Replacement windows can add significant value to a property. Not only do they improve a home’s curb appeal, they reduce utility costs and make a house appear brighter inside. If your windows look old or damaged, it could be time for new ones. Watch for these 5 common characteristics that signal it’s time for replacement windows.

5 Signs Your Home Needs New Windows

1. It’s Drafty

If you feel a draft coming from a window when it’s closed, it could be due to poor insulation, improper installation, or old age. Drafty windows force your heating and cooling system to work overtime, resulting in higher utility costs. Consider installing replacement windows that are more energy efficient.

2. You Have Difficulty Opening or Closing Them

Older model windows can swell and shrink with temperature fluctuations, and can also suffer from balance issues, decay, and corrosion. Difficulty opening or closing a window is a sure sign to have it replaced.

3. You Hear Too Much Outside Noise

Modern windows are designed to reduce sound. The higher a window’s Sound Transmission Class, the more sound protection it offers. If you live near a construction site, train tracks, or a highway, you need a window with an STC rating higher than 30. It also needs to be correctly sealed to reduce noise.

4. They Look Outdated

If your home still has its original windows after decades, replacement windows can drastically improve the appearance of your home inside and out. Modern windows come in numerous designs, styles, and colors to suit any space.

5. They’re Damaged

Wear and tear can leave windows chipped, warped, and broken beyond repair. The most obvious damage is cracked glass, but less a apparent indication is condensation build up between the layers of glass.

If you need window replacements for your home, the specialists at NuVue Products in Cincinnati, OH, can install new, energy-efficient windows. For more than 60 years, their team has provided gutter work, window installation, and roof replacement services. Choose from warranty-backed vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass windows. Call (513) 631-1801 or visit them online for more information about their window products.