Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. Even if you’re vigilant about maintaining your windows, with repairs as necessary and cleanings as needed, they’ll eventually reach the end of their lifespan. It can be tricky to tell when your windows are going bad sometimes, as some telltale signs may be brushed off as mere annoyances. While you may be tempted to ignore these indicators, doing so can cost you – quite literally.
In order to preserve the peace, comfort, and aesthetics of your property, it’s important to know the signs that your windows are going bad. Here are some of the most common indicators that your windows are going bad, so that you know when it’s time to replace them. Let’s get into it.
Signs Your Windows Are Going Bad
#1. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing
You know how we said you could quite literally pay for it if you ignore signs that your windows are going bad? This is what we mean. Your windows let you enjoy natural light, views, and fresh air, but they’re also meant to help maintain the desired temperature in your home. Energy-efficient windows prevent energy loss through your windows, allowing you to enjoy blissful cool in the summer and cozy warmth in the winter.
However, if your windows are going bad, then you’ll likely notice your energy bills start climbing. This is because your HVAC system is having to work overtime in order to try to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
#2. There’s Excessive Outside Noise
If you live somewhere where there’s a lot of exterior noise, such as near an Air Force base or a busy road, you may feel as though you have to resign yourself to some noise pollution. However, your windows should dampen the exterior noise and make your home peaceful. While windows can’t soundproof your home against the sound of jets flying overhead, they should lessen the sound to be more bearable.
If you’re finding that you’re hearing a lot of outside noise and like you need to put on noise-canceling headphones in order to get true peace within your own home… your windows very well could be going bad.
#3. Your Home Is Drafty
In the summer, you may not mind if there are some drafts from a nice breeze outside or rain-scented wind from a stormfront blowing in. However, if the breeze is hot and your cold air is escaping when you don’t have any windows open, that’s another story. The same is true for the winter – you don’t want cold air blowing into your home when you’re paying for your HVAC to heat it up.
If you have drafty windows, you may notice temperature fluctuations from room to room. Maybe one room is warmer than the other, even with the AC on. Fortunately, it’s usually pretty easy to uncover a drafty window. There are multiple tests you can do, but one of the most common ones is to light a candle and hold it near the edges of the frame. If the flame flickers, you likely have a drafty window.
#4. There’s Condensation Inside Of Your Window Panes
Condensation on the outside or the inside of your windows typically results from humidity and isn’t anything to worry about. However, if your windows are fogging up between the panes, that’s another story. This can cause significant damage to your home, such as rotting the wood and drywall and leading to mold and mildew growth.
As such, if your windows are fogging up on the inside, they’re going bad.
#5. It’s Hard To Operate Your Windows
Sometimes, windows can be tricky to open or close just because there’s a buildup of dirt and grime. In this case, a good clean is all that’s needed in order to make your windows open and close with ease again. In other cases, you may need to replace a broken part, like worn screws or a broken spring. However, if your windows are clean, nothing needs fixing, and it’s still tough to operate them, you may need to think about replacing your windows.
Are Your Windows Going Bad?
If your windows are going bad, Creekside Windows & Glass is here to help. We provide top quality window and glass services throughout Northern Utah, from window replacement to window repair to shower doors and more. To learn more about our services and what we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.
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