Replacing Windows: How Do I Know It’s Time?

Replacing windows is an endeavor that just about every homeowner will experience sooner or later. Considering the number of newer homes in the Northern Virginia to Maryland corridor that are delivered with contractor grade windows, it’s no surprise that window replacement is one of the top home projects in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Springfield. That’s why one of the questions we get asked most frequently is, “How do I know when it’s time to replace my windows?” 

Replacing Windows: Know When It's Time

Reasons for Replacing Windows

There are several reasons why a homeowner will be prompted to start thinking about replacing windows in their home.

New Windows Increase Energy Efficiency

As every form of energy becomes more expensive, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their utility bills.  Replacing windows that are old or worn out (or even new contractor grade windows) tops the list of ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Most new homes, like those prevalent in Northern Virginia, are built with cheap single-pane windows. Compare these drafty portals with today’s high-efficiency multi-paned windows and you’ll quickly see that window replacement can lower your energy bills significantly.

Window Replacement Increases Curb Appeal

Another reason homeowner’s turn to replacement windows is that they want to upgrade the appearance of their home, either from the inside, the outside, or both. Sometimes this is in preparation for selling the home … however that is not always the case. The smart homeowner will keep his/her home in top, up-to-date condition at all times as a means of protecting what is often one’s largest investment and facilitating increased property values. In the Fairfax, Alexandria, and Springfield areas, replacing windows can result in a ROI of more than 100% in added resale value. So a window replacement can beautify both the home and the wallet at the same time.

Replacing Windows for Improved Function

Simply put, old windows often just don’t work anymore. Sometimes this is because they are in disrepair. Other times they may be painted over, or warp-age of the window and or frame my cause dysfunction. And many times window seals are broken causing fogging and drafts. Whatever the problem plaguing your particular portals, new windows with today’s improved functional designs for operation, cleaning, and maintenance will fix it.

Replacement Windows: Things to Consider

As you decide whether to replace windows in your home, there are several other aspects of such a project you should consider that may determine your decision. For example, as part of a window replacement project you should always consider enhancements to your existing window topology. Consider improvements such as bay windows, bow windows, or picture windows to open up a living space and bring more light into the home. Think about design alternatives such as etching, glazing, or stained glass to beautify what might otherwise be a rather bland window area. And you might even opt to replace an existing door with a large window or vice versa depending on the usage of a particular room.

Windows and Contractors

Regardless of WHEN you decide it’s time for replacing windows, here are some fundamentals guidelines you should follow:

  1. Best Windows: Choose the best window you can afford in terms of quality, performance, and efficiency. Whatever the added cost, you will very likely recover the cost in ROI. Look for glazing, low-e coatings, gas fillings, and NFRC ratings.
  2. Window Upgrades: While you are replacing your windows, invest a little extra to upgrade your window topology. Again, you will reap the rewards of this investment not only when you sell the house, but every day you LIVE in it as well.
  3. Window Contractor: Your window is only as good as its installation. Choose a great window contractor. The best way to do this is to make sure the contractor has a long list of happy customers. Check out Yelp! reviews, ratings on Angie’s List, or other personal testimonials from previous clients.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about replacing windows, new windows, window contractors, or window replacement questions of any kind … feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!

 

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