Drafty, worn out, spent and dated windows can reduce the value and energy efficiency of a home. Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons of replacing windows or shelling out the money for repairs. While repairs may cost less initially, it isn’t usually the right choice if the windows aren’t energy efficient, or are old and worn out. As windows begin to show signs of wear, it’s best to scrap the existing windows and make an investment in new windows that provide better insulation, improve lighting conditions and give a home an upgraded look.

Windows With Rotting Wood

When wood begins to rot, it spells disaster for the energy efficiency of a home. Any number of components can begin to rot including the frames, sashes and muntins. When these begin to rot, water and air can leak into the home and create mold and other unpleasantness. The causes of rot can be due to the environment, improper priming or painting, insufficient seasoning or even an improperly directed sprinkler. If the rot is minor, epoxy can provide a temporary solution. Otherwise, it makes more sense to get replacement windows installed since it will cost as much as an extensive repair.

When the Seals Break

If the seals on the window panes break, it’s going to cost more to repair than replace the windows. Homeowners can identify broken seals from the foggy condensation and streaks that appear between double- and triple-paned windows. These blown windows usually make it impractical to save the pane. Defogging the glass and repairing the pain often costs more than investing in new replacement windows. Homeowners that attempt to repair blown seals often find they are unhappy with the results, and eventually opt to replace the panes at even greater expense.

Windows With an Attitude

When windows get old and cranky, it may be time to consider window replacement. As windows age, they may become difficult to open or won’t open smoothly. This is usually the result of sashes that have been painted shut, dirt and grime that gets embedded in the tracks or hardware that has failed. In many cases, it might make sense to repair the windows, but if the parts are difficult to find or the windows no longer form a complete seal, it makes the most sense to replace your windows. Dealing with impossible to locate parts is more trouble than it’s worth, and the next time the windows break they will likely need to be replaced anyway. If the windows were installed before 1978, there is a good chance that they contain toxic lead. In these cases, hire a professional to complete the installation.

Reducing the Drafts

Many home experts argue that it costs more to replace windows than it does to seal gaps, replace weather stripping and repair rotting wood. While sealing the gaps in your home is certainly a good way to reduce energy bills, replacing the windows also provides a noticeable savings on energy bills. On average, replacing drafty windows can save a homeowner 7 to 15 percent on energy bills. Additionally, sometimes the existing windows simply don’t provide the right type of lighting for a particular room. In these cases, replacing windows makes the most sense from both an aesthetic and practical energy saving standpoint. Energy efficient windows can reduce the amount of time an HVAC system runs, and this can drastically cut the cost of your energy bills over the course of a year.

Increased Home Value

Installing replacement windows is one of the most beneficial home improvement projects to boost the value of a home. For homeowners that don’t plan on selling a home, installing new windows can help them secure a better rate on a mortgage. The average return investment of replacing windows can be as high as 80 percent. Installing new windows is both a smart, and efficient method to increase a home’s value while making the home more energy efficient and comfortable.

Decreasing Outside Noise

Most of the noise that enters a home comes in through the windows. Try boarding up the windows for a day and notice how much the outside noise fades into the background. For homes that fall on busy streets, installing soundproof windows can provide additional peace of mind and privacy. What happens inside the home won’t as easily leach out onto the street, and the noise of neighbors won’t as easily affect the serenity of the interior. Soundproofed windows can reduce noise by up to 95 percent. Dual pane windows provide some natural buffer against noise, but true soundproofed windows offer the best option for a truly quiet experience.

The decision to replace the windows in a home boils down to what a family needs, and how much they are willing to invest upfront. Choosing new windows for a home offers the chance to re-invigorate an aging home, reduce energy, increase privacy and make a home a true sanctuary from the outside world.