When you live in Florida, the heat, humidity, and storms already add a burden on your home. Therefore, your windows may wear out earlier than you might expect.

Delaying window replacement is easy when the problems do not seem momentous. However, the delay may be expensive in terms of energy consumption, water damage, and, in some cases, even health issues due to mold.

New windows are a valuable investment. They make your place safer, quieter, and more energy-efficient. Your house will also look more beautiful. But how do you know when to remove your old panes? Here are some signs to watch out for.

You feel drafts that should not be there

Do you feel drafts when you walk by your window? A gentle breeze of warm or cool air, when it is closed? This means that the window is not well sealed. In Lakeland, this typically means your air conditioner will work extra hard trying to keep your house cool or warm. Consequently, your electric bill increases.

Drafts may easily enter in the form of tiny cracks or crumbling seals. You may be tempted to seal them with caulk, but this is only a temporary solution. If you continue to feel the drafts, you are likely due for a window replacement Lakeland, FL.

Your energy bills continually rise

We are all aware of how costly it is to operate the AC system in a Central Florida summer. However, when your utility bills appear abnormally high, your windows might be the problem. Single-pane windows and even double-pane windows lose their seal over time. That allows a great deal of heat in.

Replacing your old windows with modern and energy-efficient ones will stabilize your monthly power expenditures. As a result, your AC will not cycle as often as it used to. Even better, your home will remain cooler even with less effort.

You observe condensation between the panes

The moisture between the window panes can be annoying. Moreover, it shows that the insulating gas used in the window is escaping, and the window seal has been breached. This is particularly prevalent in the humid climate of Lakeland.

Condensation compromises the efficiency of your window. It can also cause mold growth near frames when not checked. After a seal is busted, you really cannot fix it. The most frequent solution is replacement.

The windows are difficult to open or close

Windows are supposed to open up freely and close safely. But when you have windows that:

• Stick 
• Won’t budge
• Fail to lock properly.

It is not such a little thing as an inconvenience. Windows that are not properly functioning may be quite dangerous during an emergency where you need to escape as fast as possible.

Windows that do not lock well are also insecure in Florida. And when the winds are blowing, you don’t want a window that doesn’t close tightly.

Exterior noise is more intense than it ought to be

Lakeland is full of busy roads and active communities. But when you start seeing every passing car or lawn mower as if it is inside your house, your windows could be part of the problem.

Older windows are not soundproof. Modern designs use multiple-paned features and improved seals to significantly reduce outside noise. So replacing your windows can make your home quieter and more peaceful.

Visible damage

In other cases, it is easy to tell a window that needs replacement:

• A cracked pane of glass
• A broken wood frame
• Warped vinyl. 

These are not only aesthetic concerns. Broken windows might cause water ingress during heavy rains in Florida. This ultimately culminates in more serious issues. Mold or structural damage are some of them. When the repairs are not enough, replacement is often the best bet in the long run.

Your home is stuffy or uncomfortable

The house must be comfortable all year. But with the climate in Florida, the comfort of your home largely depends on your windows. Do some rooms feel hotter, damper, or harder to cool down compared with others? If so, it may be your faulty windows.

Old windows often fail to effectively block door heat and UV light. This makes your AC ineffective. Hence, your indoor air feels uncomfortable. The same applies during winter. So replacing the windows can make your house more comfortable during the extreme seasons.

Summing up

As a resident of Lakeland, FL, your windows are already exposed to a lot. This includes heat, humidity, sudden storms, and excessive sunshine. Listening to the minor warnings may spare you the major headaches in the future. Watch out for drafts, condensations, difficult locks, or increased energy costs.

When you do see these warning signs, perhaps it is time to begin considering the window replacement options. This will also provide peace of mind when those Florida weather fluctuations wreak havoc. You will also be making your home a more comfortable place to live.