Windows can play a crucial role in maintaining your home’s energy efficiency and protecting it from external damage. You might wonder, “How often should I replace my windows?” Here are some key signs indicating it’s time for a window replacement.

Drafts

Drafty windows are a significant concern for homeowners, as they directly impact indoor comfort and energy consumption. Drafts occur when windows no longer form a tight seal with their frames, allowing outside air to seep in and conditioned air to leak out. Feeling drafts around your windows is a clear sign that you need a window replacement. Drafts make your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It’s advisable to call a professional for an inspection, as drafts can stem from various underlying issues.

Cracked Window Frames

Inspect any visibly cracked window frames to determine if a replacement is necessary. Cracks not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of your home but also allow heated or cooled air to escape. This creates an entry point for outside air and pests, compromising your home’s comfort and security. These cracks create openings that allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. This not only increases your energy bills but also reduces the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. Additionally, cracked frames can compromise the structural integrity of your windows, making them more susceptible to further damage.

Foggy Glass

If your windows have two or three panes, they might become foggy over time. Fogging indicates that small cracks are allowing condensation to form between the panes. Even if these cracks are not visible, they can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. When the seals fail, this gas escapes, and moisture can infiltrate, causing condensation and fogging. This not only reduces the insulating properties of your windows but also impacts visibility and aesthetic appeal. Over time, persistent fogging can lead to more severe moisture problems, such as mold growth between the panes, which can be challenging to clean and can further degrade the window’s efficiency. 

High Energy Bills

A sudden spike in your energy bills could be a strong indicator that your windows are the problem. Any of the issues mentioned above can cause significant fluctuations in your energy consumption, especially over long periods. During winter, heat can escape through poorly insulated windows, while in summer, unwanted heat can enter, both of which force your HVAC system to work overtime. This inefficiency not only leads to higher energy costs but also increases your home’s carbon footprint. In addition to addressing immediate financial concerns, replacing old or damaged windows with modern, energy-efficient ones can provide long-term savings and improve your home’s overall performance.

Look out for these problems, and call Bailey’s Roofing and Construction for help fixing them! Our licensed professionals at Bailey’s are readily available to tackle any project. If you need any type of home work done such as roofing or windows or you just want an estimate, contact Bailey’s Roofing in Ada and Sulphur, Oklahoma, at (405) 343-8847 today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more information.