Replacing your windows is a great way to ensure your home is energy efficient, safe, and comfortable, but even the highest quality window isn’t meant to last forever. Windows can have a lifespan as little as 10 years. If too much time goes by without a window replacement, you might notice cracks, broken seals, or air leaks that can leave you with expensive energy bills.
If your windows are approaching that 10-year milestone, or if you have started noticing cracks and broken seals, you should consider having a professional come out to evaluate your windows to see if it’s time for a complete replacement. While emergency scenarios can’t be planned for, rest assured there is no wrong time to replace your windows, but each season offers pros. Knowing these benefits and checking your windows regularly for signs of wear and tear gives you the freedom to schedule your project at a time that suits you the best.
Spring
Many homeowners choose to replace their windows in the spring because it is starting to warm up outside but hasn’t gotten too hot yet. The temperatures are comfortable enough to limit the use of your HVAC system to heat or cool your house, meaning you aren’t increasing your energy usage during the window installation process.
Spring is easier for contractors, but that also means it can be busier as well. It might be more challenging to secure an installation date on your ideal day or time, and materials could be harder depending on the number of jobs using the same materials. If spring is the best time to replace your windows, consider getting your consultation in the winter months. That way, you are more likely to secure your ideal installation date and allow enough time for your desired materials to be ordered and delivered.
Summer
Another popular time of year to tackle exterior projects is summer. Although the temperatures can climb into the 90s in Maryland, the days are longer, allowing tradespeople to work outdoors for more extended periods.
However, there are drawbacks to a summertime window installation. For one thing, it is a popular time of year for exterior home improvement projects, so it might take longer to schedule your installation, and the cost of materials could be more competitive. Additionally, certain types of caulks don’t cure properly once the temperature gets above a certain point, so the peak of summer isn’t necessarily the best time for a window installation. Ideally, you would choose a period where the temperature doesn’t get above 80 degrees, so the project could be completed without too much heat coming into your home.
Fall
Weather conditions can vary from one extreme to the other during winter and summer, but the fall brings moderate weather ideal for your window replacement project. Many homeowners have stopped traveling by this point in the year and are focused on getting children back to school and preparing for the holiday season. Being at home means homeowners have more flexibility for scheduling, and moderate temperature conditions prevent high energy bills during installation.
Winter
Winter weather can be a considerable concern for exterior home improvement projects, making it the “off-season” for window replacement. Still, there can also be some benefits to tackling this project in the cold. Since most homeowners elect to have exterior projects performed in the warmer months, scheduling could be on your side. With the demand slower in the winter, homeowners could see less time between ordering materials and the installation.
Winter is an ideal time to replace your windows if you only have one or a few. That way, you are preventing cold drafts from entering your home, and the project won’t take as much time as it would if all your windows were getting an upgrade.
Regardless of the time of year you want to perform your window replacement project, plan on getting a consultation as much as six months in advance. That will allow the contractor you choose to work with time to order your materials and increase the likelihood that your project can be scheduled during your desired timeframe.
At the end of the day, whenever you are ready to update your windows, it is the right time. If you’ve noticed a few warning signs, schedule a consultation to get an honest opinion regarding the state of your windows. Our master tradespeople can replace a wide variety of windows at any time of the year, but we don’t recommend waiting until it becomes an emergency. Together, we can ensure that your window replacement is done right in any season.
