Purchasing vinyl windows to replace the existing ones in your home is a decision not to be taken lightly, but you don't want to hold off on this job either.
Living too long with the old ones can cost you more than 38% for heat and another 32% more than it should to keep you home cool.
If the originals allow moisture into your home and into the walls, the repairs and mold removal can cost you thousands.
Living in an inefficient home can essentially cost you considerably more than if you had paid to make the required repairs.
How do you know when it is time to make the repairs? How Efficient Are The Existing Ones? The current level of efficiency is a good indicator of whether it is time to consider existing windows.
Single panes are extremely inefficient.
The heat transfers directly through the glass, costing you more to keep your home warm in the winter and more to keep it cool in the summer.
Double pane styles are reasonable, but for optimum efficiency, select triple pane varieties.
Are The Current Ones Leaking? Moisture present between the panes is a good indicator that warm air is meeting cool air causing condensation to build up.
If you get too much condensation, this moisture can build up and run between the panes, into the wall, and cause extensive moisture damage and even mold that can make you deathly ill.
To prevent this problem, you will need to either repair the seal or consider replacement windows.
Another way to tell if your wood or vinyl windows are leaking is by having someone stand outside the window with a flashlight and shine it along the outside frame.
If the seal is broken, the person standing inside the house will be able to see the light shine through.
The third way to detect a broken seal is by following along the interior frame of the window with a candle or match to see if the smoke pattern is interrupted by a draft.
Are They Worn Out? Sometimes wood or vinyl windows just get old.
When this happens, they are difficult to open and close.
You may also find that they don't want to stay locked or close tightly.
In this instance, you really have no other choice but to purchase replacement windows.
Are They Living Up To Your Standards? Whether you are looking at existing or replacement windows, they need to meet the needs of you and your home.
In the bathroom, for instance, they need to offer you a sufficient level of privacy.
They also need to keep out unwanted noise.
Finally, how do they make the exterior of your home look? Adding new vinyl windows can significantly improve the resale value of your home as well as giving your home additional curb appeal.
Replacement windows can be a major investment for your home, but that money is not really spent.
When you consider the money you will save on utilities and repairs as well as the added comfort and additional value you are adding to your home, new wood or vinyl windows can be a profitable home investment.