Whole home window replacement is not something that you want to have done often, with how expensive and significant of a project it is. However, windows are just like anything else: they don’t last forever. Sooner or later, you will need to schedule a whole home window replacement – but about how often should you expect this to happen?

Fortunately, if the windows were installed correctly, you’ve been vigilant about maintenance, and there haven’t been any external issues like major storms, home windows last a good amount of time. As such, whole home window replacement isn’t something you should need to worry about too often.

Here is some more information about how long home windows last, so you can better plan for your next whole home window replacement job. Let’s get into it. 

How Often Do You Need Whole Home Window Replacement?

How often you can expect to schedule whole home window replacement will depend on a variety of factors, from the type of windows that you have, to how they were installed, to what maintenance has been like. Generally speaking, windows will need to be replaced every 15-20 years.

How Long Do Different Types Of Windows Last?

The type of windows that your home has can affect how often you’ll need home window replacement. Different types of windows have different life expectancies.

• Wood. Wood windows can last 20+ years. They do repair maintenance, such as being repainted and resealed every few years in order to stay protected against the elements. Without protection, they can rot, warp, or crack.
• Vinyl. Vinyl windows last 20+ years, depending on your climate. These windows are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, which can cause them to warp. Aside from that, they are easy to care for.
• Aluminum. Aluminum windows can last 15+ years. These windows don’t require much maintenance, but you should stick to soft cloths and non-abrasive cleaners to get the most life out of them.
• Fiberglass. Fiberglass windows can last 20+ years. This material provides exceptional strength and durability, even in extreme temperatures.

It’s important to note, though, that while different types of windows can have different average lifespans, their lifespan can be drastically impacted by factors beyond the material they are made out of.

How Can You Help Your Windows Last Longer?

While the type of material your windows are made out of affects how long they’ll last, there are multiple other steps you can take to try to extend your windows’ lifespan as much as possible.

#1. Have Them Professionally Installed

Poor installation can result in even the highest quality windows not lasting you very long. When you get a whole home window replacement done, you want to ensure that you’re working with experienced professionals who care about a job done right.

#2. Stay On Top Of Maintenance

Like anything else, windows need proper care and maintenance in order to stay in good condition for as long as possible. It’s easy to ignore minor issues, but staying on top of any necessary repairs prevents them from turning into bigger issues. Getting repairs and window cleaning done as needed is key to helping your home windows last longer. 

Whole Home Window Replacement In And Around Kaysville, UT

Creekside Windows & Glass provides professional window and glass services in and around Kaysville, UT. From whole home window replacement to broken window repair and more, count on our detail-oriented experts for the top-quality work you need. Beyond windows, we also offer services for shower doors and doors throughout your home.

To learn more about the window and glass services that we provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Summers in Utah typically mean hiding in your air-conditioned home, escaping to higher altitudes, or ensuring that you’re carrying around truckloads of water to help deal with the triple-digit temperatures. If your home isn’t as cool as it should be, you may think that your HVAC system may be to blame – but remember that your windows impact your HVAC efficiency, too. 

Even if your HVAC system is in good condition, your windows can cause it not to be as effective as it otherwise would be. Here, we’ll get into why your windows can impact your HVAC efficiency, the consequences of ignoring your windows when they’re exhibiting such problems, and what you can do in order to help your windows keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round. Let’s dive in.

Do Windows Affect How Your HVAC System Works?

Yes, your windows do indeed affect your HVAC efficiency. The significance of this is to the point where the Department of Energy states that windows are responsible for about 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy usage. So, if your home isn’t maintaining a comfortable temperature and your energy bills are rising, your HVAC system may not be to blame. The issue could instead lie with your windows.

How Do Windows Affect HVAC Efficiency?

There are a few ways windows can impact HVAC efficiency. 

Poor Insulation / Being Improperly Sealed

If your windows are poorly insulated or not sealed properly, this means that the air-conditioned air in the summer or heated air in the winter is escaping outside, and the outside air is making its way in. This can cause you to mess with your thermostat, making your HVAC system work harder, and increasing your energy bills. Plus, the increased strain can result in premature repairs for your HVAC system.

Heat Gain / Loss

Heat naturally travels through cold glass, which forces your HVAC system to work harder in the winter. Cold air falls while heated air rises, so the cold air sinking to the floors of your home sends your HVAC system into overdrive. Double- and triple-pane windows work to mitigate this issue.

Drafts

Gaps around your windows allow external air in, creating drafts. Not only does this affect the internal temperature of your home, it can result in other issues, like dust, dirt, and pollen being brought inside. 

Improving HVAC Efficiency With Your Windows

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do in order to improve the energy-efficiency of your windows.

Energy-Efficient Window Replacement

Replacing your windows with high-performance, energy-efficient windows can greatly improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. You want to ensure that you’re choosing the most efficient windows for your location and needs. You’ll want to look for the ENERGY STAR ratings, as these will tell you that the windows will actually be energy-efficient and by how much.

An experienced window company, like the team here at Creekside Windows & Glass, will be able to help you select the ideal windows for your specific needs.

Window Placement

Energy-efficiency with your windows goes beyond the windows themselves. If you’re building a new construction home, you’ll also want to consider where you’re placing the windows. Ideally, your windows will be placed in such a way to promote solar heat gain in the cooler months and minimize it in the hotter months. 

This makes your home more comfortable in general, and so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. This benefits you in more ways than one, because the less wear and tear on your HVAC system, the fewer repair bills you’ll have, the lower your energy expenses will be, and your system will likely last longer.

Proper Installation / Insulation / Sealing

If your windows aren’t installed, insulated, or sealed correctly, they won’t be as efficient as they otherwise could be. Through working with experienced professionals to install your windows and ensuring that they’re properly sealed and insulated, you can greatly help the energy efficiency of your home.

Use Your Windows Wisely

How you use your windows also affects your HVAC efficiency. In the summer months, you’ll want to keep your windows closed and covered during the day in order to block out the sun. But in the winter months, the opposite is true.

Are You Looking For Energy-Efficient Windows In Northern Utah?

Creekside Windows & Glass is here to help! We provide low-e windows to help keep your home comfortable all year round. Our experienced professionals pay attention to the details, ensuring that you’re not only provided with a top-quality product, but also with top-quality installation and service.

To learn more about the services we can provide you with, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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.