Feb 26, 2025

When is the right time to replace windows?

Windows are the most common opening—or fenestration—a home will have; which means the likelihood homeowners will need to replace windows at one point or another is high. 

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no “right” time to replace windows. When you work with a reputable company with pro installers, any season or scenario is a great choice for necessary upgrades. 

Here’s a few things to consider when it comes to the right time for window replacements: 

Damaged products

Windows with visible signs of damage are clear indicators that it’s time to replace.

Keep a look out for:

• Cracked or broken glass
• Cracked window sash
• Fogginess in between window panes which could indicate seal failure
• Drafts
• Warped or cracked window master frames
• Water leaks

Outdated products

Not all windows are created equal. Single-pane windows resulted in energy inefficiency and draftiness.

If homeowners are experiencing high energy bills paired with drafty, dated windows, it’s important to understand the benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows are made from vinyl or synthetic substances and include two panes of glass, an insulated frame and Argon Gas. They also have a coating on the glass itself, called low-E. This is a metallic invisible coating on the glass that reflects the sunshine, providing better protection from harmful UV rays.

Scope of project

While window installations are relatively quick, they will require your home to be open to the elements. If you live in a particularly cold or warm climate, this might impact how much air transference you experience on installation day. 

Think about how many windows need to be replaced: Are they sectioned off to one room that can be closed off from the remainder of the home? Or scattered throughout?

Rest assured, professional crews will be able to minimize how much of that hot or cold air escapes by working in batches, or they might also: 

• Create a plastic zip wall, which acts as a temporary and removable barrier to keep the rest of the home protected while the work is completed. 
• Reserve one spot within the home where inside temperatures will not fluctuate. 
• Replace one window at a time to minimize exterior weather exposure.

Homeowners will always have a designated space that’s usable during the entirety of the installation. That way, if you live in the northeast and need new windows this winter, it’s completely possible —and common!—to have that work done during that time of year.  

Style of windows

Similar to the scope of the project, the size of your window replacements can be a factor in when homeowners choose to have the work done. Smaller double hung windows typically will be quick swaps, while large bay, bow, or sliding window replacements require more manual labor and could be more time intensive.

Lifestyle factors

Installing any type of exterior product impacts a homeowner’s lifestyle in some way, so always think about factors including if anyone typically works from home and needs a quiet refuge for calls, or if you might need to schedule the installation around school schedules.

Professionals will be able to work alongside homeowners to steer clear of any possible constraints.  

Installation trumps timing

Remember, you can choose the best energy-efficient window for your replacement, but if there are any gaps, airflow and water can pass through the opening. Now, the product isn’t working effectively and the homeowner won’t experience efficiencies. 

The only way to ensure that guarantee is to vet both the product and the installation process. Companies that carefully select and train their window installers ensure that they have the expertise and mastery of installing specific types of window.

Time to replace windows on your home? Take a look at POWER’s offerings to learn more. 

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