Is residential window replacement worth the investment in your McKinney home? Although sticker shock may discourage you, the long-term benefits of new windows will make you change your mind. Older windows tend to be less energy efficient than modern ones. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss through windows and doors can account for 25%–30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy use. As a result, you’re probably seeing much higher bills and experiencing a less comfortable living environment. If you want to enjoy financial savings, improved security, noise reduction, and a modern aesthetic, you should consider replacing those relics of the past with new ones.
Why Do You Need to Replace 20-Year-Old Windows?
As with appliances, electronics, and other items in your home, there comes a time when you will have to replace them. The adage, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” doesn’t apply to windows. Even if your windows aren’t cracked or missing window panes, they may still be costing you money. Windows aren’t just an aesthetic part of the home that allows you to observe the outdoors or let in natural light. They are a critical component in ensuring comfort in warmer and colder months. As such, they need to be able to keep the internal temperature of your home stable so that you won’t have to spend more than you have to in order to heat or cool your home. If you’ve had the windows on your home for 20 years or longer, they are probably no longer visually pleasing, functional, or energy-efficient.
What Happens To Window Seals And Frames After Two Decades?
As windows age, window seals and frames will start to deteriorate. Window seals insulate your home, keeping air, dirt, and moisture out and allowing the indoor temperature to remain comfortable. They also help protect you from pests entering your space, mold growth, and pollen from invading your home. When seals are compromised from wear and tear, they don’t provide the protection that they once did in the house. Here is what may happen as a result of deteriorating seals over the course of 20 years.
Gas Leak
Windows have insulating gas, such as argon or krypton, within them that may leak out slowly as they age, allowing regular air to get trapped inside. This loss of gas may not only affect the energy efficiency of your home but may also start to build up mold on the inside of the panes.
Condensation and Fogging
As windows age and gas leaks from them, condensation will start to build up within them. This condensation is what forms mold between window panes. As condensation occurs, especially during frigid or hot seasons, the mold growth will eventually affect window visibility. It may also start to affect the respiratory health of inhabitants.
General Wear and Tear
Besides the seals being compromised, the frames of windows will also start to deteriorate. Wood frames will rot and warp. Vinyl windows will dry out, becoming brittle and chalky from continuous sun and UV exposure. Aluminum frames will corrode over time.
Whether you’re dealing with broken windows, deteriorating seals, or outdated single pane windows, upgrading to fiberglass windows or modern pane windows with better insulation and glass options can lead to significant energy savings, improve your home’s exterior, reduce cooling costs, and increase your home value.
How Do Windows From The Early 2000s Compare To Today’s Technology?
If your windows are approaching 20 years old, it’s time to start considering replacement. Why? Because windows of yesteryear aren’t as energy-efficient as contemporary ones. Windows made in the late 1990s and early 2000s had simple air fills within double-pane glass. Today’s glass may have Low E with triple layers of protection from the elements, especially UV rays. Low-E glass has superior thermal performance, which drastically improves energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling bills.
Another critical difference between windows of today and the early 2000s is that today’s windows have more frame material options. In addition to wood and vinyl frames, which were all the rage 20 years ago, there are also fiberglass and composite options available. Window seals have also improved, preventing condensation from seeping into the window panes and forming mold within them.
How Do You Know When Your Windows Actually Need Replacement?
Just because your windows are reaching their 20th anniversary doesn’t mean you’ll know that it’s time to replace them. What if you purchased your home, but haven’t lived in your home the entire 20 years, and don’t know when the previous owners installed the windows? You probably won’t know precisely when it’s time to replace your windows, but there are telltale signs that will let you know you need replacement windows. The biggest giveaway is that they will appear to need replacement windows. There will be visible rot, decay, chipping, or other signs that your windows need an upgrade. Another sign is that they will become increasingly more challenging to open and close. If the sounds of suburbia are keeping you up at night, whether it’s you’re neighbors arguing or the sound of passing traffic, you’ll need replacement. Unfortunately, these signs may not be as apparent as two much more important ones. Let’s take a closer look at two more significant signs you need to get new windows.
What Does Fogging Between Glass Panes Really Mean For Your Wallet?
Another sure-fire sign that you need new windows is if the view from them is no longer pleasant. Besides providing comfort, windows are meant to be a means of enjoying the views of the outdoors. Whether you have double-hung windows or picture windows, being able to see through your windows clearly is a pleasurable experience. Older windows will have a haze within them that blocks your view, making it difficult to enjoy peering out your windows. Failure to see out your windows clearly isn’t the only problem resulting from foggy glass panes. Cloudy panes also mean that your windows are losing insulation, making them less energy efficient.
Why Are Drafts And High Energy Bills The Biggest Red Flags?
Cloudy windows aren’t only an aesthetic distraction. They could indicate that your windows are susceptible to drafts, which means your home is leaking energy. One of the most significant signs that you’re windows aren’t providing the comfort they should is high energy bills. Another sign is that there are drafts present. Much cooler temperatures near your windows could mean that your home is losing a significant amount of heat during colder months. This heat loss may cause your furnace to work overtime, significantly increasing your energy bills in winter. According to Energy Star, energy-efficient windows reduce heat exchange and air leaks, which reduces your reliance on your HVAC system.
What Are You Really Getting With Modern Window Replacement?
Modern window replacement is more than just a way to make your home more attractive. Although window replacement may improve your home’s curb appeal and increase the resale value, there’s more value in replacing windows. They will improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce the UV penetration, which may discolor floors, enhance comfort levels, and provide a much better sound barrier.
How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Actually Save On Utility Bills?
One of the most significant reasons you should get window replacement is that it will help reduce the cost of utility bills. However, you may be wondering if it is worth it. Let’s take a look at how much you may actually save on utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical homeowner spends about $2000 on energy. Up to $400 is potentially wasted on a lack of energy efficiency from a variety of sources in the home, with poor windows being part of the problem. Window replacement can cost, on average, between $1,000 and $2,200 per window. The cost of window replacement for an entire home can vary wildly, depending on many factors, such as brand type, the number of windows, and the materials used. These additional factors may drive costs up several thousand dollars. Homeowners could see a return on investment from lower annual utility bills over the lifetime of the windows and when they sell their home.
Why Does Professional Installation Matter More Than The Window Brand?
If you’re thinking about getting new windows, it is ideal to stick with the professionals. Even the best window brands won’t be effective if they are installed improperly. Relying on a professional installation ensures your home’s protection from air leaks and water damage. Additionally, hiring a professional installer will ensure that a manufacturer’s warranty remains valid, as many window manufacturers void warranties if amateurs install windows.
How Do You Choose Window Replacement Services in McKinney?
When it’s time to upgrade your windows, you’ll want to work with one of the most reputable companies in the local area. So, how do you choose the right window installer in McKinney? One of the most tried-and-true methods is properly vetting window replacement companies. Choose several options and check their history and reputation in the business. Also, check their online presence using review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and other similar sites. After reviewing several options, narrow down your choices by product quality, proper licensing or certification and insurance, skill level, and price.
What Questions Separate Real Window Specialists From General Contractors?
As you vet window installation companies, you’ll want to ensure that you’re dealing with those who specialize in windows. While general contractors can perform installation, they are typically a jack-of-all-trades who may not focus specifically on windows. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask to ensure you’re dealing with a quality window specialist:
- Can you describe your entire window installation process, from start to finish?
- What specific window materials and efficiency ratings would you recommend for my climate?
- Can you provide me with a quote that breaks down the details of material costs, labor, and disposal?
- How much of your business is dedicated to window installation versus other types of renovation?
- Do you offer an additional warranty along with the manufacturer’s warranty?
What Are The Red Flags That You’re Dealing With A Pushy Sales Company?
Another way to ensure you’re working with a quality window installation company instead of pushy salespeople is how they respond to your inquiries. Here are dead giveaways that the company may not have your best interests in mind.
- They don’t want to take the time to answer your questions.
- The team member pressures you to “act now” or else you’ll lose out on a discount.
- They will continue to pressure you to purchase without allowing you to make an informed decision.
- The team member will quote an extremely high price, followed by an unsubstantiated price drop.
If you experience this type of high-pressure sales tactics or anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable, consider marking this company off your list.
What Should You Expect From Your McKinney Window Replacement Project?
Woodruff Windows is family-owned and operated and has proudly served McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and Prosper for over 40 years. You can expect that your window replacement project will be completed in a timely manner and within the quoted price. One of our representatives will assess your current windows, discuss your goals, and provide you with an accurate, detailed quote. Upon receiving your deposit, we will fabricate your windows to exact specifications and schedule an installation date. When your windows are ready and installation day arrives, we will prepare the work area, carefully remove old windows, install new ones, and perform a final installation and cleanup.
What Do Realistic Timelines And Pricing Actually Look Like?
Each home is unique and will require different timelines. Our installation process isn’t about installation day itself. It is a comprehensive process that begins with a consultation, which typically lasts one to two hours. During this time, a representative inspects your current windows, takes measurements, and discusses your goals. The next and most critical part of the process involves ordering your fabricated windows, which may take six to eight weeks to build and ship.
Once the windows arrive, the installation process begins, which may take one to three days depending on the number of windows, the type of windows, and the complexity of the installation. Pricing is a much more intricate process that will be discussed during the initial consultation. Many factors go into properly pricing a window installation, including window brand, window type, frame material, coating types, number of windows, and complexity of the installation. Pricing is handled on a case-by-case basis, and our quotes are close to final pricing.
How Do You Prepare For Installation Without The Usual Horror Stories?
You may have heard about plenty of window installation nightmares, such as improper sizing, bait and switching top-rated brands for lower quality, damaged windows, and MIA contractors. You can count on Woodruff Windows to show up on time to install quality products and provide expert installations. We offer Pella Impervia windows and several other Energy Star efficient windows. With a track record for installing over 10,000 windows in North Texas, we guarantee customer satisfaction by providing a fast, clean, and stress-free installation, leaving McKinney residents with nothing but beautiful new windows to enjoy.
If you’re ready to replace your windows in your McKinney home, our English-speaking experts are prepared to provide you with a free consultation. Call today to learn more about our window replacement services in McKinney and the surrounding areas.