Too many people put off replacing the windows in their home until they have no other choice, which can cause damage inside your home and disrupt many aspects of your daily life. One of the major reasons why window replacements are often put off until the last minute is that most people just don’t know when it’s time to replace their windows, or aren’t aware of the many signs that indicate a window being on its last legs. Here are five of the surefire signs that it’s time to upgrade those drafty old windows.

1. You feel drafts and hear whistling wind

Drafts entering your home through old windows can drastically alter the temperature inside your home, which in turn affects your comfort and often results in higher heating and cooling bills. If you can feel a breeze coming from your window even when it’s closed or if you can feel cold air coming in from your window frame, your window is in rough shape and needs to be replaced. Hearing whistling through your windows on windy days is another major sign that you need to replace your windows, signaling that a major draft exists in your window frame.

2. Higher energy bills

When your windows aren’t working to keep your home warm or cool, the furnace or air conditioning will try to make up for the constantly fluctuating temperatures. If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have increased significantly, it may be due to drafty windows in your home causing your furnace or air conditioner to run when they’re not actually needed and waste energy. Wasted energy means that you’re flushing your money down the drain. Replacement windows will help to regulate the temperature in your home, keeping it cooler in the summertime and warmer during the winter, taking the burden off your utilities.

3. Condensation appears on your windows

Condensation appearing on your windows is one of the clearest signs that your windows need to be replaced. This generally happens during the colder months when warm air from inside your home meets with the cold glass on your windows to create condensation. The moisture generated by condensation can ruin window frames and create mold on your windowsills, even opening your home up to more substantial decay in your home’s wall cavities and attic. These potential major damages alone are more than enough to warrant installing new windows in your property. If you’ve noticed condensation between window panes, it could be a sign that the seal between panes is broken or not functioning correctly, which could necessitate replacing them.

4. Damaged window frames

When exposed to excess levels of moisture for prolonged periods, even the highest quality window frames and sills will succumb to rot or damage. Mold can also grow and thrive in damp frames and sills, leading to potential health complications and unsightly staining. If your window frames are showing signs of decay or have become damaged due to mold, it’s time to replace your windows.

5. Declining window performance

Your windows should open and close smoothly and reliably – if simple window operation has become a major strain on your daily routine, or if it feels like opening and closing your windows has started to replace your workout, you might want to consider installing new ones. Proper locking mechanisms is another essential thing to check for, both for the security they provide and for the added benefit of preventing air from escaping through your windows.

The experienced team at Muskoka Window & Door Centre make replacing your windows easy through expert consultation and superior product knowledge. No matter what you’re looking for, our team will help you find the perfect replacement windows for your home or cottage. For more information about Muskoka Window & Door Centre’s high-quality line of window and door products, visit our website or contact us today.