Generally speaking, home windows have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years. Once they reach this age, the seals start to weaken or fail, which leaves you open to drafts and water seepage. In addition, single-pane windows were the standard over fifteen years ago. These windows lack insulation and are not as energy efficient as modern double-pane windows. It may be time for you to consider replacement windows for your home, but how can you be sure? Here are some things to consider whether or not it’s time to .

Visibly Damaged Windows

Likely the most obvious sign you need to replace your windows is when a window is damaged it’s more likely to break completely, which leaves your home open to more serious damage like water seepage, mold and mildew, and pests. It also makes your home easier for intruders to break into. Getting a damaged window fixed as soon as possible will keep your family safe and help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

Condensation On The Inside of Your Windows

While condensation on the outside of your window is fine, condensation on the inside of your window usually means your windows are leaking air and/or your home is humid.

If you notice condensation between the panes of your double or triple-pane windows, it’s a sign that the air-tight seal has failed and the insulating gas has escaped. Whether it’s inside or between the panes, spotting condensation anywhere except the outside of your window is a definite sign they should be replaced.

Drafty Windows

Drafts are a problem for a few reasons. First, it means that the air you’re paying to cool is seeping out and the hot, humid air outside is making its way in. A room with drafty windows will feel less comfortable than the rest of your home, and may even feel more humid. Second, because the outside air is seeping in, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home at the temperature you set.

To check for drafts, close your window, lock it, and hold your hand at the bottom or top of your window sash where it meets the frame. If you feel air coming in, you have a draft.

Faded Carpet & Furniture Around Your Windows

If the furniture, carpet, rugs, or decor that is exposed to the sunlight coming through your windows has faded, your windows probably likely don’t have the UV protection offered by modern windows with low-emissivity glass. This glass is treated with a microscopic film that keeps UV rays and solar heat from passing through. This prevents your furniture, carpet, and curtains from fading, and helps to keep your home cooler.

Higher Electric Bills

Plenty of things can cause your electric bills to spike, but if you’ve noticed that they’ve slowly crept up it might be your windows at fault. Drafts let temperature-controlled air inside your house escape, which forces your HVAC system to work harder to try to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set. This drives your electric bills up and the increased workload can shorten the life of your HVAC unit. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones helps lower your monthly bills and makes sure your air conditioner doesn’t need to work harder than necessary.

Your Windows Don’t Dampen Sound

If you live near a busy intersection or train tracks, or just have neighbors that like to get loud, you might think there’s nothing you can do about the noise. But in fact, modern double or triple-pane windows provide noticeable sound dampening sound thanks to the additional insulation.

Based on these factors, do you think it’s time to replace the windows in your home? The team at East Coast Roofing, Siding & Windows in New Jersey is here to help you with the next steps in your window replacement journey. Contact us for an estimate today!