When it comes to home improvements, there’s a lot of talk about kitchen and bathroom remodels. Homeowners are also encouraged to replace components like roofing systems and HVAC systems when they have reached the end of their life expectancy. However, one often overlooked component is your windows. Have you ever considered that residential windows also have a lifespan?

The Importance of Windows

First, let’s look at why residential windows are worthy of attention and should be included in home improvement projects. The truth is, though you may not pay your windows a lot of attention, your house wouldn’t be complete without them. Residential windows are there to let natural light in while providing you with a good view of the scenery outside. When your windows are in good condition, they prevent draughts, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work hard. This increases the energy efficiency of your home and keeps your interior environment more comfortable. On top of that residential windows offer safety, security, and curb appeal, and replacing your windows can even increase the life expectancy of your windows.

What’s the Lifespan of Residential Windows?

According to industry experts, the average lifespan of residential windows is between 15 and 20 years. So, it’s safe to say that windows are pretty durable. However, as your windows near the end of their life expectancy, their performance decreases, and they may break down frequently. Even residential windows made for high-quality material experience wear and tear over time. Old windows are responsible for air leaks and draughts that make your home uncomfortable. The surprising thing that most people might not know is that old windows also result in high energy bills. These add up over time so you can actually save money by installing new residential windows.

Should You Replace Your Residential Windows?

If you’re noticing issues like condensation between the panes and have difficulty opening or closing your windows, then it’s time for a window replacement. The biggest indicator that you need to replace your windows is when they have are over 15 years old. You’ll be surprised at the benefits of replacing your residential windows which include enhanced home comfort, improved energy efficiency, and added value to your home.

In a nutshell, what you may not have known about the lifespan of your windows is that after the 10 or 15-year mark, your windows need to be replaced. If you’re interested in window replacement, contact us today.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows account for approximately 30% of residential heating and cooling energy consumption. A single pane of glass can conduct nearly ten times the amount of heat lost by an insulated wall of the same area. It would be prudent to consider this and take steps to minimize heat loss through your window, thereby saving money on heating. These five strategies will help you reduce heat loss through your windows.

Adding Curtains

Draping curtains in front of windows and doors can add an extra layer of insulation between your living space and the outside freezing elements. This is the most cost-effective and efficient method of heating your home. Thick drapes with specialized thermal linings are frequently inexpensive and readily available.

Size and Orientation

Consider orienting your living spaces and replacement windows north and your less-used rooms south if you’re thinking about orienting. Reorientation of windows may help get direct sunshine from the west, east, or north. Window size and placement determine how much solar energy enters your home. This will allow you to enjoy the winter sun while keeping the rooms warm and bright.

Window Frame and Glazing Conduct

Consider replacing your replacement windows with timber, uPVC, or composite frames, as these are the most energy-efficient options. They are made of heat and cold-resistant materials. The strength of the window frames and glazing component has a significant impact on the energy efficiency of windows.

Close The Unused Windows

The strategy for minimizing heat loss in your home is to seal unused rooms. Naturally, heating a smaller home is less expensive than heating a larger one; the less square footage a home has, the less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature. Prevent cold air from spreading throughout the house and confine the generated heat within a smaller, more accessible living space. Keep the doors closed to accomplish this.

Draught Proofing

Seal the gaps around doors and windows to draught-proof your home and save energy and money. A significant amount of heat is lost through the windows, increasing heating and cooling energy costs.

By using these five strategies to seal energy leaks and considering replacement windows, you can help reduce the energy used in homes and associated costs. If you’re interested in replacing your old windows, contact us today.

The windows in your home help keep you cool in the summer heat and keep warm during the chilly winters. For longer-lasting windows, it would be best to go for durable, energy-efficient materials and designs. According to sources, double pane windows provide savings of about 21% to 31% on heating and cooling costs, in comparison to single-pane windows.

What are Durable Windows?

Durable windows are long-lasting windows that are resistant to wear and tear over prolonged exposure to natural elements. The special feature of these windows is their energy efficiency. The vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows are among the most durable options.

Vinyl material is corrosion- and rust-resistant, and doesn’t chip, warp, or peel easily. The durable fiberglass is also resistant to rust, corrosion, and rot. Additionally, these windows can withstand extreme weather-caused damage. With thermal breaks and rubber spacers, aluminum windows help in improving energy efficiency. Vinyl and aluminum windows are easier to maintain in addition to being durable. When combined with wood and fiberglass, these materials have improved durability. Here are four main perks durable windows offer.

1. Reduced Costs

These windows help keep a suitable temperature inside your home, coupled with the use of air conditioners or heaters. This leads to lower energy consumption for heating or cooling your home, in turn lowering your electricity bills as well.

2. Lower Maintenance

With durable and energy-efficient windows, the condensation build-up is significantly reduced. The benefits associated with this are lower mold risk, a suitable indoor environment for people with asthma, and no dirt build-up on the outside of these windows. You won’t have to clean your windows often.

3. Improved Insulation

These windows act as a barrier against freezing temperatures, hence keeping your home comfortably warm in the winters. With an extra layer of insulation in between the panes, these double-paned windows are more beneficial than single-paned windows that let drafts in. For preventing heat loss or gain, insulated windows are better suited.

4. Beneficial to the Environment

These windows keep your home at a comfortable temperature; you won’t have to keep your heaters or air conditioners running for long. By consuming reduced energy, the environment benefits owing to the reduced need for generating power from non-renewable resources.

If you’re looking for long-term, energy-efficient solutions for your home, you must consider getting durable windows installed. If you have questions about durable window options for your home, contact us today.