Everything You Need to Know About Buying New Replacement Windows

Buying replacement windows can make your home more comfortable and efficient, enhance its style, and increase its value. There are many options available, and buying windows can sometimes be difficult.

7 signs you may need to replace your windows

So is it really time to look into replacing your windows? Here are 7 signs to look for:

1. Condensation

Condensation on your windows, also called window sweating, can eventually damage your windows. Excess moisture often causes mold, mildew, or rotting wood.

If it’s between two panes of glass, you may not be able to simply wipe it away. Condensation often comes from a damaged seal around your window’s glass. This problem can create drafts in winter and increase the humidity inside your home in summer.

2. Cold drafts

If you often feel a draft when you walk by your window, you could have poor insulation or seals. You can find the exact location of the draft with a wind meter. A great way to find any drafts in the house is to do a smoke test.

To conduct a smoke test, turn off your heater or air conditioner and close all doors and windows. Then, light a candle or some incense and blow it out.

If the smoke travels in a particular direction, you could need to buy new windows in that area. If you don’t want to replace your windows, you can try adding storm windows or repairing the seals on your windows first. 

3. Windows that are obviously damaged or hard to open

If your windows have mildew, cracks, peeling paint, or other issues, you may need to get replacements. Windows that stick or are difficult to open can be common as well. High humidity can cause this problem by making the wooden parts of your windows swell over time.

Dirt and dust can also build up in the tracks that the windows slide on. Getting a professional to replace your windows is often easier than trying to repair damaged or sticky windows.

4. Lots of noise

Many sounds from outside can distract you at home, including cars passing your house, horns, kids playing, and people mowing their lawns. If you often get annoyed by noises from outdoors, you may prefe windows with better soundproofing.  

Windows with more than one pane of glass or thicker glass can provide better noise reduction for your home.

Some windows have heavy gasses like argon between the panes for better insulation and soundproofing.

You can also choose windows with a type of plastic called PVB (polyvinyl butyral) between the panes for soundproofing.

Laminated outer window panes are available as well.

5. Leaks

If you notice leaks whenever it rains, you could need to buy new windows.

Dirt, mold, and debris could keep water from draining out of a window with two or three panes properly. You could also have rotten or cracked windowsills or siding near your windows.

Mistakes in your windows’ installations could also cause leaks. Replacing your windows can eliminate this issue and prevent more extensive damage.

6. Extreme weather

Not every window has a design that’s practical for North Texas. If the builder of your home isn't prepared for hot, humid summers and chilly winters, your home might not be comfortable. Your windows could also start looking damaged or worn soon after you move in.

The best windows for hot climates have good insulation. You can choose windows with argon gas between the panes. Window panes with Low-E coatings reflect some of the sunlight that shines on them, helping keep temperatures down in sunny spots.

If you experience thunderstorms or other severe weather, check your windows carefully for leaks and excess moisture. You may need to repair or replace them to keep the damage from getting worse.

Your homeowner’s insurance can sometimes help you pay for replacement windows, but you should examine your policy to see what it covers before making a claim after damage.

7. Energy-efficiency reasons

If your power bills keep rising even though you’re trying to conserve energy, you could have a leak in a window or other damage that’s getting worse over time.

Getting a window replacement can help you stop wasting energy. The new window can even pay for itself over time through energy savings.

Windows and energy efficiency

Buying replacement windows with better energy efficiency can make your home more appealing and valuable to potential buyers.

It also helps the environment by letting you stay comfortable while using your HVAC system less. With better insulation, you can avoid warm or cool areas near your windows.

There's a common thought that large windows are not energy-efficient. However, you can also install a larger window without increasing your energy bill by having well-insulated windows.

Usually, single-hung windows are more efficient than double-hung options. Only one pane of glass moves in a single-hung window, and both panes can move with a double-hung variety. To find out how efficient a new window will be, look for Energy Star ratings or ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). 

Final thoughts

We receive a lot of inquiries about window replacement, so we made a separate page with all of the commonly asked questions about replacement windows.

Many replacement windows are available, so it can be hard to decide on the perfect window replacements for your home.

You can also contact us for more information and personalized, expert advice about choosing new windows for your home.