4 Warning Signs Your Windows Have Reached the End of Their Life
Whether you live in a humble home or a huge mansion, the windows are an integral part of the structure. And no matter how good your windows are, they have a limited lifespan.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell when the end of that lifespan has arrived. Your windows will not announce that they need to get replaced, but if you watch out for the warning signs, you will know. Here are some signs that it is time to replace your old windows.
1. An Unexplained Increase in Your Utility Bills
A rise in your heating and cooling costs is often the first sign of a problem with your windows. The windows in your home are the first line of defense against high utility bills; they keep cool air inside in the summer and trap warm air in your home during the cold winter months.
If your heating and cooling bills have spiked even as your rates have remained the same, it may be time to look at your windows. An energy audit can help you assess the condition of your windows and identify any other areas of concern.
2. Drafts and Cold Spots
You may not be able to see a problem with your windows, but you can feel it. Stand in front of your windows on a windy day and feel for any drafts or cold spots.
If your windows are drafty, you can rest assured they are not operating at peak efficiency. You may be able to buy yourself some time by caulking and sealing your existing windows, but eventually, those old windows will need to get replaced.
3. Condensation
Condensation inside the windows and on the window panes is another classic warning sign. Take a good look the next time you clean your windows; look especially for moisture inside the window or beads of sweat on the panes themselves.
Keeping your windows clean will help you spot condensation problems early, so take a look at the panes every time you clean your home. If the condensation problem is persistent, it may be time for new windows.
4. Dampness on the Window Frames
It is essential to look for condensation on the panes of glass, but moisture on the window frames is just as troubling. If your windows have reached the end of their useful life, gaps may have formed between the windows and the frames.
These new gaps will allow moisture to seep into your home, and those beads of water will end up on your window frames. If you see this kind of moisture, it is time to start shopping for new windows.
Replacing the windows in your home is a big project, but it is also an important one. If your windows have reached the end of their useful life, then putting off replacing them could be costing you money and putting your security at risk. If you spot any of the issues listed above, it may be time to replace your old inefficient windows with new and more highly efficient ones.