The average cost to replace one window is $650. Now multiply that by all the windows in your home. Home window replacement on a standard 3-bedroom home could range between $3000-$10,000!
It’s starting to sound like an expensive project to replace all your windows, isn’t it?
You might be asking yourself if it’s really necessary to replace all the windows in your home. The truth is, it might not be.
To help you figure it out, let’s look at 6 instances in which it doesn’t make sense to replace your windows.
1. Ruining the Aesthetic
Are your windows quite old? They probably are if you’re considering having them replaced. But before you do, take a close look at those windows.
Many older homes have beautiful windows that are part of the aesthetic of the home. Stained or leaded glass, decorative wooden grilles, or even the original wood frame may lend a lot to your home’s architecture.
In some cases, replacing unique, beautiful old windows with newer, cookie-cutter designs can cause the value of your home to go down. If part of the reason you are considering new windows is to boost your home’s value, you should be aware of this phenomenon.
But those windows don’t work very well anymore. That’s why you’re considering replacing them in the first place. Keep reading because we’ll be mentioning a few things you can do to upgrade your windows without replacing them.
2. Repair Rather Than Replace
Sometimes, you can have your windows repaired rather than replaced.
Weatherstripping can be an inexpensive answer to drafty windows. For windows that won’t open, it’s relatively simple to replace broken hardware or free up a sash that’s been painted shut. Even problems as serious as rot in wooden window frames or condensation between the panes of glass can be repaired in some cases.
What if you’re not sure that repairing your windows is a viable option? Simply have a professional come out and inspect your windows. They can tell you more about the state of your windows and give you an estimate for repairing them.
3. Energy Efficiency
A big concern with older windows is energy efficiency. In fact, that’s one of the biggest reasons that people choose to replace their windows. They’re thinking about all the money they’re going to save on their heating and cooling bills.
Newer windows will be more energy efficient and you may see some savings. But in all reality, it will take far too long for the savings to add up. Unlike the claims you hear, window replacements don’t pay for themselves in a few short years.
But there are plenty of other, more inexpensive ways that you can boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Indoor window treatments like drapes, blinds, and curtains are all great ways to slow heat exchange. Simply open them at night and close them against the sun in hot weather and vice versa in the winter.
Weatherstripping, caulking, and reflective window films are all excellent ways to improve your window’s energy efficiency.
It’s also important to remember that your windows aren’t the only place where your home loses heat. They are actually a small part of the surface area of your home. More efficient uses of your money might be insulating the attic or basement, or updating the siding. Click here to learn more about that option.
4. Budget Concerns
We’ve already touched on this a little. New windows won’t pay for themselves in energy savings as quickly as you might think.
You need to consider your budget when deciding to repair or replace your windows. Home window replacement isn’t cheap. Even if you would prefer to replace your windows, you may not have the budget for it.
In that case, you have to decide what you want to do. Do you want to wait until you have the funds? Or would it be a better choice to repair now with the money you have available?
5. Look at Your Investment
Another financial consideration that can help you decide is to think about your investment. Though energy savings might be less than you’d hoped, you’ll still be saving money each month and that does count for something.
New windows also tend to get a good return when you sell the home. So if you plan to sell within a few years, the return plus the energy savings for the time you live in the home could be worth it.
However, that’s not always the case. You’ll have to sit down and look at the numbers for your particular situation to decide the best financial course of action.
6. Looking at Curb Appeal
Are your windows downright ugly?
Whether you’re planning to sell or just want your home to look nicer, windows are a big part of its curb appeal. But replacing them isn’t the only way to spruce up old, ugly windows.
If the paint on the frames is peeling and chipped, that’s nothing that a fresh coat of paint can’t fix. Of course, be sure to fix any moisture problems that may have caused the paint to start peeling in the first place.
You can also take a look at your landscaping. Do you have windows that are okay but lack a bit of extra bling? Consider planting colorful flowers in window boxes to dress up the window.
Alternatively, you can create colorful flower beds below the windows and at other points in your yard to draw the eye. Take it one step further and you can even grow your own vegetables and other foods. You get a beautiful, lush yard and some fresh, healthy eats. Win-win!
Do You Really Need Home Window Replacement?
When it comes right down to it, whether or not you need home window replacement depends on your situation. These are 6 instances in which you can get away with not having to replace all your windows.
But if you really want to update your windows, nothing’s stopping you.
For more home buying and improvement advice, be sure to check out the house section of our blog.
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