If you live in an older home or have neglected to maintain your windows over the years, it might be time for window replacement. High-performance window products are an extremely important component of your home construction, and run-down, deteriorating windows can be detrimental to your home’s performance and overall value in many ways. 

From reduced indoor comfort to rising energy bills, there are signs to look out for that will tell you when window replacement is needed. At Sandia Sunroom and Windows, we’re here to help you learn what those signs are—to know when it’s time to call for help from a trusted window company like ours. 

Here are some of the most obvious signs to look out for when inspecting your home’s windows. If you notice any of these, know that finding a reputable Albuquerque window company to replace them with energy-efficient upgrades will improve your indoor living environment—and add serious value to your home investment. 

Drafty Windows

One of the most common ways to tell whether your windows need replacement is with a flame or smoke test. On a windy day, light a match, a candle, or a stick of incense and hold it next to your window frames—concentrating on the corners. If the flame or the smoke waver and move about, it’s the sign of a draft and poorly insulated windows. 

Another way to spot holes in your windows is to shine a flashlight at the frames in the dark. You may be able to notice cracks around the panels if light streams through them. These holes will need to be patched or repaired to prevent further damage and energy loss. If they’re beyond repair, a replacement will be in order. 

Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve paid attention to your energy bills and have noticed that they’re getting more expensive, poorly performing windows could be the cause. This will be more noticeable in the winter and over the summer when your heating and cooling system is working overtime to compensate for energy loss.

If this is the case, replacing bad windows with low-emissivity glass products will cause a noticeable decrease in your utility bill costs. The amount you save will greatly depend on your home size, the condition of your existing windows, and other factors, but savings typically range from 10-20%.

Windows That Are Stuck or Difficult to Move

One important use of your windows is ventilation. Getting rid of old, stagnant air in your home improves the air quality circulating inside your home. Opening and closing your windows can also be important in emergency situations and for securing your home from threats, or for simply for giving your A/C system a break over the summer.

For this reason, your windows should glide open or closed without any difficulty. Whether they’re painted shut and hard to move, or swollen in size due to water damage, it’s important that your windows function are operating at peak performance at all times. If they aren’t, have a window company come to inspect the faulty products and offer solutions for repairs or replacements.

Leaking Windows

One of the more obvious and troubling signs on the list is leaking windows. If you’ve noticed puddles of water on the floor by the windows during rainy weather or condensation trapped inside your window panels, there are leaks that will need to be addressed. Water exposure can be incredibly damaging to glass, wood frames, and your home interior. 

In addition, water moisture can sit inside your window frames and cause mold growth. Mold and mildew can cause serious problems that affect the health of your family, so check for signs of leaking windows or mold growing in spots on the walls or on your windows to determine whether they’re in need of a quick replacement.

The Street Noise is Louder Than Ever

Have you noticed that the neighborhood’s getting louder and louder? While new, noisy neighbors could be the problem, it could be a sign of deteriorating window products. New, high-quality windows offer exceptional soundproofing performance, with double, triple, or even quadruple-pane glass features that block out noise. If you’re dreaming of a quieter, more peaceful indoor living environment, consider replacing your current products with new ones.

Beautiful, Energy-Efficient Window Replacement in New Mexico

Sandia Sunrooms and Windows is a top-rated Albuquerque window company with over 20 years of excellence in the home remodeling industry. With an A+ rating from the BBB, we’ve earned a reputation for providing exceptional home remodeling results at affordable, no-regret prices. 

If you’d like to learn more information about our energy-efficient window products and affordable window replacement services, give our team a call today. You can also request a free, in-home price quote and design consultation from one of our expert window contractors by filling out our online form.