Whether you’re a home owner or an entrepreneur taking a good look at your home or storefront, one of the most eye-catching aspects of any building are the windows. Beyond making your home feel extra homey by letting in natural light, or making your business seem more friendly and displaying your goods to passersby, windows are essential for comfort, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. What many people don’t realize about their windows is that they eventually wear out, and that can mean increased energy bills, making your home or business look unwelcoming, and overall reduced performance. If you’re looking to figure out just when you need to replace your windows, we’ve listed a couple of the key signs that tell you just when you need to make that change.

How Old Are Your Windows?

 

The first question you should ask yourself is how old your windows are. If you’re buying a house for the first time or running a business, people often overlook just how important new windows are simply because they complete their function of letting fresh air in or let natural light illuminate a space. If you’re wondering just how long the average lifespan of a window is, the average lifespan ranges from 15-30 years. It is important to consider a variety of factors beyond a window’s age, however,

with some of the most important factors being:

• Increased Outside Noise – You notice that you hear a lot of outdoor noise even when the windows are closed.

• Visible Damage or Decay – There are visible cracks, water stains or in worse cases signs of mold on your windows.

• Difficulty Opening or Closing – Your windows get stuck when you opt to open or close them.

• Outdated Aesthetic & Curb Appeal – Your windows do not match the look of your current house or business.

 

While it can be a no-brainer to replace your windows simply because they’ve gotten up there in age, it would be best if you replaced them if any of the aforementioned factors show up way before the end of your window’s supposed lifespan.

Are your windows fogging up?

When a window starts fogging up, whether it’s a double or triple-pane window, it’s a telltale sign that a window’s seal has failed. Whether the seal failed due to natural degradation or external sources such as exposure to harmful chemicals such as ammonia. 

 

When a window starts showing signs of condensation, it’s a lot worse than just looking like a foggy window. For one, it obstructs the view both ways, whether you’re from the outside looking in or inside looking out. Foggy windows also means that moisture can get trapped in your window frames and nearby walls, which can cause mold and mildew– something you definitely don’t want in your home. 

 

But what most people underestimate the most is how impactful a window can be when it comes to reducing energy bills and affecting your monthly energy consumption as a whole.

How do windows affect my energy bill?

 

People often overlook how much energy you save when you have newer windows. After all, who would think that glass could improve how much electricity you use on a monthly basis? We cover this topic in-depth in our blog about maximizing energy efficiency with your windows, but here are some of the most important points you should know about:

• Air Leaks Let Your Money Slip Away – Like we mentioned earlier, older windows may have degraded seals that no longer keep warm air in. This can mean your HVAC works overtime to regulate indoor temperatures, jacking up your electric bill.

• Poor Insulation Leads to Heat Loss and Gain – Older windows are either single-pane or an old-fashioned double-pane, which means they lack proper insulation. That means the cold winter air and hotter summer winds can make their way into your home or business, pushing you to have your HVAC running 24/7.

• Your Windows Aren’t Energy Efficient – These days, Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings or tinted coatings make a world of a difference in keeping your space either warm or cool, depending on the season. By reflecting heat but letting natural light in, you get all the benefits of a window without any of the drawbacks of having your HVAC on full blast.

 

Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Windows for Comfort, Efficiency, and Style

Your windows play a bigger role than you think in your home or business’s aesthetics, comfort, and energy efficiency. If you have noticed signs such as fogging, wind drafts and rising energy bills, that is a clear indication that it’s the perfect time for a replacement.

If you’re looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest in modern energy-efficient windows that not only beautify your space but also reduce energy costs, improve insulation, and prevent structural damage, look no further. For over a century, we at Hiegel Glass have been a trusted name in Conway and Central Arkansas, delivering quality craftsmanship, exceptional service, and a commitment to our community.

We’d love to be the ones that make a positive change in your home or business, one window pane at a time. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help– whether it’s answering questions, designing custom solutions, or scheduling installations. Contact us today!