Some people undersell the benefits of replacement windows, asserting that the energy savings you will enjoy aren’t enough to pay for the new windows and replacement costs. It’s true that some property owners won’t quickly recoup the cost of replacement windows through reduced energy costs, but replacement windows offer several advantages in addition to lower utility bills that more than justify an investment into replacement windows or doors.
Improved Curb Appeal
Windows, especially in moist parts of the country, can get foggy and dirty over time. Cleaning windows isn’t always easy, and some grime that builds up over time can be difficult or impossible to remove.
There’s also no way to fix a window if moisture and condensation begins forming between the panes. In dual or triple-pane windows, there’s usually argon, krypton or some other type of gas filled in between the panes. If the seal keeping this gas in wears away or breaks, moisture will be able to get in between the panes. There’s unfortunately no way to fix the problem and return the window to the same level of insulation performance.
In addition to not looking their best, a compromised window could result in higher heating and cooling costs during the winter and summer.
Better Weatherproofing and Sealing
Some windows are very durable and hold up a long time, but the caulking around the window and other weatherproofing and sealing can wear out and degrade over time. Compromised weather stripping can lead to heat loss and cause drafts near the window or door.
The natural decay of materials isn’t the only danger. Improper installation is also a common problem we find at our customers’ homes. Not every window installation “professional” is at the top of their game. Some replacement window companies are more concerned with getting the job done fast rather than performing thorough, reliable work. Other times people trust handymen or general contractors to replace windows even though window and door replacement are not necessarily in their wheelhouse.
When you trust a company like Procraft Windows to replace your home or business’s windows, you can trust we’ll adhere to weatherproofing best practices to ensure your windows are properly sealed against the winter weather.
Home Valuation and Energy Efficiency
There’s no doubt that rising energy costs and ever-increasing levels of environmental consciousness are having an impact on the way home shoppers value potential properties. Advertising your home as energy efficient and backing it up with evidence, such as ENERGY STAR-approved windows and doors, can set your home apart from others on the market.
Energy-efficient windows and doors aren’t the only features an energy efficient home should possess, but you can’t claim your home is optimized for minimum energy use if your windows and doors are behind the times.
Quality doors and windows are just one aspect of a home, but their quality will certainly move the dial on valuation. Experts estimate homeowners who install high-quality vinyl replacement windows recoup more than 80 percent of the replacement costs when selling their home. That means if you spend $15,000 on replacement windows you can expect to raise your home valuation by roughly $12,000.
That recoup percentage is significantly higher than many other home renovations people often make before selling – replacing windows beats out bathroom remodels, major kitchen remodels and roof replacements.
Energy Savings
Although sometimes unfairly downplayed, it’s impossible to ignore the energy savings you can enjoy by replacing inefficient windows and doors with energy-efficient replacement windows and doors. They may not pay for themselves in a year, but you will notice a difference in your monthly energy costs.
Government studies suggest residents of the Pacific Northwest who upgrade from single pane windows to ENERGY STAR-rated energy-efficient double or triple-pane windows can save approximately $460 a year on their energy costs. Upgrading from clear-glass double-pane windows will net $60 a year in savings.
Are Replacement Windows Worth It?
It’s important to consider what you’re trying to accomplish when deciding if window and door replacement will be a good investment for your home. Replacing your windows can:
- Eliminate drafts and make your home more comfortable
- Save you money on energy bills
- Help you create a truly energy-efficient home
- Improve your home’s curb appeal
- Increase resale value
- Improve home security
- Reduce noise pollution
- Qualify for rebates and other incentives
If you want to make a home improvement investment that accomplishes all or some of those things, strongly consider having your outdated windows and doors replaced. You may also qualify for local rebates if you install replacement windows that meet certain minimum efficiency requirements.
If you want to learn more about which replacement windows and doors will be best for your home, call Procraft Windows at 206.361.5121 to request a free, no-obligation design and installation consultation.
