Is It Time to Get Replacement Windows? | Fort Worth, TX
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You have to wear a lot of different hats as a homeowner. Not only do you need to make sure you keep your Fort Worth, TX, home looking great, you also need to make sure you’re keeping up with all the essential repairs that prevent problems and help you save money. One of the toughest decisions to make is when it’s time to upgrade or replace the windows in your home. If you’re not sure if it’s time to invest in replacement windows for your home, here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
How Long Do Windows Last?
While there are a lot of factors that determine how long your windows will last, most windows have a fairly accurate life expectancy. The thing is, a lot of homeowners don’t know just how short this life expectancy is, which is why most people don’t replace their windows as often as they should.
As a general rule, most professionals recommend investing in replacement windows every 15 to 20 years. Once your windows have been in use for a couple decades, they stop working as well and can even loosen up in the frame. If your windows are well beyond 25 years old, you should definitely have them replaced as soon as possible.
One thing to consider is that the lifespan of your windows does depend on how well you take care of them. If you don’t clean your windows, you might need to replace them as soon as 10 years after buying. Conversely, your windows might last a little longer than the 20-year average if you keep them clean and take good care of them over the years. Ultimately, time should only be one of the factors when it comes to deciding whether or not it’s time for replacement windows.
Types of Windows
Another thing to consider if you’re thinking about investing in replacement windows is the type of windows you have versus what’s available on the market today. Window technology gets better with time just like most things do, so you can find newer windows with all sorts of energy-efficient designs and convenient features.
Most older homes have low-quality aluminum windows. It’s not that all metal windows are low quality, but most of the older aluminum ones are single-pane windows which waste a lot of energy. These windows also tend to get a lot dirtier over time, which can make them very hard to open if you don’t clean or use them often.
As far as replacements go, double-pane vinyl windows are the most popular option. These windows feature a second pane that helps conserve energy, keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Vinyl windows are available in just about every style you can imagine. On top of that, these windows are fairly simple to install.
Your Energy Bill
As we mentioned previously, the type of windows you have in your home can have a pretty large effect on your energy bill. While newer windows do a pretty good job of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, old windows tend to let a lot of outside air in. If you feel like you’re paying way too much to heat or cool your home, that’s another good reason to consider investing in replacement windows.
Although it’s hard to say exactly how much you should pay to heat or cool your home, it shouldn’t be anything too outrageous unless you have a huge home. For most people, the average energy bill is a little over $100 monthly, with numbers climbing closer to $200 depending on how much heating or cooling is needed. If you find yourself spending $300 monthly to keep a smaller home cool, it’s probably because your home isn’t keeping that warm or cool air in.
Keep in mind that there could be other problems causing an increase in energy usage, so it’s important to consider that before investing in replacement windows. You could even have a problem with your heating or cooling system that’s making your heating and cooling costs go up.
Upgrading
One of the best parts about investing in new windows is that you get a chance to upgrade to something better. Since you’re only replacing your windows once every 15 or 20 years, this is a good chance to get something you really like and will enjoy having in your home.
We already talked about some of the different window materials available to you, but there are also tons of great styles. If you’ve got a small area where you want to bring in a little bit of natural light, a fixed window is a good choice. If you’ve got a fixed window where you need a little fresh air, you can swap that out for a window you can open. These upgrades may seem frivolous most of the time, but it’s well worth spending the money if you’re already investing in replacement windows.
Since improved efficiency is a big draw of replacement windows, you should also look for energy-saving features. Not only are there double and triple-pane windows, you can also find windows that have a coating that’s designed to let less heat in without affecting the natural light.
Make the Call
The fact of the matter is, it’s not easy to make the decision to spend your hard-earned money on new windows. However, it’s something you have to do every now and again, especially if you haven’t had your windows replaced in decades.
If you’re in the market for replacement windows for your Fort Worth, TX, home, Energy Window Solutions has you covered. We can evaluate your windows and tell you if they need to be replaced, plus we can help you pick out the perfect windows for your needs and budget. Give Energy Window Solutions a call at (972) 290-1848 today to learn more.