Having good windows in Canada is essential. The weather is unpredictable. One day it can be cold and blizzarding, and the next, spring weather.
Besides having your home insulated well, having good windows can make or break the temperature in your home. There are many ways to know that it is time to replace windows. Like if there’s a draft or it is difficult to open/close the windows.
You can come across many benefits that come with new windows, from a better look of your home to increasing energy efficiency. Our team has done extensive research and contacted Ecoline Windows experts who specialize in window replacement in Vancouver.
Thus, we have figured out all the questions we had concerning the way and time to replace old windows. Want to know more? Keep reading!
The Time to Replace Your Windows Has Come
There are many signs that it’s time to replace your windows. With no further ado, here are the major signs:
- If you hear a lot of noise coming from the outside, then it might be a good time to think about taking a serious look at your windows.
- If there are a lot of cracks, condensation in your windows, or signs of rotting, then the time has come. Rotting can be especially damaging because it will wear away the windows and make them harder to open and close.
- Another thing to consider is your electricity bill. If it is becoming increasingly higher than usual, then a constant draft from your windows might be the main reason.
Well, these are the main signs indicating you need new windows, but you can come across other ones as well. So, make sure you investigate your windows properly before deciding on contacting your local window companies to discuss the potential replacement.
What Are the Benefits of Changing the Windows?
There are many benefits to replacing your windows. Replacing windows can be quite pricey, but in many cases, well worth it since you get the following gains:
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Lower energy bills
If an energy bill is high due to there being a draft, then you can save a lot of money by replacing your windows. Drafts cause the air conditioner or heating to work overtime to compensate for the heating or cooling that is lost through the windows. Reducing your bill can be as easy as replacing a window.
- Add value to your house
If you are looking for a new home and wanting to sell the one you’re in, replacing the windows can increase the home’s value. Thus, you can sell your residence faster and for a higher price since good windows essentially is a huge investment, and buyers are looking for places with new windows already.
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The better view outside and overall comfort
Let’s say your windows are harder to clean, then getting new ones would not only make the house look nicer but also, you’d have a better view of your beautiful yard. New windows are also easier to clean. It’ll save you precious time that can be put towards other things you value like spending time with your family.
Replacing your windows can also help you reduce stress and feel more at peace. How? Well, good quality windows can make all the noise from the street nearly disappear. What’s better than a quiet, restful night of sleep?
So, when it’s time, it is time. Replacing windows isn’t something you should push off for too long. Like many essential home repairs, delaying the work will only cost more in the end.
The Frames and Glass
Finding the right window and frame for you is crucial. It’s important to consider what you want and what will fit your design perfectly. When it comes to frames, the most popular options are:
- Wood. Wooden windows are extremely durable, attractive, and known to serve you for a very long time in case of being properly maintained. However, they are the most expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
- Aluminum. Aluminum windows are strong and long-lasting. They allow plenty of sunlight coming inside and are low maintenance, especially if they aren’t painted. They don’t wear out because of sunlight, rot or endure the most common wear problems that might affect other frames.
- Vinyl. Vinyl windows offer frames made out of PVC. This type of frame is very affordable and is known to be an excellent insulator. Vinyl is the most frequently chosen material by Vancouver homeowners since it is low maintenance, cheap (compared to wood) and can be painted to fit any design.
When it comes to glazing, you have fewer options here, but they can go with different add-ons. Gone are the days when homes were equipped with single-pane windows.
Now the two common alternatives are double and triple glazing. While triple glazing offers better energy efficiency, it will be 10-15% more expensive compared to double glazing. What is more, you just might not need the extra glazing.
Before making your final decision, contact your local companies for quotes, investigate your current windows, heating bills and decide whether you will make a decent ROI installing windows with triple glazing.
Don’t be afraid to browse around and check out websites like Consumer Reports before jumping into conclusion. This is a significant and expensive decision.
Prices for New Windows by Style
Choosing the right window style, frame and glazing is good. But what are the actual prices if you decide to go for windows replacement? While it is impossible to give you a precise quote since it really depends a lot on the final configuration you need, we can equip you with a table below representing a typical price range for different window styles in Vancouver.
| Awning, $ | Casement, $ | Picture, $ | Single Hung, $ | Single Slider, $ | |
| Vancouver | 494 – 1199 | 444 – 2116 | 210 – 2231 | 305 – 1429 | 391 – 1724 |
Source: Ecoline Windows Vancouver
How to Choose the Right Installation Company
It is vital to choose an installation company that is right for you. That is why there are some common industry standards and rules to know before going with a particular installer.
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Industry Standards
First off, the company needs to comply with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the company is installing your windows safely and follow regulations. If they don’t comply with those guidelines, then the company shouldn’t be considered at all.
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Reputation and Experience
Make sure that the company that you hire is reputable.
Do not be afraid to check out several companies before signing an installation contract. You wouldn’t want to get ripped off. The company that you hire should have at least a few years of experience with installing windows. Check out their reviews online to see what people say about them. Ask friends and family for advice. Perhaps one of them recently replaced their windows.
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Energy Star, NAFS-11 and NFRC
Only deal with a company that offers you windows tested and approved by the above mentioned authorities. While Energy Star is responsible for windows’ energy efficiency, the other 2 are in charge of testing overall windows performance, approving only the best go-to windows.
Make sure your local company has all those authorities testing their windows, just like Ecoline Windows, listed as an Energy Star partner and has all their products tested by NAFS-11 and approved by NFRC.