Don’t Wait for the First Cold Snap: Why Now Is the Time to Replace Your Windows Before Winter

Every year in Oklahoma, we see the same thing happen. Temperatures start dropping, homeowners turn on the heat, and suddenly they notice just how much cold air is coming through their old windows.

A bedroom feels colder than the rest of the house. You can feel a draft sitting next to the living room window. The glass feels ice cold. Maybe there’s condensation between the panes or a window that no longer closes and locks the way it should.

That’s usually when people start thinking about replacement windows.

The problem is that waiting until the first really cold week of winter may mean waiting longer than you expected to have your new windows installed.

If you already know your windows need to be replaced, early fall can be one of the best times to get the process started.

Replacement Windows Take Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about window replacement is that homeowners can call today and have their new windows installed next week.

Replacement windows aren’t usually an off-the-shelf product.

At Green Country Windows, the process starts by looking at your existing windows and taking accurate measurements. We then help you determine which window options make sense for your home, your goals and your budget.

Once everything is finalized, your windows have to be ordered. Depending on the manufacturer, options, color, glass package and current production schedule, there can be a lead time before those windows arrive.

Then the installation has to be scheduled.

That’s why homeowners who want their replacement windows installed before colder Oklahoma weather arrives should start planning before winter is already here.

Oklahoma Weather Doesn’t Give Much Warning

Anyone who has lived around Tulsa for very long knows how quickly our weather can change.

We can have comfortable afternoons one week and freezing temperatures not long afterward. Oklahoma winters can also bring strong winds, which make poorly sealed and drafty windows even more noticeable.

You don’t want the first freezing night to be the moment you realize that several windows in your house aren’t sealing properly.

If your windows were uncomfortable last winter, chances are they haven’t fixed themselves over the summer.

Now is the time to take another look.

Signs Your Windows May Be Costing You Comfort

Not every older window needs to be replaced, but there are several warning signs worth paying attention to.

You may notice air moving around the frame on windy days. Rooms near exterior windows may be noticeably hotter in the summer and colder during the winter. Windows may become difficult to open, close or lock.

You might also see fog or moisture trapped between the panes of glass. That’s often an indication that an insulated glass seal has failed.

Older single-pane windows and aging aluminum or wood windows can also perform very differently from today’s energy-efficient replacement windows.

The important thing is figuring out what is actually causing the problem before spending money.

New Windows Can Help Reduce Drafts

One of the biggest improvements homeowners notice after replacing old, poorly performing windows is comfort.

Modern energy-efficient replacement windows can include insulated glass, Low-E coatings, improved weatherstripping and multi-chambered vinyl frames designed to reduce heat transfer and air infiltration.

But the window itself is only part of the equation.

Installation matters.

A quality replacement window installed incorrectly can still allow air and moisture around the opening. Proper measurements, insulation, sealing and installation are critical to getting the performance you paid for.

That’s why choosing a window installation company should involve more than simply comparing the price written at the bottom of several estimates.

Don’t Wait Until Every Window Fails

Homeowners sometimes think they need to wait until their windows are completely unusable before replacing them.

You don’t.

If you already have several problem windows, replacing them before winter can prevent an

other season of dealing with drafts, difficult operation and uncomfortable rooms.

For some homeowners, replacing every window at once makes sense. For others, replacing the worst windows first may be the better approach.

A reputable window contractor should help you understand your options rather than pressure you into buying something you don’t need.

Fall Is a Great Time to Plan Your Window Project

There is another advantage to starting your window replacement project before winter: planning.

You have time to compare products, understand glass packages, discuss financing if needed and make a decision without feeling rushed because it’s 25 degrees outside and cold air is coming through your windows.

It also gives the window company time to measure, order and schedule your project.

If you’re considering replacement windows in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Claremore or another Northeast Oklahoma community, now is a good time to start the conversation.

Quality Windows. Priced Right.

At Green Country Windows, we believe buying replacement windows shouldn’t require sitting through a high-pressure sales presentation.

We’ll look at your windows, discuss what you’re trying to accomplish and explain your options.

No gimmicks. No unnecessary pressure. Just straightforward information, quality products and professional window installation.

If your windows were drafty last winter, don’t wait for the next Oklahoma cold front to remind you.

Start the process now so you have time to get your windows measured, ordered and installed.

Contact Green Country Windows today to schedule a free in-home window estimate in Tulsa or Northeast Oklahoma.

Quality Windows. Priced Right.