It’s that time of year again, when homeowners flock to the lumber yards or home improvement centers, eager to start making a dent on their springtime to-do lists. And while some have minor improvements in mind, like a new bathroom vanity or a fresh coat of paint, others are contemplating more large-scale projects.
If, for example, you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your old and drafty windows, the answer may not be as open and shut as you might think. Consider the following:
- What shape are they in? Just because a window is old, doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. In some cases, windows can be repaired to provide many more years of service. But if the frames are warped, sagging, and damaged by years of abuse by the elements, it might make more financial sense to replace them.
- Are your current windows preventing you from properly maintaining them? Keeping your windows looking beautiful and in tip top shape is important. But if your wood windows need constant paint touch ups or don’t tilt in for easy cleaning, maintaining them can be quite a chore.
- Are your heating or cooling bills suffering? If you can feel your hard earned money being sucked out the window, even with storm windows or insulation film in place, it might be time to invest in double-pane replacement windows.
- Do you plan to move in the near future? Home buyers appreciate such updates, so if you’re looking to sell, you might consider investing in replacement windows beforehand. Typically, you’ll recoup about 78% of the cost come sale time. Conversely, if you’re already in your forever home and your existing windows are in bad shape, replacing them is an investment you’re sure to enjoy for years to come – both in terms of improved aesthetics and added energy savings.
Speaking of added energy savings, how well did your home air conditioning system perform last summer? If the answer is “not so hot” then, before you do anything else, contact the home comfort professionals for a pre-season cleaning and inspection, is that might be all it takes to improve its performance and energy efficiency. On the other hand, if your system is at least 15 years old already, then it’s already lost at least 40% of its original energy efficiency, which means your cooling season electricity bills are much higher than they need to be. What’s the right move for you? Contact Baylor today, and we’ll be happy to help you make that determination