Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
Generally speaking, you can expect your windows to last approximately 20-25 years if you purchase them from a reputable brand and have them installed by professionals in the field. If you keep them in good shape, they could last even longer.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
The Rule of Thumb in Years
Windows are not meant to last forever. You could buy the best brand name windows in the world and they are still going to eventually break down and need to be replaced. The fact of the matter is that the basic rule of thumb with windows is 15 to 20-years.
First look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new windows. Then review ratings on the energy performance label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to find the most efficient windows for your needs.
The glass feels cold to the touch. Does this mean my windows and/or patio doors are leaking air? When your glass feels cold to the touch, it is typically not due to leaking air. Instead, it is reflective of a difference in temperature from the outside to the inside of your home.
Poor insulation can also cause temperatures to drop inside your home. One of the most obvious signs that you have poor insulation is cold drafts coming from vents, light switches, outlets, and exterior walls. If it's properly insulated, you shouldn't be able to feel any air coming from these areas.
They Are Effective Insulators
They keep the heat in. The lower, the better. For superior energy performance, windows with a U-factor of 0.25 or less are ideal. So once your home reaches the desired temperature, new windows will help maintain the temperature, helping to keep your home warmer.
Triple pane windows can be up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a single pane window, and up to 20 percent more efficient than a double pane. If you live in an extremely cold climate, double and triple pane windows can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills.
Energy Star-certified replacement windows are the most energy efficient windows available. Each Energy Star certified window is nearly twice as energy efficient as an average replacement window.
Yes! Replacing the windows in your home is a good investment, and offers a strong return for what you spend. In fact, it's one of the most valuable home improvements you can make.
Timeline. Replacing one window takes around forty to sixty minutes. The typical timeline for window replacement takes around four to seven weeks after the windows are ordered. Most companies can install between ten to fifteen windows per day in your home.
According to homeadvisor.com, double-pane windows can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in the winter months and up to 18 percent during the summer. It's important to keep in mind that to see energy-saving results, you must replace all old and failing windows in your home; not just one.
Vinyl windows aren't as durable as wood windows, but they can last over 20 years. A quality vinyl window will also save you money on energy bills because the insulation in the frame of the window itself is energy efficient. Additionally, vinyl windows require no maintenance because they never need painting or scraping.
Casement windows are considered better than double-hung windows at keeping out drafts since the window seal is generally quite tight. Casement windows are good when you want to "scoop" cooling outside air into the house.
While argon gas fills don't expand or contract, the glass it fills does. Once the glass expands, however, the seals that contain the gas between the panes are broken, allowing the argon gas to leak out. In fact, it even leaks from the window even when the seals are intact; the leakage rate is 1% per year.
When your windows are filled with Argon, there is a slightly higher efficiency rating of the window. Because Argon is more dense than air, it does a better job of insulating your home than a regular double pane window.
Currently, there are manufacturers out there who make quadruple-glazed or “quad-glazed windows.” However, they are not common in all areas of the world. In fact, in Canada, these types of insulated glass or multi-pane glass windows are not very easy to find.
Can windows be replaced in the winter? Yes, winter weather will not prevent you from having new replacement windows installed in your home. Extra precautions will be taken to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable during the install.
In the summer, large surface areas of glass increase the home's solar gain, and make it naturally warmer. Modern windows are also fitted with double glazing and energy-efficient frames so that, in the winter, heat is not lost through the glass.