Are New Windows a Good Investment?

Investing in new windows will cost the average person a lot of money. It’s the kind of thing you can only do after saving and setting some funds aside. You will also want to make sure it’s the kind of money you will be getting some significant returns from in the long-term.

It’s important to understand the most strategic time to replace your windows, the good and bad sides of the process, and how to maximize the value of your windows during replacement.

When Should You Replace Your Windows?

No need to fix what’s not broken: investing in new windows is only beneficial if there is something wrong with the windows in the first place. Otherwise, it’s a waste of money.

Replace your windows if:

There’s Obvious Damage

Windows are not designed to have cracks or any other perforations in them, especially when they’re closed.

Damaged windows are more likely to break completely, leaving your house vulnerable to more significant problems like water seepage, mould and mildew, and vermin. Additionally, it makes it simpler for burglars to enter your house. A broken window should be repaired as quickly as possible to keep your family safe and prevent costlier future repairs.

The Electricity Bills Have Been Getting Higher

A lot of things can make your electric bills rise. However, if you’ve noticed that your electric bills have gradually been increasing with no reasonable explanation, it's probably your windows.

Faulty windows have poor insulation capacity. They can’t keep cooled air in during hot summers, nor warmed air during the winter. This poor insulation forces your AC to work overtime, and that means higher energy consumption. It forces you to find alternative methods to keep your home’s temperature bearable, which in turn consumes more energy.

They Let in a Draft

As cold or warm air seeps in and out of the house, it is moving along pressure differences. What this means is that as it moves around, people in the room are caught in the draft.

Drafts are uncomfortable because they move air that’s at a different temperature than the rest of the room, mostly a temperature opposite what your AC is trying to achieve. Therefore, they also waste energy.

They Don’t Dampen Noise

If you think that living in a noisy neighbourhood should mean dealing with a noisy house, think again! Modern windows should be designed to prevent that. Noise dampening is usually expected by buyers, and double or triple-paned windows are best for that effect.

They Form Condensation on the Inside of the House

The presence of condensation on the outside of your windows indicates that it is warmer and more humid outside than inside. However, condensation on the inside of your windows typically indicates that either your home is excessively humid or that your windows are leaking air - both of which are bad for your energy bills.

Condensation between the panes of your double or triple-pane windows indicates that the airtight seal has failed and the insulating gas has escaped. Condensation anyplace other than the outside of your window, whether inside or between the panes, is a definite indication that they need to be replaced.

They Let in Harmful UV Rays

UV rays are not just bad for your skin, but also for your furniture and decor. UV penetration will damage the integrity of your fabrics and make them fade, giving them an aged appearance. Modern windows are designed to avoid this by the use of low-emissivity glass that acts as a kind of “sunblock”.

This glass is fitted with a microscopic sheet that filters UV rays and excess solar heating. Therefore, they also prevent your home from getting heated up by the sun.

The Pros and Cons of Window Replacement

Window replacement will give your home a more pleasant aesthetic, help you save energy, and keep you more comfortable. However, as with most things, there are also some disadvantages involved.

First, prepare to repair the walls surrounding the window. Window replacement causes significant damage to the surrounding walls and many people often forget to include those repairs in the final cost.

Window replacement is only reasonable if you have significant savings. Although there are several options that are more affordable than others, even the lowest rates are not easily accessible for average homeowners.

Also, for you to enjoy the fruits of your investment, you will need to sell your home, and not everyone is in a position to do this. Others who simply need to replace damaged windows may not get a chance to enjoy the returns of the investment.

New window installation cost

How to Maximize the Value of Your New Windows

Every element of your home will be scrutinized when evaluating its value, and the windows are no exception. Getting new windows that are more energy efficient and tasteful will add value to your house. They are a smart investment.

The best approach is to improve every possible aspect of the windows, especially insulation. Insulation will boost their energy efficiency and noise reduction. Your home will be cooler in the summers, and warmer in the winters, consequently saving tons of air conditioning energy and increasing the longevity of the air conditioner.

When choosing what design you would like, try to match the feel to the general feel of the room the window will be placed in. If you’re clueless about what design you want, consult an interior designer! The consultation alone will be affordable, and they will even tell you whether metal, wood, or fibreglass windows will be better for your exact needs.

New windows are a great investment, especially if you want to sell your home. Even if you do not want to replace your windows anytime soon, new windows breathe fresh air into your home and help you save thousands of dollars in energy bills. If any of these issues affect you, then new windows are the next best step.

At Canadian Choice Windows and Doors, our expert team of trusted and licensed installers is here to help you with your window replacement project. Reach out to a member of our team to schedule a free consultation today.