3 Reasons Keeping Old Windows Is A Costly Mistake

Replacing your windows can be an excellent home upgrade, but should you bother if they seem perfectly fine? Upgrading windows that aren't damaged or broken might seem like an unnecessary expense, but there are many good reasons to consider this straightforward renovation project. Keeping your old windows may even be costing you more money than you might expect.

If you're looking for a way to improve your home's curb appeal while potentially saving you some cash over the long run, then new windows might be just what the doctor ordered. Keep reading to learn three ways that your home's old and outdated windows may be draining your wallet.

1. Excessive Utility Bills

It's not a myth: your windows have a potentially significant impact on your home's utility bills. They form a crucial part of your home's envelope, which is the conceptual barrier that separates your climate-controlled interior from the rest of the world. You can think of your home's envelope as its armor, and any vulnerabilities leave you exposed to heat and cold from the outside.

Even if you don't feel a draft, your windows may still be allowing precious heated or air-conditioned air to escape. Older ones often lack sufficient insulation to provide a high degree of energy efficiency, which can mean that your HVAC system is working much harder than necessary to maintain your desired interior temperature.

2. Costly Replacements

Replacing individual windows is usually a relatively costly process. Most installers offer labor discounts when replacing more than one window, and you may even be able to save money on the windows themselves when ordering for your entire house. Matching the other older windows on your home can also often be more expensive and troublesome than it's worth.

In the end, replacing all of your windows at once is usually much more cost-effective than replacing individual ones as they develop problems. By taking advantage of bulk installation discounts, you can reap the rewards of newer windows while avoiding costly one-by-one replacements.

3. Ongoing Maintenance

Like any other item in your home, windows require occasional maintenance and repair. The older they are, the more time and money you'll need to spend to keep them looking and working correctly. Old windows may become stuck, develop rot, or even require replacement glass panes. Cleaning and refurbishing unsightly wear on old windows can also be a significant hassle.

Spending more money to maintain windows that are already costing you money in reduced energy efficiency rarely makes sense. Instead, consider replacing your older ones before maintenance becomes a significant concern. This approach allows you to enjoy your existing windows for as long as possible and move on before they become a drain on your wallet.

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