The incentive to choose to replace PVC windows is the tax credits offered by some governments as part of an environmental initiative. As long as you comply with proof of purchase, manufacturer certification and all the other bureaucratic requirements, tax credits are the proverbial carrot.
Even if the tax savings only apply to one measure
The cost savings in terms of energy efficiency probably outweigh it. While the idea of installing plastic windows in traditional homes seems strange, it is perfectly acceptable because these windows are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They are easily adaptable to the most discerning tastes and tend to be more attractively priced than traditional wood windows.
Because the materials are easy to obtain and fabricate, production costs are much lower. Because installation takes much less time, you can outfit your entire home with new windows in a very short time. Wooden windows may look better, but they take much longer to manufacture and install. It is also not the most environmentally friendly solution, unless the wood comes from recycled wood materials or forestry recycling projects.
Another factor to consider is that PVC windows are virtually maintenance-free. Plastic windows are virtually self-supporting. Once they are attached to the window frame, they can be used immediately. Over time, the recommended maintenance consists of routine wiping consistent with your housework.
Plastic frames do not need to be repainted because they do not rust or fade. With wood windows, the paint on the frame usually peels and cracks due to moisture and age. Because they are unaffected by humidity and temperature, they also do not warp with the seasons.
More energy
Efficient PVC window frames use non-conductive materials between the inside and outside of the frame. This prevents the transfer of heat or cold between the inside and outside and thus maintains the temperature in your home.
When you combine the aforementioned ease of installation with the ease of maintenance of plastic windows, it makes sense to give these types of windows a fair shot when considering your next home improvement project.
When it comes to replacing windows, there are both pros and cons to installing new windows or working with the original ones. At several hundred dollars apiece, they are some of the most expensive materials in a home. With such exorbitant costs, it’s important to know when a given piece of equipment should be completely written off and replaced with a new one, and when it can simply be repaired.
Let’s start with the obvious
A new unit means lower operating costs, less draft, easier cleaning, energy savings and smoother operation than repairs. And that’s not all: it can also lead to tax savings, more enjoyment of life and, quite simply, a more enjoyable home. On the other hand, installation costs almost as much as the building materials themselves, so the whole operation represents a definite investment.
If the windows are not replaced
Working with the originals can be expensive and time-consuming. Between repairing old structures, dealing with frames and locks that are difficult to open and close, and cleaning and painting every two years, taking care of old windows takes some effort. Added to that is the difficulty of cleaning, faulty seals, condensation and increased energy costs.
The first step in deciding whether a home needs window replacement debary is to consider whether the existing windows are worth saving for. With a few exceptions, most windows can be repaired, restored and modified to serve their original purpose, but that involves installing new hardware and coatings, not to mention the maintenance that is still required.
Here are some general considerations to take into account when deciding if replacement windows are really the best option.