10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

A Variety Of Window Replacement Glass Types For Old Windows Replacement

Window replacement glass and total window replacements may feel tedious, but it’s an investment well worth making.

Windows allow natural light into your home, making the space appear larger and brighter. But more than that, the windows in your property play a massive role in the energy efficiency, performance, and overall comfort of your home. When windows are old or damaged, there is a high likelihood that they cannot function properly. 

This is an unfortunate reality for many homeowners. When this happens, it’s probably time to replace them, purchase window replacement glass, or at least have them inspected by a professional. 

Unless a rogue baseball strikes them, most windows don’t suddenly become less energy-efficient; it typically happens slowly over the course of months or years. So, how do you know when they aren’t up to standards and need to be replaced?

Today, we’re looking at ten signs to watch for if you think your windows might be past their prime. 

Keep reading to learn more.

How Long Do Windows Typically Last?

The lifespan of residential windows depends on the window type you have installed. The standard residential windows will last 15 to 20 years, generally speaking. Once they have reached this age range, it’s not uncommon for seals to weaken or fail, panels to break or shatter, and mechanisms to break down and become damaged. This leaves homeowners vulnerable to drafts, loss of energy, and water damage.

A window with curtains overlooking a green lawn, showcasing different window replacement options

Old Windows Replacement: 10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Yours

Your home’s windows play an essential role in the overall health of your home. Ensuring you repair (i.e., window replacement glass repairs) or replace your windows when necessary can save you thousands of dollars over time.

Below, you’ll find ten signs it’s time to replace your windows:

  1. Your windows are visibly damaged — One of the most obvious signs it’s time to replace your windows is when your windows are cracked or otherwise visibly damaged.
    When your window is damaged, it’s more likely to shatter or break completely, leaving your property open to water seepage and home invasion (pests, animals, people, etc.). Getting damaged windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible will ensure your home and family are safe.
  2. Condensation forms in between glass panels — Whether you have double-paned or triple-paned windows, condensation in between glass panels could mean your windows are leaking air or your home is humid. (NOTE: Condensation on the exterior surface of your windows is not cause for concern. This means it’s more humid and warmer outside your home than it is inside.)
    If you notice condensation building up between glass panes, the air-tight seal has likely failed, and the insulating gas that should sit between each glass panel has escaped. Whether the condensation is inside your home or between panes, spotting condensation anywhere (except the outside surface) is a definite sign of something wrong.
  3. You want to boost your house’s curb appeal — Curb appeal is important to many homeowners, especially if you want to sell your house. Whether you want to update the look of your home or you’re getting ready to put it on the market, replacing your windows can vastly increase its curb appeal.
    The choices, colors, materials, and other window replacement types allow you to customize your look and give you the aesthetic you want to achieve.
  4. Your windows don’t decrease outside noise — If you live near a busy road, train tracks, airport, or venues, or have a noisy neighborhood, you might think there’s nothing to be done about the sound level. Thankfully, there is! Today’s double or triple-paned windows significantly improve sound dampening thanks to additional insulation—a major perk of old windows replacement.
  5. Your windows feel drafty — Drafts are more than a minor inconvenience. First of all, it means that the air you’re paying to cool or heat is seeping out, and the freezing or hot air outside is making its way into your home. A room with drafty windows will always feel less comfortable than any room that has functioning windows.
    Secondly, because the outside air is coming into your house, your HVAC system must work overtime to keep your property at the desired temperature.
    To check for drafts in your home, close your windows, lock them, and hold your hand at the top and then the bottom of the frames. If you feel a slight breeze or air moving, you have a draft and should begin the old windows replacement process.
  6. Faded carpet and furniture around the windows — If the rugs, carpet, furniture, and other decor items that are exposed to the sunlight coming in through your windows are faded, your windows probably don’t have the UV protection that modern windows with low-emissivity (low-E) glass have.
    Low-E windows are treated with a barely-there film that helps keep harmful UV rays and solar heat from passing through the surface. This helps keep your home cooler and people’s skin safer and prevents curtains, furniture, and carpet from fading.
  7. Your electrical bills are inexplicably higher — Many things will cause your utility bills to skyrocket. Still, if you notice your electrical bills have slowly gotten higher, your old windows could be to blame.
    As previously mentioned, drafts let the temperature-controlled air inside your home escape, which forces your heating and cooling systems to work overdrive to keep your house at your desired temp.
    As a result, your electric bills are higher, and the increased use of your HVAC system will shorten its life, leading to repairs or a total replacement. Replacing your old windows with a newer, energy-efficient option can significantly lower your monthly bills and avoid overworking your air conditioner and heating systems.
  8. Your allergies are worse than normal — Have you been sniffling more than usual? Or maybe your eyes are more watery than typical. Depending on the time of year, allergens could be making their way into your house via old and ineffectively-sealed windows.
    Even the best window seals are bound to degrade as time goes on, but if it has been over 15 years since your windows were installed, it may be time to replace your windows so you can put your issues and tissues away.
  9. You want to increase the value of your house — Regardless of how much you love your home, you never know what the future holds. Should you sell your property in the future, you will want to get the most value out of it.
    According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report, window replacement types, such as vinyl windows, can help increase your home value by over $12,000. Homeowners can expect to recoup 73% of their investment.
  10. Your windows don’t open or close smoothly — Sometimes windows get jammed, and opening and closing them can be challenging. However, if you’ve cleaned the opening mechanisms and attempted to repair this issue several times over the years, and your windows only seem to worsen, it might be time to replace them.

A stuck window is more than frustrating and may lead to it staying stuck open — exposing your property to the elements and allowing easy access to home intruders. New windows are much easier to open and close.

A man in a blue shirt and white gloves cleaning a window

Need New Windows? Let Mountain State Windows & Siding Help!

Whether you’re looking for window replacement glass or need new windows, the Mountain State Windows & Siding professionals are here for you.

It’s no secret that even the highest quality windows are only as good as their installation. That’s why the knowledgeable and experienced team at Mountain States is dedicated to making your window upgrade and installation process the best home improvement project you’ve taken on.

In our decades of service, we’ve learned that the best quality experiences are found within small and large details. Our trusted team puts countless hours of craftsmanship and hard work into each of our projects, but without the necessary experience, equipment, knowledge, and time, we wouldn’t be much.

Thankfully, our qualified technicians have years of industry experience and are ready to take on your property’s project, regardless of the window replacement types you want. Whether you are outfitting your current property with new windows or are in the new build process and need windows, we can help. When you choose Mountain States, you choose the best.

We only offer high-quality service and use top-of-the-line products, so you know that your new windows will boost the value of your property, improve curb appeal, maintain your desired temperature, allow in natural light, keep out home intruders, dampen exterior noises, and so much more.

Our team is here to help you with your commercial or residual property in Salt Lake City, Lehi, Orem, West Jordan, Park City, and surrounding cities throughout the Wasatch Front and Back. If you’re taking on a home renovation project, make sure to consider Mountain States Kitchen & Bath for all of your bathroom and kitchen remodeling needs.

Contact the Mountain States Windows & Siding team today to learn more.