Replacing your home’s windows may be a necessity if your current windows are broken or not functioning correctly. The cost of new windows is not something anyone enjoys. But window technology has advanced to the point where replacing old windows with new windows offer a lot of benefits. These benefits extend beyond just good looks and ease of use. Their perks might just entice you to upgrade your windows even if they are not broken. In this article we discuss the benefits of new or replacement windows that may very well make you decide to upgrade your home’s windows.
1. Increased home security and safety
If your windows are not functioning they may be a safety hazard. Whether they are jammed or painted shut those windows that do not open will prevent you from getting out in an emergency. At the same time, they make it harder for emergency professionals to get in, for example during a fire.
Replacing your old, broken windows with new, replacement windows solves this problem. They function correctly and open and close when you need them to, without brute force or breaking them.
New windows also add more security to your home. Old windows are prone to broken locks, as well as compromised glass. These things make it easier for unwanted persons to break in. New windows come with advanced, functional locks that ensure your windows are secure.
If you live in Florida, or another hurricane prone area, new windows offer a whole other level of safety and security. New impact windows in Florida provide the massive benefit of hurricane protection. In turn, they will protect you and your family against the worst hurricanes. This is something that old, traditional glass windows just cannot do.
2. Increased home value
Replacing your old windows with new ones is one sure fire way to increase your home’s value. New windows have one of the highest ROI’s of any upgrade you can do. In fact, in a July 2024 article NerdWallet (via Angi data) states that windows have a ROI of 70-85% upon the sale of the home. So while windows are not cheap, replacing them can add several thousands of dollars to your home’s value if and when you sell (or refinace).
This is true for multiple reasons.
First, they give your home a curb appeal boost, which is sure to attract more potential buyers and get them into your home. Second, houses with new windows are coveted by home buyers who may otherwise run away if they they will be on the hook to replace the windows eventually.
So if you do decide to sell your home your new, updated windows will help you attract more buyers and ultimately sell your house for a higher price. Or, if you decide to refinance your house you will have more equity built in.
3. Curb Appeal For the Win
Many homeowners are on a constant quest to increase their home’s curb appeal. One of the quickest and easiest ways to up your curb appeal is with new, attractive windows. New windows can do a lot. They can improve home appearance by replacing worn out, tired looking windows with fresh ones. Or they can completely change the look of your home, from new color frames, to new styles, to changes in the grilles, etc.
If you want to change the curb appeal even more you can add shutters to complement them. If you live in Florida hurricane shutters or decorative, half-Bahama shutters are a great pairing with impact windows. You can also replace the window trim or add accessories to give your home more personality and curb appeal.
4. More comfort, energy efficiency, and less strain on your HVAC system
New windows do not only add value to your home. They also help reduce your monthly costs, which can save you some serious money over time. Installing new or replacement windows is a great way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. And increased energy efficiency means lower heating and cooling bills.
New window technology has come a long way in terms of energy efficiency. New and replacement windows are available with better insulated frames, multi-pane insulated glass systems, advanced glazing systems, and Low-E glass films. Not all windows have all of them. But each one helps significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The core benefit is that you keep the hot air out in the summer and the cold air out in the winter. The result is that your home and you stay more comfortable. The other result is that your HVAC system does not have to work so hard to keep your home at temperature. This means less strain on your HVAC system, which should result in less HVAC maintenance and a longer-life of your HVAC system.
5. Keep the noise out (noise reduction)
Replacing your windows can help with keeping more than just hot or cold air out of your home. They have also come a long way in their noise reduction capabilities. This is especially true for impact windows and sound reducing windows, but it is true for most new and replacement windows.
Of course, some factors will contribute to the amount of noise your new or replacement windows reduce. One of the biggest factors is the number of glass panes. This is why impact windows are able to reduce noise so effectively. They are made with laminated glass, which contains 2 panes of glass with an interlayer between them. Insulated impact windows have 3 panes of glass. Similarly, double and triple pane windows are more effective at reducing noise than a single pane window is.
