When Is It Actually Time to Replace Your Windows?

Lion Windows & Doors
Dec 15
3 min read

Homeowners ask us this question almost every day.

Some are dealing with obvious problems. Others just have a feeling something isn’t right — higher energy bills, more noise, or windows that don’t work the way they used to.

The truth is, not every home needs new windows right away. But there are clear signs that tell you when replacement makes sense — and when it doesn’t.

Here’s what we typically look for when evaluating a home in Los Angeles.

1. You’re Feeling Drafts or Hot Spots Near the Windows

If a room feels warmer or cooler than the rest of the house, the windows are often part of the problem.

This usually means:

Seals have failed
Frames have shifted over time
The original installation wasn’t done correctly

Even a decent window won’t perform well if air is getting around or through it.

2. Condensation or Fog Between the Glass

Moisture trapped between the panes is a clear sign that the insulated glass unit has failed.

Once that seal is gone:

The insulating gas escapes
The window loses efficiency
Performance drops significantly

In some cases, glass replacement is an option. In others, replacing the entire window is the smarter long-term solution.

3. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing

We hear this a lot: “Nothing changed, but my bills keep going up.”

Older windows — especially single-pane or early dual-pane units — allow heat to transfer far more easily. In Southern California, that means your AC and heat are working harder than they should.

Upgrading to modern, Title 24–compliant glass can make a noticeable difference.

4. Outside Noise Feels Louder Than Before

If traffic, neighbors, or street noise seem more noticeable, your windows may no longer be doing their job.

Well-built dual-pane windows help reduce sound transmission. Many homeowners are surprised by how much quieter their home becomes after replacing older units.

5. Windows Are Hard to Open, Close, or Lock

This isn’t just annoying — it can be a safety issue.

Common causes include:

Warped frames
Worn balances
Long-term exposure to sun and moisture

Windows should operate smoothly and lock properly. If they don’t, it’s worth having them checked.

6. The Rest of the Home Has Been Updated — Except the Windows

New paint, flooring, or a remodeled kitchen can make old windows stand out.

Windows play a big role in how a home looks from the inside and out. Replacing them often gives the house a more finished, updated feel without changing anything else.

7. You’re Planning a Remodel or Preparing to Sell

This is often the best time to address windows.

Replacing windows during a remodel:

Allows better waterproofing options
Prevents redoing finished surfaces later
Leads to a cleaner overall result

If you’re selling, updated windows are also a strong selling point for buyers.

A Common Mistake We See

Many homeowners focus only on the window brand or price and overlook how the window will be installed.

Installation method, waterproofing, and site conditions matter just as much as the product itself. A good window installed poorly won’t perform the way it should.