Why Your Old Windows Are So Much Worse Than You Think

As a company that has been in the window business for a long time, we know that not everyone is sold on the idea of replacement windows. You may be one of those people who has wondered why anyone would spend their money on such a thing. If you are a homeowner, there are likely multiple home improvement projects on your list—and most of them are probably a lot more “fun” than replacement windows. Projects like remodeling a bathroom or landscaping your backyard may seem like they would be a lot more gratifying than getting new windows.

They Are Energy Efficiency Killers

If you’re spending a small fortune on your heating bills in the winter and your cooling bills in the summer, it probably has a lot to do with your old windows. Single pane windows with aluminum frames do very little to keep out the outside temperatures. And if your old windows are drafty, it’s makes matters even worse!

Today’s windows—especially the high-quality replacement windows we sell at BM Windows—are great at making your home more energy efficient. The two panes of Low-E glass, with a special type of gas in between the two panes, along with the vinyl frames, help keep out the heat and cold, making your home more comfortable year-round. Many of our San Diego customers tell us that they rarely even use their heater and air conditioner after having their new windows installed. With new windows, you’ll see your energy bills go down, saving you money every month!

They Bring Down the Value of Your House

It probably goes without saying, but outdated homes will bring lower sale prices than updated ones. When potential buyers step into a home that is in need of upgrades (like if it has windows that are drafty and/or inoperable) they immediately take into consideration the amount of money they’ll have to put into the home. This can lead to lower offers.

If you’re thinking about selling your San Diego home in the near future, you may want to consider doing some home improvement projects before putting it on the market. When you think about the kinds of upgrades that add value to a San Diego home, you may assume that things like swimming pools and major kitchen remodels would top the list. However, you’d be wrong.

Every year, Remodeling Magazine puts out a report that outlines the types of home improvement projects that have the best return on investment. Replacing your old windows with new vinyl windows is always near the top of the list, as it is a project that recoups more than 80% of the project cost when a house is sold.

In addition, real estate professionals will tell you that many of today’s home buyers are looking for houses with energy-efficient upgrades, such as new windows. Savvy buyers understand that these homes are more environmentally friendly, and will also come with lower monthly energy bills. Having a home with desirable upgrades will help your home sell faster and for more money.

They Let in Unwanted Noise

You may have gotten used to hearing your neighbor’s dog bark every time someone walks by, or you may not even notice the noise from the street anymore, but it’s still there. Old windows are notorious for letting unwanted outside noise into your home. Even if you live on a relatively quiet street, there’s still outside noise making its way into your house through your old windows.

New replacement windows can make a world of difference when it comes to sound suppression. If you have old single pane windows, upgrading to dual pane windows—even the moderately priced ones—will go a long way toward keeping out unwanted noise. If you go with higher-end replacement windows with an upgraded sound suppression package, the difference will be amazing! We had one replacement window customer comment after his new windows were installed that they made it “spooky quiet inside.”

They’re Unsafe

If you have old windows, it’s likely that one or more of the locking mechanisms are broken. Without operable locks, your windows can be easily opened from the outside, putting your loved ones and belongings at risk. Unless you want to resort to putting unsightly bars on your windows, you probably want to consider replacing your windows.

The replacement windows and doors we sell at BM Windows have very durable locking mechanisms, and you can even upgrade the locking systems on some of them. If safety and security is your primary concern, we can help you select the windows and doors that will best protect your family.

Why It’s Time to Replace Your Old Windows

If just one of the reasons mentioned above were true about your windows, it would be reason enough to consider replacing them. But if you have old windows, it’s likely that all of them apply.

New replacement windows can make a dramatic difference in your San Diego home. Many of our customers tell us that if they had known how much better their house would look and feel with their new windows, they would have called us much, much sooner!

Don’t put off replacing your windows any longer. The new year is a great time to start the process. Contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.