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| English: Cross Section of an energy efficient replacement window for residential buildings. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
By Gates Dearen
Most home owners who have an older home, try to keep their
living space beautiful and energy efficient, especially in the summer and
winter months. One of the most common questions we are asked when speaking to
these home owner is, “When should I replace my windows?”
The windows in your home not only serve to add character and
beauty, but also have essential functions to keep the home properly lighted and
insulated. Do you choose to open your windows to allow the fresh air to
permeate your home during spring cleaning? Do you enjoy feeling a cool spring
or fall breeze throughout the house when the windows are open? Do you have
enough natural light in your home? Do your windows fit the style of your home
and make it more attractive?
Windows that are in good condition, that keep the elements
out and accent your home, are essential in making your home more comfortable
and elegant. Windows that are older and have too much wear and tear can cause
potential damage to your home. We are
going to investigate some of the key signs that tell you when it’s time to
replace your windows.
SIGN #1 – Your Windows are Difficult to Open
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| New windows won't stick! |
If the balance mechanism in a window starts to fail, the
window won’t be able to stay open on its own. This happens more often with
older windows which is a sign they need replacing. Rot and rust can occur when
metal and wood windows are not painted correctly. As a result, the balance
mechanism will fail to work properly and the window will not stay in the up
position, which can cause them to slam shut, creating yet more damage.
SIGN #2- The Atmosphere inside is similar to the atmosphere
outside
If your windows are closed and you still feel the outside
elements inside your home, it’s probably time to replace them. This is
especially true with single-pane glass windows which are not energy efficient
and literally let the outside elements into your home. These windows can freeze
in the winter and increase the chances of cracking and breakage. They can leak air and allow water to come into
your home and cause mold and mildew to form and fester.
Excessive humidity inside your home can cause damage
throughout. It can get into the walls and attic allowing water to freeze in the
winter and melt in the warmer months causing damage to the plaster in your
walls. This is a serious issue and should be addressed because of the potential
damage to the home’s structure. Too much
humidity inside the home is also a potential health hazard, not only due to the
potential growth of mold and mildew, but it can contribute to upper respiratory
illness in individuals with allergies and asthma.
Watch this short video testimonial about Homerite Windows and Doors.
SIGN #3- Your Energy Bills are Too High in the Winter and
Summer Months
When your windows are not energy efficient, the result is
higher heating and cooling costs. Too much solar radiation admitted through a
window can heat up a home during the summer months and require more cooling in
order to be comfortable. This is helpful in the winter months but probably
means the solar heat gain coefficient is too high and may require window
replacement. In the entire window
assembly, heat loss and gain can occur through cracks in the system. Your
windows may have a high air leakage rate, which allows too much air in or out. Even
good windows may allow a bit of infiltration, but it should never be
noticeable. If your windows are not resistant
to heat flow, the U-Value (the measurement of heat loss) is too high and will
consequently lead to higher energy costs.
SIGN #4- Your
Carpeting and Furnishings are Fading Fast
Fading can occur when UV rays from the sun pass through your
windows onto the interior surfaces. Older windows do not have the same glazing
as newer energy efficient windows. Expensive artwork and fine furnishings should
be protected by using a low emission (low-E) coating that protects the interior
of your home from the sun’s rays. Most new windows sold now have this feature.
SIGN #5- Condensation Inside Your Windows
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| New Modern windows will not produce condensation. |
If left untouched and the condensation continues, it can
potentially leave irreversible damage to the window. “River-bedding” occurs
when droplets form and follow a path down the window which cut grooves similar
to a river running through a canyon. “Silica haze” looks like snowflakes and occurs
when the pellets are saturated and have been eroded by air currents. This is another
sign that the window needs to be replaced.
SIGN #6- Your Windows are Mismatched
You have made the biggest investment of your lifetime - a
home purchase. You may have an older home that could use a few style touches,
or you may have a home with mismatched windows. As we have discussed, older
windows not only come with a host of problems, but can also be unattractive –
even inappropriate. Replacing your windows can provide improved style and
beauty to your home. There are so many designs to choose from that will not
only enhance the character of your home, but also provide the energy efficiency
to reduce heating and cooling costs and add more comfort.
In
this article, I have provided some of the key things to look for when trying to
decide if it’s time to replace their windows. It is an investment that can pay
off in energy saving and add beauty, value and comfort to their home.
Here are some related article you may want to also read. Small Windows That Make a Big Statement, How Do You Check for a Leaky House? and Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal.
If you would like to
receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your
next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.
Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that some home improvement projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own.
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