If you drag your feet on getting replacement windows, you could pay the price big time.
Windows are among the components in a house that homeowners tend to take for granted.
Buying quality windows and maintaining them means they may last for 10, 15, or 20 years. But no matter how well you care for them, there will come a day when they should be replaced.
Some homeowners have no difficulty seeing the telltale signs that windows have reached the end of their lifecycle. They may still, however, drag their feet and dilly-dally.
But consider five expenses, some of which might not be obvious, that you’ll possibly face by delaying window replacement.
Higher Energy Bills
If you’re holding off on changing old windows because of the expense, consider the potential for higher energy bills. Windows that are worse for the wear might have insufficient insulation, which means it’ll be harder to maintain the interior temperature you want.
And if that’s the case, your HVAC will work harder than it should to maintain the desired temperature. That’s especially true if you have a home with older single-pane windows.
Windows today come with two or even three panes of glass for optimal energy efficiency.
If your home still has a single pane of glass for the windows, you’ll pay a premium on your energy bill.
Water Damage
Another way that failing to replace older windows will cost you is water damage. If you have older windows that should be replaced, you might experience drafts that signify water is seeping in.
But here’s the thing. If air is seeping around the window, water can also get in. And if water gets in and the problem isn’t addressed right away, you might have expensive water damage on your hands. Mold growth can present a serious health concern, and structural damage is also possible.
It’s cheaper to replace windows when it’s time rather than drag your feet and deal with the consequences of water damage.
Lower Property Value
New windows can increase property value, but older ones that are in a state of disrepair can reduce the worth of your residence. Whether you plan to sell sometime soon or have no such intentions, who doesn’t want to boost the valuation of their residence? Most people list their homes as their biggest single investment, so it makes sense to build home value. One way to see some of that value decline is if the windows are in poor shape.
Pest Infestations
Yet another way you might pay dearly if you don’t get replacement windows on time is pest infestations. If the windows have cracks or gaps in the frames, that may be all the space that pets need to gain access to the inside of your home. In addition to causing chaos in your residence, pets can present health and safety concerns.
Paying a professional pest control company to fix the problem might cost you an arm and a leg. And that cost will be on top of the expense of replacing defective windows that contributed to the pest infestation.
Security Risks
Windows that are damaged can increase your risk of home invasions. If the windows barely close, the locking mechanisms are broken, or the glass is broken, that may be all a criminal needs to seize the opportunity to break into your home. That will present a risk to your family and possessions.
If you add up the possible costs of not replacing windows on time, you’ll see that dragging your feet on the matter isn’t worth it.
When the time comes to replace your windows, finding the right replacement window retailer is essential. You need a selection of quality windows, expert installation, and great customer service throughout the process.
