Posted on May 5th, 2022.

It's difficult to overstate the importance of windows in home design. Windows are unique among building components in that they affect not only the performance of a home, but also its appearance both inside and out.

Though it may be tempting to install new windows for aesthetics alone, the considerable cost of such a project is enough to dissuade most homeowners from a hasty decision. People more commonly pursue window replacement for a host of compelling, wholly practical reasons—particularly now, as in recent years window technology has advanced by stunning leaps and bounds.

To find out what drives most homeowners toward window replacement, we spoke with Jim Eldredge, a product manager with Sears Home Services, a nationwide company that routinely guides homeowners through the entire process, from initial consultation all the way to completed installation.

These Are the 6 Reasons:

1- Water Woes

Your windows don't keep out the weather. Moisture can lead to rot, mold, and associated issues that undermine comfort and structural integrity. "Moisture is your home's greatest enemy," says Jim Eldredge, a product manager with Sears Home Services. If your windows no longer provide a waterproof barrier between indoors and out, pursue immediate repair or replacement. The windows themselves may have failed, or the problem may be due to improper installation.

2- Draft Distress

Your windows are drafty. Chilly? Don't blame the weather—blame your windows. According to Eldredge, "many people who replace their windows do so on account of drafts." As a bonus, in addition to improving comfort, window replacement often also leads to lower monthly utility bills. In a home with drafty windows, you're paying for the HVAC system to work overtime. 

3- Fade Parade

You want to protect your furnishings. From the art on the walls to the rugs on the floor, your home contains prize possessions you've collected throughout your life. In an effort to protect those items from the color-fading effects of UV light, many homeowners choose to upgrade their windows.

4- Maintenance Blues

You're sick of all the maintenance. Savvy homeowners know that maintaining windows benefits their appearance and longevity. Indeed, inspection and cleaning are vital in any thorough upkeep routine. Older windows don't make it easy, though. That's why, according to Eldredge, people often insist that their replacement windows come with very few care requirements

5- Security Concerns

You're concerned about the security of your home. Let's face it—not everyone lives in a placid, television sitcom-like neighborhood where crime simply doesn't exist. If you live in the real world, where break-ins occur at least on occasion, "security glass is a must," says Eldredge.

6- Return on Investment.

You want to boost the resale value of your home. True, installing new windows calls for the homeowner to make a significant investment. At the same time, the upgrade adds a considerable amount to the value of your home.

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