Signs It's Time to Replace Your Windows

Alexander Blaho
Oct 3, 2025
2 min read

Cozy living room with white sofa, cushions, and plant on wooden table. Large windows show a scenic view of a red barn, trees, and river.

Are you noticing higher energy bills, drafts, or just feel like your home doesn't look its best anymore? As homeowners, we often overlook the performance of our windows until a real problem surfaces. However, knowing the early warning signs can save you significant time, money, and discomfort in the long run. At Thrush & Son, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners improve their properties, and we know exactly what to look for when assessing old, inefficient windows. Here are four clear indicators that it’s time to consider a full window replacement.

Hand adjusting a smart thermostat to 72°F in a brightly lit room with a potted plant. Sunlight streams through a window, creating a serene mood.

Your Energy Bills Are Getting Out of Control

If your heating or cooling costs are steadily climbing, your old windows are likely the biggest culprits. We know that older single-pane windows or those with failing seals allow significant air transfer. This means your HVAC system has to work overtime just to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, wasting money on a monthly basis.

Fogged window with water streaks, a blurred green tree visible outside against a clear blue sky, creating a calm, serene mood.

You See Condensation or Fogging Between Panes

Seeing moisture or a foggy haze trapped between the glass panels is an obvious sign of a failed seal. This seal failure compromises the insulating gas layer within the window, effectively turning your double-pane unit into an inefficient single pane. When this happens, your windows lose their primary energy-saving benefit.

Woman in white sweater opens window, letting in natural light. Background shows palm trees. Potted plant on windowsill. Calm mood.

Windows Are Difficult to Open, Close, or Lock

Windows should glide smoothly and lock securely without a struggle. If you’re fighting to open a sash or can’t get the lock to engage, it points to warped frames or hardware failure. Beyond being a daily nuisance, this issue presents a serious safety and security risk that needs to be addressed quickly.

Woman with gray hair in a cozy sweater, sitting by a window with a cup, looks outside thoughtfully. Books stacked nearby, serene mood.

There Are Visible Drafts or Cold Spots Near the Glass

When you sit near a window and feel a distinct draft, that's thermal transfer happening in real-time. These air leaks make certain rooms uncomfortably cold in the winter and hot in the summer. We can restore comfort and consistency to your indoor environment by installing modern, airtight windows.

Recognizing these key signs is the first step toward reclaiming your home's comfort, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. Replacing your worn-out units with high-performance windows provides immediate savings and lasting value. We specialize in providing superior, energy-efficient window solutions tailored for Lebanon, Ohio homes. Contact us to schedule an estimate and learn how our windows can protect your investment for years to come.