Most of us probably don’t really think about our windows much. They’re just…there. But our windows are an extremely important and valuable feature of our modern homes.
They protect us from the elements, they keep noise and bugs out, they protect our indoor air quality, they provide natural lighting, they increase our home’s value and they add to the curb appeal and design aesthetic of our homes.
Here are just a few reasons why it might be time to upgrade this often overlooked component of your home or business this spring.
Energy Efficiency
Did you know that 30-50% of your utility bill goes to heating and cooling? If you have older, less efficient windows, that’s almost half of your money literally going out the window. Modern windows are better insulated and sealed, and can be up to 10% more efficient in the winter and up to a whopping 70% more efficient in the summer. (Yes, please!) They can also block up to 95% of UV rays which helps protect both your family and your furniture. You can even choose glass options that are Green Seal certified and ENERGY STAR certified to help keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round with less of a
burden on your heating and cooling system.
Hurricane Security
Is your home ready for hurricane season? Aside from the energy efficiency new windows provide, it’s especially important for Floridians to consider the added safety benefits of hurricane windows. These windows are specifically designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, and they hold up much better to debris impact than standard, older windows. It’s truly like a shield for your home. They are also safer than shutters which are often torn off during a strong storm. Hurricane windows will increase your home’s value, and, as an added benefit, they are very difficult for burglars to break. Shields up!
Functionality
Are your windows difficult to open or close? Do they slam shut? Do they open only partially, or do they even open at all? Do they leak in the rain? Are they drafty? Do they let bugs in through cracked or ill-fitting casings? Do you have condensation build-up or mold in your old double pane windows? It’s time. You need new windows.
Curb Appeal
Maybe you’ve purchased a fixer-upper. Maybe your windows are just older and don’t match the rest of your home. Is your design vibe modern industrial, but your windows scream The Brady Bunch? Revitalizing the look of your home with new windows in the style of your choice packs a huge design punch, plus it greatly increases your home’s resale value. Win-win.
Maintenance
Ideally, older window frames need to be extensively cleaned, repainted or refinished every few years. You also need to recaulk around older windows, to lubricate the tracks and to check and adjust the fit of your windows yearly. With today’s newer frame options and smooth-gliding windows, you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying.
Most of us would probably love to update our home with safe, energy efficient, beautiful windows, right? When you consider the cost savings on your utility bill, the uptick in your property value, the peace of mind from stronger, safer windows and a lot less maintenance to worry about, getting new windows seems like the perfect solution. As hurricane season starts June 1st (we probably don’t need to tell you that!), now is the time to get your home ready to weather both the wind and the summer heat.