Are Replacement Windows Worth it?

Published on Friday February 1, 2019

Are replacement windows worth it?

Let’s face it — doing a full window replacement for your home can seem daunting and overwhelming. Choosing frames and glass (which can then be impacted by your local climate) and scheduling a time for professionals to come do the installation can leave some people wondering if replacement windows are worth it.

From saving money to saving peace of mind, replacing your windows offers a lot of potential benefits for you and your home. Four major benefits of replacement windows are:

Energy Efficiency
Resale Value
Comfort
Security

When wind and water seep through your windows and half of your energy bill goes straight through the glass, it’s time to call the professionals. Fogged glass, condensation, and warping or rotting wood are sure signs that your windows are on their way out.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of replacement windows.

4 Benefits Of Replacement Windows

Energy Efficiency

The most popular reason most homebuyers replace their windows is to cut down on monthly energy bills that are much higher than they should be, thanks to single-pane windows. These older windows, even when they’re in perfect working condition, let air escape and aren’t designed to stop the incoming UV rays that heat up your home.

Depending on your climate and the condition of your house, Energystar.gov estimates that switching from single pane windows can save you upwards of $500 annually on your electric bill.

According to the US Department of Energy, bad windows can be attributed to 25%-30% of residual heat gain and heat loss, making your home harder to heat in the winter and harder to cool in the summer. By holding off on replacement windows, you’re essentially throwing 30% of your electricity bill out of your poorly functioning window.

With Long Windows, you can trap and keep the air inside your home, so your winters are warmer and summers are cooler. Our window technology blocks 99.7% of UV rays while insulating with the same strength as a wall.

Resale Value

Benefits of new windows.

In this day and age, many homebuyers are looking for homes that are energy (and cost) efficient. Upgraded replacement windows that can help prospective buyers save money are a huge selling point when surveying the housing market.

In fact, Remodeling Magazine says that homeowners who upgrade their windows will recoup upwards of 74% of their investment — that’s one of the highest home improvement ROIs you can get! Meanwhile, adding on a back patio may seem like a good idea, but will only get you 47% of your investment back.

Even if you plan on moving out and recouping that 74% soon, replacing your windows before you put your home on the market can help prevent any issues that may come up during a home inspection.

Afraid some of your windows aren’t quite up to code or may be a bit rotted? You’ll probably be better off just replacing your windows now rather than deal with a headache later.

Read: What you should look for in a window replacement contractor

Comfort

While the energy savings and resale value may feel like they take a while to pay off, you can instantly feel the difference with replacement windows when it comes to the comfort level in your home. With windows that actually do their job, drafts will decrease, your home’s temperature will be easier to regulate, and you’ll feel more protected from the elements outside.

By adding better-looking, better-functioning windows, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal right away — no need to wait for the resale to start appreciating your home.

Plus, Long Windows enhance that natural light entering your home while reducing condensation, giving your rooms the maximum amount of natural light. Experienced home buyers understand the importance of natural light in homes, as it can help you focus, reduce stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and much more — including adding to your resale value.

Security

Are new windows worth it?

Having a draft-free house isn’t the only kind of comfort that replacement windows can bring. Older windows can be easy to break into, allowing intruders to take advantage of easy access points into your home.

Modern windows offer double-strength glass and recessed steel locks, making it much harder for intruders to access your home through your windows. At Long, our replacement windows come standard with Stealth Lock Technology, so you can relax knowing your home is protected by some of the safest windows on the market.

Many newer windows also have advanced film technology, so if a baseball somehow goes sailing through your window, your window won’t break into large, dangerous shards.

Ready for replacement windows?

As the East Coast’s window replacement and window installation experts, we know windows inside and out. Contact Long Windows online to request an estimate to get started on improving your home with new Long windows.