10 Window Replacement Myths – Debunked

Homeowners all over the world are remodeling their houses in an effort to change how it looks, improve energy efficiency, or increase their home’s resale value. It seems like everyone is trying to do this these days.

There are a lot of different types of home improvement projects that tend to gain attention, but one in particular is window replacement. Compared to other elements such as plumbing, wiring, and paint, windows have had a rapid advancement in technology over the past two decades. There’s now a wide range of color choices, material choices, and energy saving options when it comes to choosing new replacement windows.

You may be considering window replacement for your home improvement project, but you might not know the different options and potential pitfalls. You may have heard some myths about this topic that could lead to problems down the road.

Let’s debunk some of these myths.

Myth #1: You should only replace your windows during the summer or warmer time of the year.

When it comes to window replacement, many people have concerns that they’ll need to move out of their home and stay away for weeks on end while the windows are replaced. But this is not at all what happens. Window replacement professionals have teams who can replace your windows quickly and easily–often in one day.

Summer is the busiest time for window replacement, but homeowners can avoid installation delays by working with a window replacement company in the off-season. Easy Windows and Siding LLC (that’s us!), a Canton, OH based replacement window installer, says that installing windows is typically a quick process — from consultation to installation of new windows.

The company takes care of everything from permits to delivery and removal of old windows. All finishes are completed through caulking and insulation. Many times, in just a day, entire houses can be upgraded with fresh new windows!

Any time of year is a good time to do window replacement. And if you choose an off-season time, chances are that it will get it done sooner than later.

Myth #2: Don’t replace your windows until you are ready to sell your home.

Homeowners who replace their windows often think that it’s a final project they can do to make their house look nicer before selling. The problem is that the next buyer gets all of those benefits, while the homeowner pays. These homeowners lose out on the many practical benefits of getting new windows now, and may even end up paying higher window prices because they waited.

Today’s advanced window technology allows homeowners to enjoy a quiet and comfortable home from the outside, as well as prevent damage to furniture from UV light, fading of walls and paint inside your home, all while maintaining an attractive appearance. There are so many benefits available now – why wait until you’re ready to sell your home?

Myth #3: Don’t replace your windows until a major renovation.

Many homeowners are living with old, inefficient windows that are costing them money in the long run. This loss of energy efficiency.. over time.. when compared to newer replacement windows, leads to heating and cooling losses which results in higher energy bills.

Think about it: a window can be responsible for up to 30% of your home’s total energy bill! If your average power bill is $100, imagine how much more money you’re losing by not replacing your outdated windows. It would make sense financially just to go ahead and replace them.

However, there are many other reasons to replace your windows. Not only does energy efficiency matter, but sound reduction, ventilation and other benefits can be gained too. Additionally, window replacement is a great way to add natural light and improve usability. Many older windows are no longer usable because of warping, bowing, or have decayed parts.

Don’t wait for a major renovation. Replacing your windows as part of a phased remodel is more sensible, since there are no major savings in waiting for the rest of the house to be renovated. A window installer that specializes in replacement windows can design, deliver, install and service your windows without any other remodeling projects taking up time or money. 

Myth #4: You can easily replace your windows yourself as a DIY project.

Replacing your own windows can be a tricky job, but with the right experience and tools it’s doable. Often, the window opening needs to be trimmed or reframed even if it’s an almost identical size as the original window. This is especially important because small mistakes on any one of these steps often lead to expensive repairs down the road.

The real question is.. what type of window should you use and where will you get them? Many DIY retailers do not have windows that offer the energy efficient or maintenance free advancements of other windows, but still some with a high price.

Not only that, it may not be necessary to replace your entire window unit. Sometimes, the outer frame can be kept while only replacing the inner window unit.

And if you are planning to change a window size, do you know enough about window headers and framing construction?

When picking a window installer, make sure they are qualified and experienced. Proper installation will save you money in the long run; additionally, companies offer warranties on both their products and their workmanship.

Look for companies that offer lifetime warranties and transferable warranties – it will add to the value of your home when someone buys it later on.

Myth #5: Replacing a window is only needed for cracked or damaged  windows.

Many homeowners are unsure about whether or not to replace all their windows at the same time. They think replacing them only as needed, when they break, is the thing to do.

While this may sound reasonable, it may result in your windows mis-matching over time. Windows that are mis-matched are many times very unattractive and can reduce the resale value of your home.

Plus, waiting means you may be paying for inefficient windows along the way.

Don’t wait until your windows break to replace them. If the windows in your house were installed before 2000, they may not be using the most recent energy efficiency advances and could already have damage from seals.

Replacing all of your windows at once will bring you the best returns and save the hassle of having installers in and out of your home when needed.

Myth #6: Larger windows lose more energy

Often, homeowners can benefit from larger windows. The increased amount of natural light is an incentive to take advantage of this opportunity. However, there is a myth that larger windows lose more energy.

Older window frames with large surface areas and outdated glass pane construction can lead to greater energy loss. But today’s high-efficiency replacement windows use the latest advances in technology to reduce energy transfer to a small fraction compared to old windows.

In fact, it’s possible for replacement windows to be nearly as efficient as the house walls if they have certain upgrades like films, energy efficient frames and triple panes, and are installed correctly.

Myth #7: Vinyl windows are the standard window type.

Many homeowners are unsure what vinyl windows are. Vinyl window frames are simply made of vinyl material, which is better for energy efficiency and requires less maintenance than older aluminum and wood framed windows.

The panes on the window still have glass as a surface area. However, because vinyl has a low heat conductivity, it prevents heat and cooling from transferring easily between the inside and outside of the building. Plus vinyl frames will not rot and require very little maintenance, if any.

Newer frame technology is being developed all the time and today is much more advanced. With spacers, gaps and special materials, it reduces the energy transfer from the window to its surroundings and reduces noise. So, even some older style wood and aluminum windows can and do incorporate this technology. 

That does not mean that wood or aluminum windows are recommended. Better and stronger materials like fiberglass are now being promoted as the best type of window for replacing older windows. 

Myth #8: Double pane windows are good enough, anything more is overkill.

Many homeowners believe that if their windows are double pane, they’re safe. However, this is not the case – single-pane windows were common years ago and are now rare due to energy efficiency benefits of dual panes of glass set in a frame.

However, window construction technology has progressed so much in the past 20 years that older double-pane windows are less efficient than newer ones. Replacement windows today have special technologies like gas fills, films, spacers and sealants which create an extremely effective window that prevents both sound and energy transfer as well as blocking certain harmful light rays.

Few if any of these features can be found on older double pane windows. And chances are your old double panes have seals that have broken or condensation build up. Replacing them is a big advantage.

Myth #9: Window replacement is loud and disruptive

Replacing your windows will require taking out the old ones, making adjustments to window opening, and possibly using tools like saws and sanders. This usually requires a lot of noise and disruption but professional window installers are trained to do it quickly without too much disturbance. They do this kind of project every day so they’re well-equipped for it.

Rephrase Most people start by covering your personal belongings nearby, and taping off some sections. The team can usually complete the job in a day.

If you’re doing it yourself, be prepared for lots of disruption – especially if there are repairs that need to be done and unforeseen problems that can crop up. Professionals know how to get this kind of project done quickly without all the hassle.

Professionals know how to do it right and do it quickly, so the disruption stays at a minimum.

Myth #10: Window replacement is not worth the high cost.

Window replacement can cost $500-$1,500 (sometimes up to $2000) per window, depending on the brand, style of window and installer. It’s a good idea to shop around for companies that offer value comparisons so you can get the best value.

Window replacement costs are offset in two ways:

1. From lower utility bills due to increased window energy efficiency.

2. And you’ll also see an increase in your home values as a result of these costs.

Homeowners will generally recover 70-80% of the cost of their replacement windows at resale, and may even get more if they factor in energy bill savings along the way.

The Wrap Up.

Window replacement can be a high-return home improvement that benefits you and your family for years to come. It has many positive aspects, such as providing comfort and savings over time, increasing the value of your home in the neighborhood, improving curb appeal, and raising money when you sell it.

Plus you will love the look and feel of new windows!

If you are thinking of replacing your windows, take advantage of the opportunity and contact a local window replacement company to learn more – (we recommend the best.. Easy Windows and Siding LLC)