5 signs it's time to replace your windows

Most homeowners don't think about their windows until it's time to replace them. But if you're not careful, you could be paying for it in other ways.

It's easy to put off a window replacement, especially if you live in an older home or apartment. But if you ignore your windows, they'll cost you more in the long run because they won't perform well in the winter or summer heat and they'll be more difficult to clean.

Here are five signs it's time to replace your windows:

Energy bills are skyrocketing.

When it comes to energy efficiency, windows are the first place you can make an impact. They account for up to 30 percent of a home's heat loss and 15 percent of its electricity use. Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones can cut energy bills by 20 percent or more.

The average cost of vinyl replacement windows is about $300 per window, but prices vary widely depending on factors such as size and features. The Energy Star program estimates that it will save you $68 per year in heating and cooling costs for every $1,000 you spend on a new set of vinyl replacement windows (with double-pane glass).

Replacing your windows is one of the easiest ways to save money on heating and cooling costs. The right windows can reduce your energy bill by as much as 20% per year. Replacement windows can last up to 50 years without any major maintenance required and they can be easily cleaned.

Your windows are drafty.

When the temperature drops, one of the first things we notice is how cold our homes feel. This is especially true if you live in a drafty house, or one that has old windows. If you've noticed that your home's windows do not provide the insulation they once did, it may be time to consider replacing them with new windows.

Door and window frames are usually made of wood and exposed to the elements, which means that they can easily rot or warp over time. If this happens, then your windows won't seal properly and cold air will seep in during the winter. In fact, if your windows are drafty enough, you might even notice ice forming on the outer pane of glass during the winter months!

Your home is noisy.

In addition to keeping out heat, noise also affects how much sound gets into a home from outside — especially if you live on a busy street or near an airport or train station. Newer double-pane glass is designed with better sound insulation than older single-pane glass windows, keeping outside noise out while still allowing natural light into the room. It's generally recommended that homeowners replace both sides of their old double-hung sashes with new ones rather than just one side, so they can open and close them at will without compromising their acoustical properties.

There's condensation between the panes of your window glass.

Condensation happens when there's a temperature difference between two surfaces. The warm air inside your home meets up with the cool outer pane of glass and causes water droplets to form on its surface. If you don't clean off this condensation regularly, it can cause damage to both panes of glass. It can also lead to mold growth on wooden frames or rot damage in vinyl frames (which is why it's important for vinyl windows not to get condensation).

The good news is that today's replacement windows are much better than they used to be. But if you've got the original single-pane glass, condensation between the panes of your window glass can make the view outside your home cloudy and discolored.

You can't get your windows open or closed.

You probably have two types of window hardware: roller and tilt. Roller windows are easier to open and close than tilt windows, but they're also more likely to get stuck over time. Tilt windows are a little harder to operate but may last longer.

For both types of hardware, there are two common problems that can cause them not to work:

Worn-out or broken parts. This is often due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as sunlight and heat or rain and cold. The most common parts that wear out are the springs (which power the rollers) and the pivot points (where the window meets the frame). If these parts break, it can be difficult or impossible for them to move smoothly.

Dirty tracks and rollers. Dirt builds up along the track of each window over time, making it hard for them to move smoothly when you try to open or close them — especially if they're already worn out from too much use! You can fix this problem with a good cleaning

You can't get your windows open or closed. This is a major problem that can lead to bigger issues like water damage inside your home. If you have trouble getting your windows open or closed, it may mean that there is an issue with the frame or sash itself. Vinyl frames tend to stretch over time causing them not to snap back into place like they once did when new. The best thing you can do for yourself is call a decent window and door supplier for professional assistance.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace your windows.

If you have noticed any of these signs in your house, it may be time to replace your windows. Replacing windows will help decrease energy costs and be better for the environment. This is a relatively cheap investment that can easily pay for itself in a few years—not to mention the comfort and ease of keeping one's house warm without paying extravagant energy bills.