Windows are a vital part of the home — nobody is arguing otherwise. But all too easily, we come to take our windows for granted. They, much like other utilitarian parts of a house, aren’t often checked up on or replaced. As long as they’re doing their basic function, people aren’t often worried about how their windows are working. Many don’t realize that an inefficient window can make a big difference in how much you pay in energy bills on a monthly basis. Often, the windows that are already installed before you buy a home are outdated and need to be either updated or replaced entirely. But windows, as previously mentioned, can be ignored in a way that aesthetic renovations often aren’t. However, not only are window updates necessary; they also tend to be easier to make than other updates to the home. Therefore, they should be prioritized. Below, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you might want to look for replacement windows, and why residential windows are a more important part of the home than many might think. The more informed you are, the more likely it will be that you’ll find the best windows for your specific purposes.
What’s The Typical Life Expectancy Of A Window?
When looking for replacement windows, you’ll want to know exactly how long you can expect your new windows to last. This is particularly important for home windows, which are vital to keeping a home’s ventilation regular — for that matter, they’re vital to the safety of a home as well. Often, the lasting power of a window can depend not only on its overall quality, but on the material from which the window is made. If the materials are up to par and the windows are well-maintained, they can last for up to 20 years. Aluminum windows, conversely, are often estimated to last for about 15 to 20 years on average. While aluminum windows might have a shorter lifespan, depending on your specific needs they may be a better option. Obviously, replacement windows for the home will differ from more commercial windows as well. The cost may vary too — though on average, replacing a window costs about $300 to $700 per window. The fact is that if you’re going to be making an investment like that, you want to be sure that the replacement will last.
How Can Replacing Windows Affect Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency is a major concern in this day and age, in part because we spend a lot of money on energy. People often don’t realize, however, exactly why their bills are higher one month versus the other. They just assume that it’s something they can’t fix, when in fact the issue often lies in something as simple as their windows. When you let in a draft, you create the opportunity for air to escape, thus increasing your energy bills. Drafty windows can increase your energy bills by as much as 10% to 15% — and in some cases, even more. It’s estimated that about 45% of the typical America energy bill went towards heating; that means that anything that can keep heat in your home is beneficial. Dual-paned replacement windows are particularly helpful in this respect, as they’re thicker and thus more adept at keeping heat in your home. In fact, they’re twice as effective at keeping in both heat and air conditioning as single-paned windows. Of course, you want to make sure that the window you choose is not only practically useful, but aesthetically pleasing as well.
Are Replacement Windows Worth The Investment?
There’s a reason why people often worry about getting a return on their investment — chances are, you’ll one day put your home on the market. You want to make sure that potential buyers will appreciate your investment. Luckily, studies have shown that by replacing your windows, you can often get back at least 80% of your investment. Therefore, replacement windows are more than worth it — they really pay back your investment.