Your old windows may seem okay to you, but by current standards, they may be costing you big time. Replacing your windows can help save money in the long run. Both your energy bills and the money you spend on window repair will reflect those new windows. Here is how your windows may be costing you money.
Over Time, Gaps Open Around the Frame
Window frames and panes are sealed in the wall with caulking. When that caulking gets older, it can crack and even chip in some places. Those leave little gaps that let drafts through. Your heating system will have to work harder to keep the place warm if cold air keeps seeping in, and the same goes for your air conditioner in summer as the cold air leaks out. All that working harder leads to higher bills and a stressed heater and air conditioner. Replacing the windows with new sealant eliminates those drafts. Yes, it’s always possible to keep caulking around the windows and adding that plastic film in winter, but why deal with that when new dual-pane windows would cut off the drafts for you?
Single-Pane Window Types Offer Less Insulation
Single-pane windows do not provide a good level of insulation against cold or heat. There is a lot of thermal transfer between the interior of your home and the outdoors, and when the temperature difference between the two is big, then the effects on how comfortable your home feels to you will be even bigger. This also affects your heating and cooling in a way similar to how those caulking gaps do, except you can’t really fix the transfer through a single-pane window. Installing dual-pane window types gives you better insulation that cuts down on thermal transfer. When you replace all your windows with new dual-pane versions, you could save money and increase the lifespan of your windows. According to Energy Star, replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows can save you between 21% and 31% on heating and cooling costs.
Older Windows Malfunction More
As time goes on and the windows get older, the tracks can attract dirt that blocks the panes from moving smoothly. The locks can malfunction, the glass can even be broken, and so on. Older windows have just had more time for things to go wrong. Those new windows may seem costly up-front, but they’ll save you from all repair costs.
If you’re interested in replacing your old windows with new ones, call us at Discount Window and Door to learn about our selection of window types. With our free quotes, you’ll know exactly how much you can expect to pay for your replacement windows.