What Cost Savings Can You Expect from Replacing Your Windows?

Replacing your windows not only improves the appearance of your home, but has some significant cost-saving advantages on your house expenditure. New, improved, and energy-efficient windows hugely lower energy bills . These windows also increase your home’s value in addition to revamping security and comfort.

Cost-Saving Advantages of Window Replacement

Lower energy bills

Old and deteriorating windows can let heat escape or enter your home, which will make your HVAC system work harder. With newer and more energy-efficient replacement windows, draftiness is minimized, and you can enjoy cooler summers and warmer winters without using as much electricity or gas.

Many new windows also include technology such as low-emissivity glass coatings that can block up to 95 percent of solar heat gain (the amount of solar radiation allowed inside your home) in the summer months. New windows can save you hundreds of dollars on your yearly utility bills by eliminating drafts and reducing heating and cooling costs.

When looking to improve the energy regulation effectiveness of your house, vinyl windows are a much better choice than aluminum or most of the materials out there. In addition, look out for top performance ENERGY STAR® verified windows as they are much more effective. In general, an energy effective window should have:

• Good air tightness
• Low-emissivity glass
• Warm-edge spacer bars
• Multiple glazing (double, triple, or quadruple)
• Insulated sashes and frames
• An inert gas, e.g., Argon in the sealed unit

Return on investment

In addition to saving money on energy bills, replacing your windows can increase the value of your home. Old worn-out windows make a house look dilapidated — depreciating its value. New modern windows embellish the house's appearance, thus attracting a higher sale value. Window replacement projects have one of the highest ROI percentages , among the variety of home improvement projects a homeowner could undertake, estimated to be at 80%.

Security and safety

Old windows are ineffective in energy regulation and emergency or forced entry events. As the locks, latches, and hinges deteriorate, they become weaker and less functional. They can pose a significant compromise to safety in an emergency or an intrusion.

New modern windows have more advanced security and safety features like strengthened frames, innovatively placed durable hinges, and locks. They also have a safety glass as a stepped-up safety measure.

Low maintenance

New windows require much less maintenance than older ones, saving you time and money in upkeep costs.

For example, Vinyl frames require little upkeep compared with wood frames, which must be painted or stained regularly. More so, aluminum frames are durable but conduct heat and cold, which can be an issue in certain climates. Similarly, fibreglass frames are more robust than vinyl and won't warp or rot.

What is the average cost of window replacement?

The average window replacement cost lies somewhere between $350 to $2,000 per window, with the material used to make the window contributing significantly to the difference. Aluminum windows are way cheaper than fibreglass, with vinyl windows coming in as a more cost-modest option. Vinyl windows are, however, the most preferred, given their energy efficiency and durability, in addition to their affordability.

Another key contributor to the price difference in windows is the number of panes used to make the window. Double-pane windows are a more common option as they can cancel out most of the noise from outside. They are way more effective in energy regulation than the outdated single panes. Triple-pane windows push these capabilities some clicks higher and come at a higher cost.

When deciding on whether to go for double or triple-pane windows , consider your area's noise level and climate. Triple pane windows are a better choice for cold and noisy environments, while double panes are a much better choice for milder, less-noisy areas.

Windows cost Canada

How to Decide if Replacement is Right for You

Here are some of the conditions that could call for window replacement:

You Can Feel Drafts

Drafty windows could be caused by air seeping through cracks in your windowsill or framing, which will negatively impact your home's energy efficiency. This is a sure-fire sign that you might need replacement windows.

Water Damage

If you've noticed water damage around your windows or on the walls inside, it's probably caused by rotting window frames that have allowed moisture into your cottage.

Built-up moisture damage can also cause more severe decay down the road, causing severe safety issues. If you notice any type of rot on your window frames, this is a sign that it's time for a replacement.

Leaky windows

Windows that don't fit properly in their frame can easily leak air into or out of your home. This can affect the temperature inside and increase your energy bills. A leaky window may simply need to be re-caulked or re-glazed, but if it's been more than ten years since the last time this was done, it could be time for new units.

Poor window operation

Windows that don't operate properly or are difficult to open and close can result from several issues, including the buildup of paint on the sash (the part of a window that holds the glass in place) and frame. This makes it difficult for windows to slide open and closed, which can cause them to become stuck or break completely. Analyze the cause of the operation glitch, and if it seems complicated to rectify, then it's time to replace the entire window.

Excessive Condensation

When you see condensation between two panes of glass on an insulated window, it means the seal has failed. Though not all insulated glass fails at once in a window with multiple panes of glass, it is time for new windows when this happens. This type of failure may be repairable and will worsen over time.

Canadian Choice Windows and Doors can help you determine the most suitable windows for your home. A team of dedicated home designers and project managers assess your hose by considering the overall aesthetic, dimensions, and lighting to pick the ideal windows for your room.