Is It Worth the Investment to Replace Your Home Windows?

Your home’s windows are crucial to your indoor space’s comfort and air quality. Over time, however, they can become worn and inefficient. If your home has older windows, you may wonder whether replacing windows at home is worth the investment.

Let’s take a closer look at window replacement and whether it’s worth the cost to replace windows at home.

Is It Worth It to Replace Windows at Home?

Generally, it is worth it to replace windows if your windows are old and inefficient. Experts say replacement windows can offer an average 68% return on investment. Replacement can provide many benefits that go beyond energy savings, including:

Improved Comfort

Installing new windows can improve the comfort of your home – sometimes significantly. For example, drafty windows often indicate that the window’s seal is damaged or worn. Replacing your old windows can help eliminate drafts, allowing your home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Improved comfort goes beyond your home’s energy efficiency. Old windows have a lower noise insulation level than new, modern ones. As a result, outdoor noises, like car horns and dogs barking, can disturb your home’s peace and comfort.

Installing new windows can help reduce sound transfer so you enjoy a quieter and more relaxed living space. Suppose you live on a busy street or in a noisy neighborhood. In that case, you can opt for windows with an even higher noise reduction level for added comfort.

Energy Efficiency

If you have old or inefficient windows, replacing them can reduce your energy costs significantly. Installing new, energy-efficient windows can reduce solar heat gain in the summer and keep warm air inside your home in the winter.

Energy-efficient windows help regulate your home’s inside temperature, saving you money on your heating and cooling bills every month.

While the exact savings may vary, the EPA states that:

• 30% of a home’s heating escapes through the windows
• Improving efficiency with storm windows or Low-E coatings can improve window performance

If your windows are drafty and your energy bills keep climbing, then now is the best time to replace windows in your home.

Aesthetics

Another added benefit of replacement windows is that they improve your home’s appearance inside and out.

Windows that are foggy, cracked, or peeling won’t add to your home’s curb appeal. Replacing your old windows will instantly and dramatically transform your house and may even allow in more natural light.

Today, you have so many options when it comes to window colors and styles. Whether you prefer modern or traditional, you will surely find replacement windows you love.

Maintenance

Even if they were once top-of-the-line, old windows are no match for modern windows. Newer windows are designed to be more energy efficient, making them a solid investment whether you plan to reside in the home long-term or if you plan to sell your home.

Not sure when to install replacement windows?

A few signs that it’s time to replace your home windows are:

• Maintaining your windows is becoming costlier with each passing you
• Repair frequency is increasing
• Energy bills are soaring, but your usage patterns remain the same
• Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the home is becoming more challenging

Modern windows are designed to be low-maintenance and hassle-free. You can install new windows and save time and money each year of ownership due to few repairs and maintenance being required. If you’re wondering if it’s time for replacement, look for these warning signs that it’s time to replace your home’s windows.

However, this is just part of the whole equation.

As discussed previously, older windows are less efficient than newer models of a similar style. A staggering 30% of your heating energy can escape through your windows. Starting with your windows is a wise choice if you want to improve your home’s resale value while combating rising energy costs.

Resale Value

Window replacements do have a financial benefit to the homeowner. When you go to sell your home, the perk of updated, efficient windows is a selling point that will increase the home’s resale value.

Keeping energy costs low while you live in the home is another benefit.

As mentioned earlier, you can expect a 68% resale value when you go to sell the home. What does this mean? Let’s assume you pay $10,000 to replace all of your windows with highly efficient vinyl windows.

In this case, you can sell your home for $6,800 more because of the windows you installed.

Not sure when to replace windows? Ideally, you’ll replace them a few years before you sell the home. Why? You’ll benefit from lower energy costs during home ownership. When you resell the house, you can sell it for more money, thanks to the windows you install.

Why Vinyl Windows are the Best Option

What replacement windows are best? Vinyl. Many homeowners are choosing vinyl windows because they are:

• 20% less expensive than wood windows
• Low-maintenance and do not need sealing or painting

When you sell your home, vinyl windows also have a higher resale value, meaning you’ll recuperate your money.

Aluminum windows are strong, but they’re also thin. They do mimic a traditional, wooden framed window like vinyl does. If the window becomes chipped or damaged, it is far less noticeable on vinyl than aluminum.

Compared to vinyl, aluminum cannot match the same level of energy efficiency, leading to higher energy costs for homeowners.

With many manufacturers to choose from, there will surely be vinyl windows that match your home’s window size and style.

Conclusion

Is it worth it to replace windows at home? In most cases, it is worth the investment. However, the value of a replacement depends on your goals and circumstances. If your windows are newer, they may not require replacement.

The only way to know what replacement windows are best for your home is to speak to a professional home improvement contractor.

A window contractor will be able to assess your current windows and discuss the costs associated with your window placement and the benefits that you can expect by replacing your windows.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment to replace your home’s windows, call or email Metropolitan High Performance Windows today to speak to an expert in window replacement or to schedule your free in-home consultation.