Being a first time homeowner can be confusing. You are required to make regular updates and schedule annual inspections on a variety of things throughout your home. You know that you are supposed to eventually replace the roof, put in replacement windows, and clean out the air vents. When exactly, are you supposed to complete these tasks though? When it is time to contact a window company and have all of your windows replaced? There are a few things to consider.
Age of windows
How old are your windows? Age is not the only important factor in deciding when to replace them, but it may be an important part of your decision. When windows are high quality and properly maintained, they can last 20 years or longer, depending on the material. However, if they are older and they continue to break or require repairs, you might want to consider replacing them. Replacement windows today are made with even stronger of materials. You also want to assess the costs. Are you going to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to make repairs to all of your windows, when for a little more, you could have all of them replaced?
The efficiency of your windows
How efficient are your windows? If they are close to 20 years old, it is likely that they are not very efficient. If they are budget windows that are older, it is even less likely that they are energy efficient. The efficiency of your windows is very important, as it directly affects your utility bills. Windows that are drafty can significantly result in increased heating and cooling bills. Hiring a residential window replacement company could actually save you money, when you are losing money due to improperly fitted or drafty windows.
Many of today?s replacement windows are extremely energy efficient. In general, you will save up to 15% a year on your energy bill if older double pane windows in a 2,600 square foot house are replaced with energy efficient windows with low E coatings, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a coalition of government agencies, research organizations, and manufacturers that promotes efficient window technology. You are also doing good for the environment by reducing the amount of utilities you are using in your house.
How your windows look
Older windows tend to look outdated. They may be more difficult to see clearly through. They may even bring down your overall curb appeal and resale value of your house. The best windows today can drastically increase the look of your house, which may be very important if you are considering on selling soon. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners who replace their windows can get back 80% of their investment. This means that replacement windows can essentially increase the value of their home by 80% of the overall cost of the new windows.
Even if you are not moving anytime soon, it is beneficial to keep your house?s resale value in mind at all times. If you could receive replacement windows at a fraction of the cost, you are likely to call the window installers immediately. Although you are paying for the replacement windows out of pocket, you are very likely to recoup much of those costs, when it does come time to sell your house. You are also increasing the overall value of your house, giving you more equity on it.
A home is made up of many different and important parts. Each of these parts requires regular inspections, maintenance, and replacements eventually. It, however, can be difficult to assess exactly when it is time to replace something. Replacement windows are one of these difficult decisions. Should you repair your windows or should you fully replace them? Consider the age of the windows, how they are affecting your monthly utility bills, and how they look with the rest of your house. Evaluating these factors can help you make the best and most informed decision.