Replacing your windows in winter can be a great solution for arresting the energy-stealing power of the seasonal cold. For most people, winter is not the first choice season for window replacement, yet it might be the best Christmas gift you can give your home. If you are tired of drafty, rotting, rattling windows and want to see through the winter with snug-fitting, energy-efficient, attractive new ones, don’t hesitate to make that call! In fact, we all know winter is the month where the heating bills are highest. By replacing your windows now, you can help those bills dip, rather than rise, through the coldest months of the year.
That’s what happened to Downers Grove, IL resident Nancy Munson. She was tired of her high heating bills in the winter because of her old, drafty windows. She would regularly put plastic over them but said the plastic would actually blow off because the wind would go right through the window. At the beginning of winter, she installed new replacement windows in home and claimed her heating bills dropped $25-$50 per month.
Understandably, replacing windows in winter causes concern among homeowners, so here are answers to some of your most pressing questions about the process:
1. When you replace my windows in winter, how long will my home be exposed to the open air?
Installers are careful to reduce the amount of energy lost in a window installation and the home is usually only exposed for about 10-20 minutes, depending upon the difficulty of the installation and the amount of repair needed to the window opening.
2. What can I expect during a winter window replacement?
First of all, accurate measuring ahead of time is key and will help make the day of installation go as smoothly as possible. The window is removed, the opening is clean and any repair of rotting wood is done. When the new window is fitted into the opening, it is leveled and sealed with non expendable spray foam.
3. What will you do to prevent heat loss as you install my replacement windows?
There are many best practices we use including:
- Closing off the room that’s being worked on whenever possible to prevent heat loss.
- Quickly working in teams and removing only one window at a time to minimize exposure to the outdoors
- Covering the opening with plastic, floor to ceiling barriers for larger openings
4. Will you track in snow, slush and mud when you install my replacement windows?
Installers should follow best practices for protecting your home as they work. As with all our remodel work, Pro-Home Services treats your home with the same care and respect we treat our own. We work as a team with an interior installer and an exterior installer to minimize mess. When we leave, our goal is that you won’t even know we’ve been there!
5. Will replacing my windows in winter really help me save money?
Yes! According to Energystar.com, you can expect savings of $126–$465 a year when replacing single-pane windows or $27–$111 a year over double-pane, clear glass replacement windows. Of course, your results vary depending upon the type of replacement window you choose and the area of the country in which you live. Depending on your individual situation, there are several ways an end of the year window replacement can help you:
- Replacing windows in winter can reduce winter heating bills.
- Replacing your old windows with energy-efficient new ones can get you a year-end tax deduction.
- Many installers offer winter specials for replacement windows, making it more affordable to replace in winter.
6. Is there anything I need to prepare for window replacement in winter? You can help out your installer by doing the following:
- If you have seasonal decorations out, you may need to remove them if they are obstructing installer way.
- Clean the surfaces surrounding the window so dust and pollen will not mix with caulk and other sealants used by the installers.
- To avoid damage to them during installation, remove windows, curtains, blinds, and other window treatments.
- Clear furniture away from the windows but make sure you don’t block exits since the installer may need access to the outdoors during installation. Leave 2-3 feet of clearance around each window.
- Deactivate your security system so the installer can freely enter and exit your home.
- Secure all pets to keep them from getting underfoot while moving materials in and out. Keep them with you or secure them in a room away from the work activity.
7. Can my windows make it through one more winter?
Although you will find varying advice, most installers will recommend that you consider replacing windows that have been on your house for more than 20 years. Your new replacement windows will be more durable and undoubtedly more energy efficient. If your windows are experiencing any of the following “symptoms”, they need to be addressed immediately through repair or replacement.
- Cracked windows
- Condensation between the glass panes
- Leaky windows that have been damaged by water and may contribute to mold growth in the home
- Windows that do not open
- Broken seals and detectable drafts
8. What is the best day to schedule a window replacement in winter?
In winter, weather is always a consideration. The warmer the day, the better. Schedule your installation on a warmer, sunny day if possible. Warmer temperatures allow materials a chance to warm and expand. An experienced replacement window installer will surely be watching the weather and only do the installation if the temperatures will not interfere with the performance of any sealant or caulk they are using.
