What benefits can replacement windows provide?

My neighbor just told me that her heating bills for this winter have been lower than her bills for the first two winters after she had installed her new windows. And today she sent me a picture of her thermostat which is set 4 degrees lower than normal. She wrote: “I could have done that years ago!”

The Other Benefit of New Windows

Just as important, or even more so, is the comfort that new windows provide before one even looks at the new, decreased energy bill. As I mentioned above, the biggest benefit of new windows to most people is the fact that they make their home more comfortable. This is especially true with respect to the fact that new windows do not conduct cold air as much as old windows. In fact, the cold air seems to come from the glass itself. In addition, there are the cold spots on the walls that are often found near old windows. These are places where air leaks through the frames of the old windows. Furthermore, there are the chairs in the rooms with old windows that no one sits in because they are right next to the drafty window frames. In short, new windows are more comfortable than old windows and this is the biggest benefit of new windows to most people.

A number one thing that modern windows bring to the table for homeowners is comfort. Homeowners get to enjoy a house that is truly comfortable within the first few days of having new windows installed. It amazes me that most people associate energy savings with new windows, but what surprises most people is the feeling of comfort in their home BEFORE they even look at their utility bills for the first few months after window installation. And this is before they even look at their first few months of utility bills after having the windows installed!

Modern double and triple-pane windows are designed to be efficient in both the heating and cooling seasons. So, in addition to keeping your home warm in the winter, they will also keep it cool in the summer. Many homeowners find that this is the greatest benefit of installing new windows.

Signs your windows are actually overdue

As windows get older, there are a number of signs that indicate that they may not be performing as well as they used to. Here are a number of indicators that your windows may need to be replaced, starting with your comfort.

 Signs that your windows are failing

• Condensation forming between the panes (not on the surface), which means the seal has failed and the insulating gas has long since escaped
• Frames that are soft, discolored, or show any give when you press them
• Windows that stick, won’t lock properly, or require a prop to stay open
• Noticeable street noise that you don’t remember being this loud before
• A cold draft you can feel when you hold your hand near the frame on a windy day

Most of these factors individually are not serious issues, but as a collection they can be a real problem.

What you’re actually paying for

The cost of windows can vary greatly, usually starting around a few hundred dollars and going up to several thousand for larger windows or higher quality materials and framing. The cost of windows can be hard to compare from different vendors because some may include items as standard that others consider extra features. A good way to compare costs is to add up the cost of the individual window, plus the cost of installation, plus any additional items that you know will be included. For example, some vendors may include painting of the surrounding trim in their base price, while others may consider that an extra feature.

The cost of replacement windows in Pennsylvania will depend upon many factors, and several things that you should be aware of prior to purchasing. The cost of your window(s) will depend upon the make and model of the window(s) as well as the installation. Window size, window shape, number of openers, and the type of sash (double-hung, slider, single-hung, casement, etc.) will be a couple of examples that can determine cost. Additionally, any work to the surrounding walls, such as framing, trim, and/or painting may also be included in the total cost. As for the installer, it is crucial that you choose the best for the job, someone who can complete the work with the upmost quality in order to meet your needs and budget. This is why it is so very important to do lots of research, schedule consultations, and obtain quotes for your replacement windows in Pennsylvania in order to make an informed decision regarding the best windows for your home, as well as your budget.

A mistake I see constantly

One of the mistakes of window buying that most homeowners make is that they try to replace the worst windows in the house first. It sounds thrifty, but replacing all of the old windows in your house at once can be cost effective when you consider the long term benefits of the new windows as opposed to the initial cost of installation of the high quality, energy efficient windows. A home must have an even, tight thermal barrier between the outside air and the inside air in order for the windows to efficiently keep warm air in and cold air out. By only replacing the bad windows, you will have several weak points in your new insulation where warm air will leak out instead of staying inside to heat. An uncomfortable chair near a leaky frame is one thing. An uncomfortable chair near a leaky old window that you are trying to save is another. The point is, if you replace nine windows and the one remaining old window is behind an uncomfortable chair near a leaky frame, you will avoid that chair in February. Replacing all of the old windows of your house at once will have the same effect. The partial solution does not work.

(And, as I mentioned before, if you have to replace all of your windows, but there is that one chair near the one old window that you’re going to leave behind, you’ll find that chair and be sitting in it within the first week of February as the cold air finds its way through the new window on either side of it!)

It is also important to find out the quality of the installation. A window can be of excellent quality and still perform poorly if it is installed improperly. On the other hand, a low quality window can still perform well if it is installed properly. Ask the contractor how he intends to seal the window frame. Also ask him how he plans to remove the old trim and how he will install the new. Ask him if he will remove the old flashing and re-install it or if he will just work around it.

What to expect during the process

1. Measurement visit, usually separate from the estimate, because windows are custom-sized to your specific openings
2. A lead time of two to six weeks for most window orders (sometimes considerably longer for custom shapes or less common materials)
3. Installation day, which for a full house typically runs one to two days depending on window count and access conditions
4. A walkthrough to check operation, locks, and seals before the crew packs up and leaves

It’s typical for installation to take place within a few days to a week of approval. And then within that time, the work will be completed within a few days. It’s the waiting around to begin that takes weeks.

The quieter benefits nobody leads with

While many people say that the number one reason to install replacement windows is for energy efficiency of new windows, this is not necessarily true for most homeowners. Instead, the benefits of modern well-insulated replacement windows are typically enjoyed on a daily basis. For example, improved sleep is one of the biggest benefits that a homeowner can enjoy thanks to the increased sound blocking of new high-performance replacement windows. This means that instead of being able to hear traffic, kids playing in the neighborhood, barking dogs, and other exterior noises that travel through thin panes of old storm windows and exterior vinyl siding, a homeowner can enjoy peaceful and restful sleep at night. Other benefits of quality replacement windows that homeowners enjoy on a daily basis include the ability to show off their interior decoration and furniture for longer. Since most modern replacement windows are made with low-E coatings, they are able to filter out a lot of the harsh UV rays that can cause interior decoration and furniture to fade quickly. Lastly, many people do not realize that one of the biggest benefits of new replacement windows is that the windows open and close properly and stay locked in place when they are closed. This is a very simple feature of replacement windows that is not typically found in older homes with old exterior doors and windows.

The things that you wouldn’t think to look for that really speak to the true nature of new replacement windows. These would be things you would not find on a window brochure, yet are so significant. These are the daily improvements, so to speak. Little things to allow for quality of life as one goes about their home, above and beyond just keeping a home, by keeping it at the top of its game.

If your home has windows that are older than 20 years then you will want to start to think about if your home’s windows can be repaired or if you will need new windows. Often the cost to repair your windows can be more than the cost of new windows. The Homegenius Team would be happy to provide you with a free quote for new replacement windows and allow you to compare the cost of repairing your home’s current windows to the cost of new windows. Many homeowners are also motivated to replace their old home windows because of the savings they will receive on their monthly utility bills as well as the elimination of drafts and the frustration of windows that will not open and close properly.