savings of $450. Over a 10 year period you would have saved $4,500 and experienced all the other benefits listed above as well. For many homeowners replacement windows will pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years. What that means is in 3 to 5 years you could still have underperforming windows and pay more than $2,500 in excess energy costs to your utility company. Or, for what you would have paid the utility company in excess energy costs you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficient replacement windows.

Schedule an appointment today for a home analysis to determine how quickly your windows will pay for themselves.