If you live in a house with older double-pane windows, you may be wondering if they are still doing their job of shielding your home from drafts and blocking the outside hot or cold air to keep your air conditioner or heater from running too much. If so, look for the following signs that it is time to consider replacing your old double-pane windows.

1.   Condensation Forms in Between the Panes of Glass

One major sign that your old double-pane windows have seen better days and need to be replaced is when you start seeing condensation forming in between the panes of glass. This condensation is present because water is leaking into the space. When sunlight hits or the glass warms up from your heater, moisture starts to evaporate, causing condensation to form on the surface. And, since there is not enough air flowing through the glass, the trapped moisture will cause a rapid breakdown of the glazing and window frame.

If moisture is leaking between the panes, there is likely already a breakdown of the glazing or there may be minor cracks in the glass. Since it can be difficult to remedy the moisture and keep it from returning, it would be better to replace the entire window instead of attempting to fix the issue

2.   Outside Noises Become More Noticeable 

Another sign that it is time to consider replacing your old windows is when the noises outside of your house start becoming more noticeable. When the windows were new, the spaces between the panes helped to serve as insulation and therefore, could help block some of the sounds coming from outside.

However, if the glazing has deteriorated or the frames have shifted to allow small gaps around the glass, this reduces the window's ability to block the noises. This is also an indication that the structure's ability to fully insulate against temperature changes from the indoor and outdoor air. If this is the case, drafts are probably prevalent, and your home's indoor air is escaping.

If there is moisture trapped between the panes and you can hear more noise from the outdoors than you have in the past, there is a good chance that your windows are costing you money on your heating and air conditioning bills because of air leakage and drafts. If this is the case, it may be time for new ones. Contact a window replacement service near you to see what options are available to you.