Best Time of the Year for Replacing Your Windows

Whether you’re looking to replace your windows as soon as possible or simply looking for more information, it’s important to understand the best time of the year to replace your windows. While there may not be the same answer for all situations, there is undoubtedly a most convenient time.

When is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

Windows generally will last between 15 and 20 years. However, with the harsh climate in Ontario, that timeline can be sped up a bit. However old your windows are, there are some telltale signs it might be time to replace them:

• If you notice that your frame or windowpane is cracked, warped, damaged, or broken
• If the glass in your window is starting to fog up during the day
• Noticeable defects in your windows, such as the wood feeling soft or slimy
• If you are struggling to open or close your windows, or if the hardware is starting to stick
• Higher than average hydro or gas bills during the winter.

If you notice one or several of these things, it might be time to consider replacing your window.

The Right Time Matters

Generally, the ideal time to replace a window is when the weather is not too hot, but not too cold. Generally, there is a spike in window replacements in spring and early summer. There are a few reasons for this:

• The warmer weather allows for a bit of an easier time in terms of measuring for replacement windows
• If the temperature is mild, it prevents the need for you to pump the heat or the air conditioning to help counter drafts throughout the installation period.
• Caulk is best when the temperatures are between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. If you are using it in warmer weather, our team would need to cool the caulk down as it may run; if we are dealing with colder weather, we may need to warm it up.
• Fall and winter are a great time to install as well, as it is the off period for our clients. We usually have a little more availability in September and pushing into December, and the temperature usually is better for installations. It is important to note that heating costs can go up as the outdoor temperatures drop, so be warned that your furnace may be working overtime if we are dealing with sub-zero temperatures.

Preparing for Your Window Replacement

If this is your first time replacing your windows, you might feel a bit overwhelmed – that’s why our experts at Canadian Choice Windows and Doors are here for you. Not only will we provide you with a quick step by step guide on how to prepare, but we can also walk you through the process to ensure that installation day goes off without a hitch.

Here are seven things you should do to prepare for installation day.

• Clean the area outside of your window, including cutting back any shrubs or trees
• Clean the area inside the window and remove any plants, pots, ceramics, or window décor. This will also include any large pieces of furniture. Essentially, you want a clear path in and out of the window.
• Remove any drapes, blinds, curtains or any window treatments that you may have installed
• Add plastic sheeting, a drop cloth, or something else to protect the floor near the window.
• Remove any belongings from near the window to prevent dirt, dust, or debris from damaging it
• Keep pets and children away from the work area to limit the amount of interaction they have with the installers.

Make your home accessible, including turning off any window sensors, security systems, or alarm systems to ensure nothing will go off while our team is completing the work.

You want to ensure that your home is ready for your installation. This little bit of work before our installers arrive will ensure no issues, and that your installation will be completed on time and without concerns.

Cost to replace window

Questions

What is the cheapest time of year to replace windows?

For the Canada Choice Windows and Doors team, no specific time of the year is the cheapest to replace windows. Window replacement costs are standardized, but we may have more availability in the Fall or early Winter. It will depend on the demand and our current workload.

What time of year is best to replace windows?

There is no single best time to replace windows—however, the most popular time of the year to replace windows is in the Spring or Summer. We also regularly replace windows in the Fall or Winter as well. One of the things to remember is that caulking and features such as replacement window screen frames install better in moderate temperatures. If you can, replacing your windows when the temperatures are between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius is usually the best course of action.

Is winter a good time to replace windows?

Winter can be an excellent time to replace windows, but it certainly is not the go-to time of year to do it. As experts, the Canadian Choice Windows and Doors team has done our fair share of installations in winter, and it always comes down to needs. Ideally, we would install in temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees. Winter can be a challenge when caulking, finding, and completing window crank replacements. Hardware can freeze up and cause issues down the line.

However, we are well versed in preventative measures, and can provide our window installation service in the winter. We should note that you will see some increased furnace usage as drafts will inevitably happen. However, we will do our best to limit the drafts to sub-zero temperatures.