Homeownership is a great investment—one that can bring great value to your life in terms of creating the perfect space for you and your family to thrive—and also one that can grow into a nest egg that increases in value year after year. While the payoff can be huge, there is also a big responsibility that comes with homeownership, and that is that you must continue to maintain your home and upgrade parts of it from time to time in order to protect the investment you’ve made.
For those who own older homes in San Diego, there are a lot of upgrades and improvements to choose from. Solar panel installation, kitchen remodeling, new appliances, exterior painting—the list goes on. If you’re looking for an upgrade that has a great return on investment, you might want to consider replacing your windows and doors with more energy-efficient ones, especially if you are still living with the original windows from when your home was built.
Retrofit windows in San Diego (also sometimes referred to as “replacement windows”) are a home improvement project with many upsides and very few downsides. Here are some reasons why this may be the right choice for your next home upgrade.
Retrofit Windows in San Diego Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
We have been living in a time of high inflation, and it feels like everything everywhere is more expensive than it used to be. We’re all looking for ways to cut expenses, and reducing your monthly energy bill is a great place to start. According to these experts on retrofit windows in San Diego, that is one of the main reasons people consider window and door replacement.
There are several ways in which retrofit windows are more energy efficient than older windows, and depending on what type of windows are currently in your home, the potential for monthly savings is quite large.
Older homes, especially those built before 1990, are likely to have aluminum or wood window frames. Homes built before 1970 may even have single-pane windows. Most retrofit windows in San Diego will have vinyl frames, which is a much better insulator than either aluminum or wood. Choosing dual panes over single panes is a bit more of a complicated decision because there is a higher cost with dual-pane windows, but again, the insulation payoff is big.
Why is insulation so important? Simply put, a better-insulated home will require less use of the heater or air conditioner to keep a comfortable temperature. As you can imagine, running your HVAC system less will absolutely reduce your monthly energy bills!
Retrofit Windows in San Diego Provide Better Home Security
Windows may seem simple, but the truth is that window technology has come a long way over the years. Retrofit windows in San Diego are likely to be more secure than older windows in a few different ways. First and foremost, the glass used to make windows these days is just better quality. It’s thicker, and it is often treated in ways to make it stronger. Most replacement window companies also offer options like tempered or laminated glass, which can be even harder for someone to break and gain entry into your home.
In addition to stronger glass, many customers choose dual-pane windows when purchasing retrofit windows. In dual-pane windows, there are two panes of glass separated by a high-density gas like Argon or Krypton, and these types of windows are very difficult to break into, especially if you go for tempered or laminated glass.
Finally, retrofit windows in San Diego have many options for locking mechanisms, and newer locks tend to have better security features than older locks. Older locks can be more easily pried open and can make for an easy and relatively quiet entry point for a burglar, whereas newer locks include pull-tight cam mechanisms and/or mushroom head latches, which are virtually impossible to force open from the outside. Some window companies even offer locks that engage automatically when your window is shut, which means you never have to worry about whether or not you remembered to lock your windows.
Retrofit Windows in San Diego Increase Curb Appeal
Well-maintained windows are more attractive—no question about it. Think about it from a homebuyer’s perspective: If you drive by a home that has window frames that are bent or peeling and cracking, you’re going to move on. You want your home to look beautiful from the outside, and older windows become more difficult to maintain as the years go on.
Vinyl retrofit windows in San Diego are incredibly easy to maintain. They may require a quick wipe-down now and then, but that’s generally all it takes to keep them looking good as new. They are also robust enough to withstand the salty air, and if you have any concerns about this, especially if you live near the coast, be sure the products you choose are approved for coastal climates.
All of these factors make retrofit windows a great choice for a home improvement project. You’ll see a return on investment each month on your reduced energy bill, plus you will raise the value of your home with increased security and curb appeal. If your older home is need of some upgrades, retrofit windows in San Diego are a great place to start.