7 Reasons Why Winter Is the Best Time To Buy Replacement Windows

Article Summary:

Winter is one of the best times to replace your home's windows, offering benefits like improved energy efficiency, lower heating bills, and increased comfort. From seasonal savings to faster installation scheduling, discover seven reasons why upgrading your windows during the colder months is a smart investment for your home.

"Who in their right mind would replace their windows in the middle of winter?" 

After all, when it comes to home improvements, there are good times of the year for home improvements like installing a new roof, building a deck, or doing landscaping projects.

Now that it's cold and wintry in places like Colorado Springs, you may be thinking about replacement windows. You may also be thinking about pushing off the project until warmer months. There are all the holidays, the unpredictable weather and, well, staying cozy and warm in the house seems like a much better idea than exposing the inside of your home to the weather.

But can replacement windows be installed in the winter? The fact is, you shouldn't have to put off replacing your windows until the warmer months. At Window Nation, we've been helping people like you with their replacement window projects for years - many of them during the winter months.

Here are seven reasons why winter is actually the best time to buy replacement windows.

1. Stop the cold drafts

Wait for a breezy day, then go feel around your windows. You might feel a small, cool draft here and there around the glass, especially if you have older windows. Now feel around the outside of your window, along the casing where the trim meets your interior wall.

Feel that draft now? That is from improper installation and, more likely, improper fitment.

When your house was built, holes were left in the walls to have windows installed. Due to manufacturing tolerances, those openings are much larger than the windows that went into them. The result is the one-size-fits-all windows were placed in there, secured in place with large gaps around them, and the gaps were simply covered by wooden trim. If you're lucky, there might be a few strands of insulation in there as well. Not only that, but your windows could be letting in moisture and causing unseen damage.

Manufacturing has come a long way in recent years, and the availability of window styles has grown with it. When you buy replacement windows, you can get windows that will more properly fit that space. Our installation teams use precision tools to measure your openings. Our windows will actually fit with a tolerance of 3mm, and we fill that space with advanced foam insulation. That means you'll have less of that gap you have now - which also means that those annoying, cold drafts go away.

2. Save on winter heating bills

Once those gaps are filled, you'll notice your heat won't turn on as much as it used to. One of the biggest reasons you may be paying more than you have to for heat is because of poor roof quality, as well as improper attic and crawl space insulation. However, old leaky windows play a big part of it, too.

Run your hands along the edges of the window frames. If you feel cold air near the corners, or if your windows rattle when you open and close them (especially if you have wooden frames), then you have heat loss.

Weatherstripping helps keep cold air out, but it can wear down over time. When choosing energy-efficient replacement windows, look beyond the weatherstripping: consider the glass, frame, and energy ratings, and choose options suited to your local climate. Window Nation windows use window-specific sealant to create a tight seal when closed, helping your windows stay comfortable and perform well for years.

When your windows seal tight, less heat escapes in the colder months of winter, and you spend less to heat the inside of your home - not the outside.

3. Keep out moisture from winter weather

No matter what time of year, rain is always a concern. Some regions get ice and snow, too. Others see high humidity. All of which can find its way into your home if your windows don't work properly.

The place where this frequently shows up is in the window frame. If your old windows don't have a proper seal or drainage, rain can seep into the tiny cracks around the window - causing big problems. What kind of problems? Water damage to your walls and potentially hidden toxic conditions. Sometimes, it can even be caused by ice dripping from your roof.

Remember the importance of a tight fit and proper installation? Having trusted professionals do this is an integral part of keeping your home and your family safe. Combine that with commercial-grade silicone sealant, and no matter what wintry weather comes your way, you can rest assured it'll stay outside where it belongs.

4. Make your house look pretty for the holidays

Whether it's to show off to other homeowners - or your visiting family - improving the aesthetics of your home is a great reason to upgrade your windows.

With a wide variety of styles, options and colors to choose (not just white!), you could upgrade your home to a new, modern look or embrace the classic styles. It's also a great time to consider installing the bay window or garden window you've always wanted. Within an afternoon, you could transform your home into the showstopper that it is. Plus, who doesn't love enjoying decorative lights or electric candles in the windows during the holidays?

5. Safety concerns this season

Everyone knows that windows help keep out the weather - and typically those who would do harm to you and your family. But have you ever considered what your old, broken windows could be keeping in?

The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of about 780 home fires nationwide during the holidays. If a fire started in your home, could everyone get out through a window if needed? Windows that are difficult to open, won't stay open, or won't open at all may block an escape route. Don't wait for a particular season or sale to address windows that create a safety concern. A window that won't operate properly, has an active leak, or shows significant damage should be assessed promptly by a qualified professional.

6. The winter timing is perfect

Ready for an insider secret? During the winter, most home improvement contractors see their slowest work schedule. That means that if you're looking to make home upgrades (like new windows), not only will the process be a bit less, but you'll likely have to wait a much shorter time for the installation, too.

So while you may be trying your best to winterize your home yourself, if you need to call in the experts, winter is the time to do it.

Spring and fall can both be comfortable seasons for window replacement, with milder temperatures than the height of summer or winter. The better time depends on your local weather and how busy installers are in your area. When planning installation, ask about current scheduling and choose a season that works for your home and timeline.

Summer can make installation easier to schedule around longer daylight and fewer cold-weather concerns. But high temperatures, summer storms, and busy installer schedules may affect the timing. Before choosing summer for your window replacement, ask your contractor how local temperatures and weather could shape the installation plan.

7. Great sales from manufacturers

December promotions may make it a good time for homeowners to shop for replacement windows, but there isn't one month that is always the cheapest. Prices and offers vary, so check current promotions and compare quotes before you buy. 

Keep your purchase date separate from your installation date, too: you can take advantage of a sale and schedule installation for a season that suits your home, local weather, and timeline. 

Ask Window Nation about current offers and available installation dates when you schedule a consultation.

Can you replace windows in the winter?

Absolutely! Winter can be a good season for window replacement, especially if your current windows let in drafts, lose heat, or need repair. 

Consider your local weather, your home's needs, your budget, and installer availability before scheduling. If your windows are damaged or affecting comfort, ask a qualified window installer whether winter installation is right for you. Otherwise, choose the season that best fits your home and timeline.

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