Are you thinking of replacing the windows in your home? Contractors can replace your windows in any season. But, if you can make the decision before winter sets in, you’ll often be better off. Having the installation done when the weather is mild can reduce the stress on you; you and your contractor won’t feel the need to dodge winter weather events as the project progresses. Plus, getting high-quality replacement windows can add to the aesthetic value of your home as well as improve its energy efficiency. Here are some signs that you need to replace your windows before winter:

1. Your windows are damaged.
2. Your energy bill has been higher than normal.
3. You have trouble opening and closing your windows.
4. Your windows are still single-pane.
5. There is condensation between the panes.
6. You can hear outside noise a little too easily.
7. You’re in for a harsh winter.

1. Your Windows Are Damaged

If you can tell that your windows are damaged in some way, whether they are broken, cracked, or warped, you should think about getting them replaced as soon as possible. Not only is this a security issue for your home, but also any sort of damage indicates that the windows aren’t doing their job of protecting your home from the elements.

Gaps or cracks can lead to water damage. Not to mention, when your windows let in air, it can really increase the amount you must pay to heat and cool your home. If the seals around your windows are no longer doing their job in keeping the windows airtight, and you can feel a draft when you walk by a closed window, you could be pouring money down the drain in higher energy costs.

Drafty windows and doors are often the biggest ways you might be losing money on your energy bills. This tends to hit homeowners especially hard in the winter and summer. One way to tell that your windows are letting in drafts is to hold a lit stick of incense around their perimeter. If the smoke wavers, there’s often a draft coming in.

2. Your Energy Bill Has Been Higher Than Normal

If your utility bills are coming in much higher than normal for the time of year, and there is no other explanation, it may be that your home isn’t well-insulated. Replacing windows and doors is a great way to better insulate your home and help ease the burden of high energy costs. This is an investment that pays for itself! This is also why replacing windows is considered one of the home improvement projects with the highest ROI.

3. You Have Trouble Opening and Closing Your Windows

When your windows do not open or close properly, it can be a sign of bigger problems with your windows, and is a common reason to replace your windows. Whether from poor installation or damage, having trouble opening and closing your windows and windows that often get stuck can be warning signs that something is wrong.

When you replace windows that don’t function properly, you are saving yourself future headaches as well as adding value to your home. Better function, improved energy efficiency, increased home value, and more are all benefits of new windows and doors.

4. Your Windows Are Still Single-Pane

If you live in an old house and the windows haven’t been replaced in a long time, it’s possible your windows could still be single-pane. This is bad news for your energy costs, because single-pane windows are the least energy-efficient. If you have single-pane windows, replacing them with double-pane or triple-pane windows with energy-efficient window options will go a long way toward helping keep the heat inside during the winter.

5. There is Condensation Between the Panes

Not all window condensation is a cause for concern or means that there is something wrong with the windows. Some causes of window condensation are normal, like typical steam. However, normal condensation is usually on windows, and not in them.

If you have double-pane or triple-pane windows and you can see condensation between the panes, it can be a sign that the windows are not working properly and may need to be replaced. Properly sealed and installed windows should be airtight and should not have moisture building up inside them between the panes.

If you do see this, it’s a sign that a seal has failed or there is damage to the window. It may not necessarily mean that the entire window needs to be replaced, but it does mean the window is no longer insulating your home properly. You will want to get it checked out to see if a repair can be done or if the window needs to be replaced.

6. You Can Hear Outside Noise A Little Too Easily

Unless you are going to the extreme to completely soundproof your home, you’re going to have some noise coming in from outside. However, if you start to hear outside noise a little too easily when you are inside and the windows are closed, it may be time to replace or upgrade them.

Replacing outdated or damaged windows with more modern windows with energy-efficient upgrades and insulation can prevent energy loss, with the bonus of also blocking noise transfer. Better insulation and other window upgrades can help you soundproof windows and get even more noise reduction.

7. You’re In For A Harsh Winter

Any winter weather at all can be hard on your home, and bad weather can negatively impact your home. Harsh winter weather alone isn’t a reason to replace your windows, but if you know your windows are due to be replaced, it is a key sign that you need to replace your windows before winter.

Having damaged windows increases the probability that a winter storm could adversely impact your home. When your windows aren’t functioning properly, it makes your home more prone to extensive damage from storms and bad weather, and also makes your home less secure.

Put your mind at ease by taking care of window replacement before it becomes urgent and before winter weather hits. Replacing your windows and enhancing them with protective layers is one of the home updates to protect your home from severe weather, whether that’s harsh winter storms or strong storms at any time of the year.

Replace Your Windows Before Winter With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few signs you need to replace your windows before winter. Being able to cut down on energy waste and enjoy increased savings and comfort sooner are key reasons to replace windows and doors before winter, if needed.

When you’re looking for a contractor in the Lancaster area to replace your windows, look to Zephyr Thomas Home Improvement. Our replacement windows are Energy Star® and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certified. If your current windows aren’t performing well, these windows are an efficient upgrade.

We offer many different styles of windows. So, whether you’re replacing with upgraded versions of what you have or upgrading to larger windows, we can help you choose the best windows for your home and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing they will be installed correctly.

Give us a call at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate. Or, stop by our office during business hours to see and experience some window options in our showroom and speak with our helpful home improvement experts!

Check out the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team completing a whole-home window replacement for this homeowner!