When it comes to home improvement, replacing your windows is often seen as a great way to increase the value of your home and save money on energy costs. However, contrary to popular belief, new windows may not be the best option for your home. Depending on the type of window, a well-maintained window can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. If you're considering replacing windows in your home or inspecting the condition of windows in a home you're interested in, you'll want to look for fogged glass, damaged frames, and drafty rooms.
Before embarking on a window replacement project, there are a few things you can try. Tommy Ingram, vice president of sales for Coastal Windows& Exteriors in Beverly, said a well-made replacement window will stand the test of time. Coastal guarantees all its vinyl products for 50 years, but it all comes down to quality and materials. The problem here is that replacing only one window in one wall can stick out, and replacing windows on a single wall in the house can stick out.
In fact, it turns out that replacing windows isn't always the energy-saving blow it's intended to be. Studies have shown that the payback period for replacement windows can be up to 250 years. So, if you're looking to save money on energy costs or increase your exterior appeal, it may not be worth it to replace all windows at once. In neighborhoods with higher property values, you'll notice that most homes retain their original windows compared to neighborhoods with lower property values, where homes have largely replacement windows.
We have discussed studies that showed that the payback period for replacement windows can be up to 250 years. So, finally, lured by the promises of tax breaks, energy savings, and a restful night's sleep, we started installing vinyl replacement windows a handful. I suggest you seal around any leaking panels or frames, maybe, but you'll never get your money from the full replacement, so there's no point in staying awake stressing about it. TreeHugger favorite Ted Kesik has said that “preserving historic windows not only conserves their built-in energy, but also eliminates the need to spend energy on replacing windows. From a money-saving standpoint, a full house window replacement job rarely justifies the cost, although it depends on whether extensive work is going to be needed to renovate old windows as well. If you delay replacing your cracked, chipped, old or broken windows, a number of serious problems could arise.
These include further damage to your home's structure and insulation as well as increased energy costs due to air leakage. Therefore, it's important to consider all of your options before deciding whether or not to replace your windows.
