Tips

6 signs it’s time to replace your windows

Replacing windows can improve your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and value. But is now really the time? We’ll guide you through visual clues and functional indicators that can help you answer this question.

An old picture window with a storm window and a sagging window box.

Loading component...

Should they stay or should they go? If it’s unclear how much life your windows have left in them, we can help. There are signs that can tell you if your aging windows are just that or if they’re actually failing. The more you know about the state of your windows, the better you can plan for a replacement project in a way that suits your budget and also works in service of your home improvement dreams.

How to know you should replace your windows

Here are the major signs that your windows may need to be replaced:

1. They don’t open properly

No one wants to miss out on a fresh breeze. If your windows are consistently sticking, or are a challenge to open and close, they may be failing you in terms of both functionality and comfort.

Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be a safety concern in the event of a fire. If your windows are hard to open or don’t stay open on their own, this indicates that something within the window may be warped or broken and that it’s time to replace.

A 1950s ranch home after window replacement and remodeling on the left and before on the right.

When tastemaker Michelle Adams bought her late 1950s ranch home, it still had the original windows.

Fast forward a few years and she replaced them with our 100 Series windows.

Loading component...

“They were metal, ugly, banged around when the wind blew,” she said. "They were also really hard to open, which scared me from a fire safety standpoint,”

Michelle Adams

2. They’re drafty

Do you feel a chill in the air when you're near your windows? If so, it could be a sign that they are damaged or inefficient. Drafty windows often let warm air escape from your home, which in turn can impact both your comfort level and your heating bill.

Speaking of heating bills, if you’re noticing an increase in your monthly energy costs, it may be a sign that your windows need to be replaced. Age or the deterioration of materials can impact the efficiency of your windows over a long period of time.

A living room with vinyl replacement windows on the left and with Andersen Woodwright Double-Hung Windows on the right.

Replacement windows can complement your home’s style.

The vinyl windows pictured on the left were replaced with 400 Series Woodwright® Double-Hung Windows, which have wood interiors matching the trim work in this Craftsman home.

Loading component...

3. The glass is cloudy

Cloudy or foggy glass can be a telltale sign of a window seal failure. With a broken seal, a window will allow the air you are paying to heat or cool escape while also allowing outside air into your home. In other words, it’s no longer doing its job of protecting you from the elements.

One important nuance is that condensation on either the exterior or interior is not what we’re talking about here. It’s normal to have condensation on the exterior depending on outdoor conditions — it's actually a sign that your window is energy efficient. On the interior, condensation is an indication that the humidity is too high inside your home, but it doesn’t mean that your window is failing. It’s when you notice condensation in between the panes on a dual-pane window that you should be concerned about seal failure.

A white farmhouse with black Andersen 100 Series windows.

Watch out for seal failure with 100% vinyl windows, which can warp in the sun. This is why we say our 100 Series windows are the smart alternative to vinyl. Priced similarly, they can resist temperatures of up to 150°F — even in dark colors. This home has replacement windows from our 100 Series product line.

Loading component...

4. They don’t provide adequate noise protection

Noise pollution can be a significant pain for homeowners, especially if you live in a lively neighborhood or densely populated area. Single-pane windows and other older models may not provide the type of sound muffling that you're looking for and should be considered for replacement if they are impacting your ability to enjoy your home.

A Spanish-style home with a tile roof and olive green Andersen E-Series windows and doors

When the windows and doors were replaced in this home, the owners chose the E-Series product line. E-Series products can be a great choice when noise reduction is a goal because triple-pane glass is an available option that reduces sound transmission. Another option for reducing sound is our STC upgrade, which is available through both E-Series and 100 Series.

Loading component...

5. They don’t match your home

It may be time to replace your windows if they no longer match the vision you have for your home. As you go about making your home your own, you might find a replacement opportunity within the context of a remodel. Not only will new windows add aesthetic value to your finished space, they’ll also add to its property value. Realtors and builders agree that Andersen products can improve a home’s value by at least 15%.*

If you’re bringing your dream kitchen to life, it might just make sense to tackle the windows while your walls are ripped up or maybe you’re ready to upgrade your lifestyle by replacing that old double-hung window above your sink with a pass-through window. An exterior project that involves updating your siding can also be a perfect time to replace windows.

Tacking windows on to another home improvement project can help you take on replacement in a more phased approach and allow you to make use of financing you might have secured to fund your remodel.

^{*2024 Andersen brand surveys of U.S. builders and realtors}

A remodeled kitchen with creamy white cabinetry, a white oak Andersen entry door and black A-Series windows.

When DIYer and home blogger, Rashida Banks, remodeled her kitchen, new windows and a new entry door were a part of the project. These upgrades bring more natural light into her space and opting for crank-operated A-Series Casement Windows makes letting in the fresh breeze extra easy.

Loading component...

6. They're single-pane windows

Some older homes have original windows made with single-pane glass. Because this type of window glass isn't as insulating as modern window glass, these windows are usually paired with storm windows. Storm windows are added from the exterior and often detract from curb appeal.

Upgrading to dual-pane windows will bring a host of benefits. With two panes of glass and an air space in between, the insulating abilities of dual-pane window are greatly improved compared to single-pane window. The functionality of dual-pane window also beats that of a single-pane window retrofitted with a storm window. Finally, maintenance is likely to be easier as our windows have low-maintenance exteriors.

TIP: Upgrading to new windows doesn't mean you can't have a wood interior. Here are some options that can complement a historic home's style: Our 400 Series Woodwright Double-Hung Window is made for this exact application, our E-Series product line offers the most customization in color and wood stain, and our A-Series product line is our most architecturally authentic.

A kitchen sink and green cabinetry with black soapstone countertops above which three black-framed windows are installed.

When this home was remodeled, owner Laurie March was adamant that window replacement be included. Not only did the original, single-pane 1920s windows leak water, they leaked everything. “Heat gain was a big deal for us, and the noise too” said the pro remodeler and HGTV host—get the project details.

TIP: If you're unsure whether your windows need to be replaced, consult a contractor. We can help you find a local contractor who specializes in our windows.

Loading component...

What’s the lifespan of windows?

Not all homes are created equal, and the same logic should be applied to your windows. When considering the lifespan of a window, there are three key factors that have the most significant impact on longevity and function:

Product quality

The caliber of the design, materials, and manufacturing are the underlying factors that result in a product that’s either high-quality or not. We offer products at a variety of price points but uniting them all is their durability and industry-leading warranties. Looking at a manufacturer’s warranty is one way to understand quality. If they’re willing to stand behind their product for an extended period of time, that’s an indication they truly believe it will last.

Installation quality

We often say that you can have the best window in the world but if it’s not installed properly, it won’t function properly. Hiring a good installer is one of the best ways you can control the quality of your installation, and we can help you find that pro. Andersen Certified Contractors are specially vetted and trained by us, and their work comes with an additional two-year warranty. Find a local contractor.

Maintenance

Like most everything in a home, windows need proper care. Regular cleaning is a good place to start because interacting with your windows gives you the opportunity to notice if something is off and address it sooner. Occasional maintenance tasks, such as lubricating a balancer or replacing weatherstripping, will help you extend the lifespan of your windows. Find maintenance directions in our Help Center and replacement parts in our online Parts Store.

Window replacement comes with many considerations, but the advantages far outweigh the costs and time investment. By carefully considering the most important factors, you can determine when the right time to replace is, how this process can improve the functionality of your home, and what you need to know before getting started.

Tips

6 signs it’s time to replace your windows

Loading component...

How to know you should replace your windows

Here are the major signs that your windows may need to be replaced:

1. They don’t open properly

Loading component...

2. They’re drafty

Loading component...

3. The glass is cloudy

Loading component...

4. They don’t provide adequate noise protection

Loading component...

5. They don’t match your home

Loading component...

6. They're single-pane windows

Loading component...

What’s the lifespan of windows?

Product quality

Installation quality

Maintenance

Loading component...

More replacement questions answered

How many years should windows last?

Loading component...

Should I replace all windows at once?

Loading component...

What time of year is best for window replacement?

Loading component...

How to measure windows for replacement?

Loading component...

How to know if your window can be repaired rather than replaced?

Loading component...

Up next

Tips

How getting replacement windows works

Tips

How to hire a good contractor in 3 steps

Loading component...

Loading component...

Loading component...

Loading component...

Tips

6 signs it’s time to replace your windows

1. They don’t open properly

2. They’re drafty

3. The glass is cloudy

4. They don’t provide adequate noise protection

5. They don’t match your home

6. They're single-pane windows

What’s the lifespan of windows?

Product quality

Installation quality

Maintenance

Should I replace all windows at once?

What time of year is best for window replacement?

How to measure windows for replacement?

How to know if your window can be repaired rather than replaced?

Up next

Tips

How getting replacement windows works

Tips

How to hire a good contractor in 3 steps

Tools

Try designing your perfect window

Loading component...

Trust your home to Andersen™

Trust your home to Andersen™

Andersen collects certain categories of personal information. See links for more information.

Tools

Try designing your perfect window