When to Buy Windows

Unfortunately for Adams Home Windows, not everyone should buy energy efficient replacement windows.  We are in the business of selling windows and we'd obviously like to sell windows to every homeowner.  However, taking advantage of an uninformed customer doesn't help us in the long-term.  Our reputation as an honest and ethical alternative to the shady "used car salesman" types is more important than short-term paydays.  Energy Efficient Replacement Windows are usually a smart purchase for any homeowner but here are some cases when they're not.

Advice:  Inspect your windows yourself.  Unfortunately, when homeowners hire a "professional" to inspect their windows, they're usually hiring a "professional salesman".  Do your best to tackle this inspection yourself.

1. Are they single pane or double pane?
If you can't tell, go outside and put a sticker on the glass... then come inside and put a sticker in the same place.  It will be obvious if the two stickers are on either sides of the same piece of glass.

2. Does the glass rattle? 
Stand inside the smallest bedroom and open / close the door.  It should be obvious.

3. Is air coming in around the frame? 
Buy a stick of incense.  Light it and hold it about 5 inches away from the glass as you pass it all the way around the perimeter of the window.  Does the smoke blow around?

4.  Will the window slam shut without something holding it up? 

5.  Is there moisture / dirt between the two panes?
If your windows are single pane or if the answer to any of the other questions is "yes", you probably do need new replacement windows.  But to answer the question "Should you replace your windows", ask yourself the following question:

Do you plan to move within 5 years?
If the answer is yes, our advice is to replace your windows only if it's necessary to sell your home.  Otherwise, the potential buyer might ask for an allowance to repair the windows but repairing windows isn't nearly as expensive as replacing them.  There are plenty of benefits of Energy Efficient Replacement Windows but if you're not going to be the person enjoying those benefits, why bother?  (Remember to give your buyer our business card!  We appreciate it!)

On the other hand, if you KNOW that you're going to be in your house for 6 or 7 more years, you should have already replaced your windows.  By lowering your utility bills, Quality Energy Efficient Replacement Windows do pay for themselves over time.  They add value to the home and they make the home more attractive / comfortable.