Windows that are worn out can not only detract from your home’s appearance but also cause an increase in your electricity bills. It’s important to assess your windows every so often for signs of disrepair, especially if you don’t know how old your current windows are. Here are a few reasons why your windows may need to be replaced.

They’re Letting in Air and Noise

Drafts are one of the most common window problems and will definitely drive up your heating and cooling costs. They occur when there’s a gap in the window’s seal or frame. To detect a draft, you can try feeling for cold or warm air, looking for condensation, listening for air whistling through the frame or holding up a tissue around the frame to see if it moves. Besides air getting in through a worn frame, excess noise from outside may be getting in as well; older single-pane windows can also cause this problem.

They Don’t Provide Insulation

Most newer windows are double-paned because single-pane windows simply don’t provide sufficient insulation from the weather and noise outside. If you still have single-pane windows in your home, you may want to consider window replacement Auburn CA. Other problems with insulation can occur with double-pane windows when the seal between the two panes gets broken. A sign of this issue is a buildup of moisture between the two panes.

They’re Visibly Old or Damaged

The current state of your windows depends not only on how old they are but also on their use and exposure to the elements, which can lead to window frames becoming cracked, warped or rotted. One indication of this kind of damage is issues with opening or closing a window. Also, if you have a window that consistently has moisture problems, it’s possible that mold is developing or water damage is warping the frame.

If you’ve noticed an increase in your heating or cooling costs, check that all your windows are still functioning properly. Although replacement will cost you upfront, it will save you money in the long run.