5 Benefits of Getting Replacement Windows
Do you ever really pay attention to your home’s windows? Go ahead–walk around the house, inside and out, and inspect them. What do you notice? Besides adding a lot of character to your home, windows serve several practical purposes too. But when they start becoming more of a hurt than a help, that’s the time to get replacement windows. But maybe you’re wondering, “Will replacing my windows save me money?” or “Is it worth it to replace my old windows?” We’ll answer those and other questions here.
When To Get Replacement Windows
The average lifespan of windows varies based on a number of factors, but the most common estimate is somewhere between 15 and 20 years. On the upper end of this spectrum you could see seals beginning to weaken and fail, leaving your home open to drafts and water infiltration, which can quickly lead to mold and rot. Clearly, it’s best to stop mold in its tracks and replace windows before things get to this point.
Another consideration is the construction of your home’s current windows. Back in the day, single pane windows were the norm. Since then, technology has improved and modern windows can be double- or even triple-paned. If you are looking for some of the benefits that these updated styles of windows can bring, then yes, it is totally worth it to get replacement windows.
Some other things you may notice with aging windows are visible damage, like cracked glass or broken frames. Condensation between window panes or on the inside of your window’s glass is another clear sign, along with increased energy costs, faded indoor furnishings, a louder-than-normal indoor environment, and windows that are just more difficult to operate.
Whether you’re looking to prepare your home for winter or make some aesthetic updates, there are plenty of reasons to look into getting replacement windows in Cleveland. Let’s see why that’s true.
1. Save On Energy Costs
If you’re working on preparing your home for winter, then listen up! For those folks asking themselves, “Will getting replacement windows save me money?”--we have a definitive answer when it comes to energy costs. Old, leaky, drafty, single-pane windows do nothing for reducing energy costs. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” That’s huge! Beyond taking all the necessary steps of checking for leaks, caulking and weatherstipping, and adding heavy window coverings or films, replacing old windows with new, more efficient models is the way to go.
Replacement windows on your Cleveland home will help to keep cool air inside during summer, and insulate against heat loss during winter. Energy costs are always getting higher it seems–one permanent change you can do when getting your home ready for winter (or summer!) is to opt for replacement windows. Just be sure to work with a reputable home improvement company who offers ENERGY STAR® certified windows. These windows will generally be filled with insulating gas and feature heat-reflecting low-emissions coatings to help regulate and reduce heat transfer. Look for a low U-factor and a lower solar heat gain coefficient as well. The pros at Fairview Home Improvement are happy to discuss available energy-efficient window options with you.
2. Increase Home Value
Does replacing old windows increase home value? Good news–the answer is a resounding yes! Of course there is the upfront cost of replacement windows to factor in, but once the project is finished, you could be benefiting from an increased home value that’s around 69% of the project cost according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report. Some experts put that number even higher. That’s a pretty solid return on your investment that could yield even a better sum if you’re looking to sell. New homeowners will often be willing to pay more for the convenience of having big projects already finished. They can then have peace of mind, knowing they likely won’t have to worry about new windows for over a decade and will benefit from lower energy bills in the meantime.
Besides the real, tangible benefits of new windows, there’s also the aesthetic element that can’t be discounted. Boosting curb appeal is a top way to draw in would-be homebuyers when you’re aiming to sell, and replacement windows are a top way to achieve that.
3. UV Protection
Windows are pretty much sunscreen for your home’s interior if they’re doing their job right. Most everyone loves the increased natural light that lots of windows can bring–that alone can keep energy costs down since lamps and overhead lights aren’t as necessary. But there is a downside to letting the sun’s rays in: UV damage. These days beauty experts are always touting the virtues of regular sunscreen use to protect skin against harsh ultraviolet radiation. But the very same risk faces your home furnishings if your windows are old and outdated. Newer, more modern windows feature gas fillers along with films and coatings that reduce or nearly eliminate UV light from reaching your home’s interior. That means that your skin is safer when sitting next to a window, but it also means you won’t have to worry about prematurely faded paint, fabrics, or flooring due to UV exposure.
4. Easier Maintenance
Keeping windows clean and well-maintained is key to extending their lifespan. That said, old windows make this task a beast. Windows that only slide up and down in the track make it next to impossible to clean the exterior, unless you’re willing to risk it on a high ladder, or spend on the labor of hiring a company for this seasonal task. New window sashes are designed to tilt into your living space, making cleaning something you can do easily, any time you feel the need. If you’re a houseplant parent, you know that clean windows are vital to your plants’ health, so having the ability to easily wipe off any exterior dust, dirt and residue can be a game changer to what you can grow in your indoor jungle. Blinds or shades that are enclosed within the dust-free window pane add an extra layer of ease and simplicity to window maintenance.
Beyond easier cleaning, replacement vinyl window frames are essentially maintenance-free. Unlike wooden frames that require periodic refinishing or painting, vinyl frames are resistant to extreme temperatures and staining, and don’t require much effort to keep them looking nice. A quick powerwash in the spring or summer when you’re caring for the rest of your home’s exterior is about all you need to do. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the view, with replacement windows from Fairview Home Improvement.
5. Increased Safety
If we haven’t convinced you yet that it’s worth it to replace old windows, then consider your and your family’s safety in your home. How can new replacement windows keep you safe? For starters, new windows are often crafted using tempered or laminated glass. In the event that someone accidentally or purposely breaks a window, the glass won’t shatter into sharp, jagged shards that could injure pets or family members. Incorporated locks and sensors mean that new windows can help to keep you safe if an intruder were to try and use a window as their entry point, even notifying you of the potential breach. And since new windows won’t warp or stick shut, they’re not going to hinder your escape or break and throw glass everywhere when you need to open them quickly during an emergency, like a house fire.
Windows typically just sit as a backdrop to your life in your home, but when it comes down to it, knowing that they are reliable, secure, and sound is vital to your peace of mind and safety. Another perk: reduced outside noise thanks to the improved insulative properties of replacement windows means that your home can be a place of calm, your family’s safe space.
Update Your Home’s Aesthetic with Replacement Windows in Cleveland, Ohio
New windows are a surefire way to enhance the look of your house, whether it’s your forever home or you're putting it on the market tomorrow. Fairview Home Improvement offers replacement windows from an array of reputable manufacturers, including Polaris®, Alside®, and Provia®. When you work with us, you can expect expert knowledge paired with the comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of operation that modern windows bring to your life and home. We’ll work with you to find the ideal product to meet your needs, complement your home’s aesthetic, and put up with the pendulum swings that are Cleveland weather. As you prepare your home for winter, keep us in mind! Get in touch for the best products and expert help for your next home improvement project.