Hello dear friends, with the official first winter day being only a few weeks away from us, I think it’s a good time to talk about winter windows installation.
Unfortunately, window replacement in the winter is surrounded by so many myths that drive away many homeowners.
We covered 7 widely spread myths about window replacement in our previous blog post.
It may sound surprising to you, but many people consider winter the worst time to replacing windows because of, as they say, cold weather.
Fascinating fact,
The annual count of frost days, when the minimum temperature is less than 0ºC, has decreased, on average, by 17 days from 205 to 188 for the past 67 years in Calgary; the future scenario, we might expect the 30-year average of frost days will be 157 days between 2041 and 2070 in Calgary.
Winter is getting warmer, and so do we get more days now to enjoy the work outside.
Many people are not aware that the winter windows installation process is similar to summer windows installation, with only a few minor exceptions.
We're going to cover this and other aspects of winter window replacement in today’s blog post.
Read on to learn why we think winter is the best time to replace old windows.
Difference between summer and winter windows installation
The first question that comes up to mind is,
when is the best time of year to replace windows?
Summer is typically a more appropriate time to replace your windows because the days are longer and warmer, and the installation process is faster.
However, in winter, we get only seven to eight hours of daylight, which is not a lot when you work on a big and complex project.
So, in this case, summer would be the best time to plan any major projects.
However, if your project is split into multiple phases, and you only plan to replace one floor or room at a time, then winter will be ideal to realize your project.
One major downside of the windows replacement in the summer is that you will fall into the peak season—which is when the companies experience high volume in customers, sales, and work.
In Alberta, the peak time usually falls between mid-March and late April, with the second peak falling between early September and mid-October, right before the thermostat temperature drops to a minimum.
Because a waiting period is between four to six weeks from the initial quote to allow your windows to be manufactured and delivered, your actual scheduled installation occurs in June-August.
It’s not rare to experience delays with manufacturing, shipping, and installing the windows in peak times.
In such a case, winter is also a better time because of fewer delays in the project.
Certainly, an initial date for windows replacement might be moved because of weather, but overall we see the wait times for installing your windows to be shorter in the winter.
When is the best time to replace windows?
Please refer to the table below and compare all pros and cons for installing windows in either winter or summer to help you out with this question.
Speak with an expert about your future windows replacement project. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
#1 Immediate return on investment
During winter, your energy consumption usually peaks on frosty days as reliance on the furnace increases, and so your energy bills.
If your windows are not fitted with good double or triple glazing, or they’re dilapidated, leaking and drafty, then your room will be comfortless and cold.
An over-working furnace can lead to issues with your heating system.
Depending on the condition of your windows, around 18 to 35% of heat can be lost through the windows of a house that is not energy efficient, according to the Government of Canada website.
An instant return on investment of more energy-efficient windows comes from saving you an average of 45% on your energy bills.
In a dollar amount, you’ll be saving between $126 - $523 per year.
Moreover, you will save money by wearing and tearing less your heating system.
#2 Winter is the best time to discover problems with your windows
Since many homeowners overlook the importance of inspecting their windows on the signs of leakage, drafts, condensation or wear out, and winter is the best time to do so.
In summer, many of us think that “okay-looking” windows provide the same level of performance. But it seems only at the beginning.
Even good looking windows have sores, and soon you will notice the first signs of deterioration.
However, in the summer, it is sometimes hard to notice the problem spots with so many warm days.
That’s why winter, with lots of cold and stormy days, presents an opportunity to determine the condition of your windows.
Check the following:
✔ Soaring energy bills
There’s one apparent warning sign of deteriorating windows—an increase in your energy bills.
The lack of proper insulation and ill-fitting may increase strain on your furnace during peak times.
✔ Leaking
Leakage is one of the worst signs which points to a dilapidated window.
To ensure your window is not leaking, examine the following elements:
window sill;
bottom rails;
glass seals;
top of the window frame;
any signs of condensation.
✔ Drafty
Drafts occur because of the closing issues related to the malfunctioned locking systems or inappropriately installed windows.
To locate the points of the draft, do the following:
Run your hand around the framing of your windows. Seal any cracks if the air is coming through them. Of course, it’s a short-term solution, and soon you will need to replace the windows.
✔ Single Pane
Single pane windows are an old technology that has long been abandoned by builders because of their poor energy efficiency ratings.
Look at the inside edge of the window.
If you see two panes of glass separated by a small spacer system, then it’s a double-glazed window.
If you see one pane of glass and no spacing system, then it’s single glazed.
✔ Condensation between the glass panes
It happens because of the failed sealant around the double glazing, which lets air in the gap between the glass panes.
It’s a warning sign that your sealant needs to receive treatment if you want to keep your energy bills lower and heat inside the room.
The best way to spot condensation around windows is by looking out for any damage to the sealant around the windows.
✔ Windows hard to open or close
We wrote a comprehensive article on these and 5 additional warning signals that you need to replace old windows.
#3 Windows are cheaper in the winter
Traditional retail stores are not the only ones who hold massive promotions in the winter.
Because late fall or early winter is a slower season for the majority of windows companies, it's not rare to see them running amazing promotions on windows.
The sales volume is lower than usual, and sales reps are more willing to give you big discounts on windows.
With the average cost to replace windows ranging between $700 to $1,200 per window, off-season discounts may lower the final cost by 15-30 percent.
Because it’s off-season, you can also expect special upgrades or features that companies may fit your windows with; for instance, a complementary set of blinds for every window you purchase or premium maintenance service for years to come.
#4 Flexible installation dates
If you’re one of those people whose schedule favours flexibility because of a tight schedule, winter will definitely be the preferred time to start a new home renovation project.
Most of the window companies experience a slower season in late fall or early winter.
This is when the volume of sales and scheduled work is lower than usual, so more experienced installers are available to adapt their schedule to yours.
With that in mind, you can also expect a shorter wait time from the initial quote to the final installation.
Bespoke Windows Winter Installation Process
We design our windows to ensure they define the industry standards and can withstand harsh Canadian winters.
For example, our triple-pane windows combine industry-leading hardware and parts that ensure ultimate performance, energy efficiency and durability.
Our bespoke installation process includes:
✅ Closing off the rooms where work is taking place to minimize temperature changes and strain on your furnace.
✅ Before removing a window, we work in teams to prepare the window to be taken out, enabling us to minimize outdoor exposure to your rooms and ensure no debris and other unwanted elements getting inside your house.
✅ Upon removing a window, your home will be exposed to cold for around 10-15 minutes until the new window is installed in place.
✅ The next installation steps will include applying expanding foam and sealing off any gaps against cold and water.
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