Home 101: When To Replace Your Windows (And How Much It'll Cost)

If a window is broken, it obviously needs to be repaired or replaced. But shattered glass isn't the only reason to pay those panes attention! In fact, most homeowners should upgrade their windows long before they crack or break.

Whether you're replacing existing windows with more energy-efficient ones, upgrading to double-paned windows or installing storm windows, you will benefit both in the long and short term. Your house will look better and feel more comfortable — and you’ll see a decrease in your energy bills.

Knowing when to work on your windows and which option is best can be confusing, but not to worry: We've got a clear look into your window upgrade options and what can you can expect to pay for them.

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Why You Should Replace Your Windows

Looks: If your existing windows are warped, discolored or visibly cracking, replacing them will instantly improve your home's curb appeal. Installing bigger windows or a different style of window can also make your home more aesthetically pleasing from the outside and the inside.

Functionality: If your home has hot spots in the summer or cool pockets in the winter and they happen to be near a window, there's a good chance it’s because of air leakage. When warm or cool air escapes, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. As a result, you'll see an increase in your energy bills.

Financial Savings: If you have old, single-paned or misaligned windows, replacing them with properly fitting, energy-efficient panes can save you an average of 25 percent on your energy bills.

Energy Efficient Replacement Options

Most older windows are made with a single layer of glass, but the most popular replacement windows are made with two. According to Steve Poitz, a member of the Canadian Window Standards Subcommittee and an engineer who specializes in energy-efficient windows, a clear glass, double-paned vinyl or wood-framed window can reduce energy usage up to 18 percent in the summer and up to 24 percent in the winter compared to single pane models.

Window Ratings

There are several window ratings that help professionals and consumers quantify the energy efficiency of a window. The most common ratings for windows are:

• U-Factor — The National Fenestration Rations Council (NFRC) developed a rating system based on the U-factor, which is a measurement of the heat loss that occurs through a window. Most windows have a U-factor that's between 1.3 and .2. And the lower the number, the better.
• Air Leakage — This rating measures how much outside air will flow in through your window. It's typically a number between .1 and .3. And the lower the number, the better.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient — This rating measures the window's heat gain during the summer months. Most windows have a solar heat gain coefficient between 0 and 1. And again, the lower the number, the better.
• Condensation Resistance — This rating measures the window's ability to resist the formation of condensation. In this case, the higher the number, the better.
• Visible Transmittance — VT measures the amount of light that's allowed to filter in through your window. The higher the number, the more daylight you can expect in your home.

Better models of energy-efficient windows will likely cost more upfront, but homeowners will see bigger long-term savings with them. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, replacing a window costs an average of $300 to $700. The type of window, whether it's going into an existing frame or it's new construction, and the quality of the materials accounts for variations in cost.

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Storm Windows

Storm windows protect your home from the elements and increase your existing windows' energy efficiency. They're typically made of twin glass, acrylic or Plexiglass panels and can be installed to fit over your home's existing interior or exterior windows.

Low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows offer some of the greatest benefits. They have a thin metal coating that reflects infrared heat, which helps to lower cooling and heating expenses. Low-e windows can reduce heating and cooling expenses by as much as 12 to 33 percent.

According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average homeowner paid between $1,518 and $7,566 to install storm windows.

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More Home & Garden:

• What It Really Costs To Keep Your Home Cool For The Summer
• Home Remodeling Projects To Do This Summer
• Should You Be Waterproofing Your Home?
• The Ultimate Guide To Home Improvement: 57 Common Project Costs

First Photo Credit: Cultura/Shutterstock