Why It Pays to Replace Your Windows in the Fall
Once the first cool evening of fall arrives, it has a funny way of revealing things you probably forgot about during the summer. Suddenly, your living room is a little chillier than you remember, a bedroom window whistles when the wind picks up, and suddenly you remember it: the plastic film you meant to stop buying every winter.
If your windows have been giving you trouble, autumn is a great time to start planning their replacement. We install windows year-round and, due to the volume of jobs currently in our queue, are booking new quotes for December and January. Getting in touch now can help you plan ahead for a more comfortable home.
At Howald Windows & Doors, we have been serving Kitchener and Waterloo since 1948. Here is why fall deserves a place on your renovation calendar, along with a few things to consider before booking your project.
Put Your Investment to Work Before Winter
Replacing your home's windows is a significant improvement, so it only makes sense to think about when you're going to benefit from it the most. A fall installation allows you to dive into the heating season with the work already completed instead of spending another winter with windows that bring a chill and remind you of next year's chores.
According to Natural Resources Canada, windows and doors can account for up to 25% of a home's energy loss. Improving these areas can help reduce the energy needed to keep your home comfortable.
However, that doesn't mean replacing your windows is automatically going to regain that full 25%; your results depend on the condition of the existing windows, the replacement products, the quality of the installation, and your choice of contractor.
That doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile; you can still see significant savings by having those windows taken care of before the winter, especially if you find a contractor that offers additional services.
Make Everyday Spaces More Comfortable
Most homeowners don't spend their evenings casually thinking about window performance ratings. They notice that the chair beside the window is uncomfortable, the kitchen feels drafty, or one bedroom never seems as warm as the rest of the house. These small frustrations influence how you use your home. You might move furniture away from an exterior wall, keep curtains closed throughout the day or turn up the thermostat to make one room more comfortable.
Low-emissivity coatings and insulated window frames and sashes can make windows more comfortable to sit beside. Gas fills between panes provide additional insulation, while triple glazing offers another option for improving long-term performance.
If you have a home office, that could mean making better use of the desk beside the window; in a family room, it could help you enjoy the seating arrangement you prefer. Completing the project in autumn gives you time to settle back into your most-used spaces.
Plan the Work During the Transition Between Seasons
Fall typically provides good opportunities to schedule exterior work before winter weather conditions arrive. A nice autumn day can also make the temporary disruption of window replacement easier to accommodate, particularly when you're working from home or arranging space for children and pets.
You don’t have to wait for warmer weather to replace your windows. Our team installs year-round, using installation methods and materials suited to the conditions so you can expect the same reliable window performance from a winter installation.
At Howald Windows & Doors, we install windows year-round, including during winter, taking precautions to limit heat loss during the process. Fall is therefore a useful opportunity to plan, rather than a deadline after which replacement becomes impossible.
When discussing your project, ask about the expected sequence, access requirements, and estimated duration. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to arrange your workday and prepare the rooms involved.
Investigate Trouble Before It Becomes Another Winter Routine
There's a difference between a window requiring a small repair and one that's weathered enough that it needs a full replacement. Fall is the perfect time to establish which solution works best for your home. To really figure out what you might need and the right questions to ask, check for problems such as:
Windows that are difficult to open, close or lock.
Noticeable drafts around closed windows.
Fogging trapped between the panes of a sealed glass unit.
Deteriorating frames or recurring signs of moisture around the opening.
Hardware that no longer operates reliably.
Mention when the problem occurs, whether it affects several windows and any repairs you have already tried. Photos can also help document an intermittent issue, such as moisture appearing after rain.
Replacement is not automatically necessary for every problem. It's also essential to identify what requires simple repairs ranging from hardware to caulking and weatherstripping. A failed sealed glass unit may need glass replacement rather than an entirely new window. That's why it's so important to get advice before winter forces you into a rushed decision rather than an intentional one.
Understand Condensation Before Choosing a Solution
Water on the glass can be frustrating, especially when you're wiping the same windows every morning. However, the location of that moisture matters.
Condensation on the room-facing surface develops when moist indoor air meets a sufficiently cold surface. High indoor humidity and limited air circulation near the window can contribute; fogging between the panes of a sealed glass unit points to a different issue, potentially a failed seal.
High-performance windows can help to reduce condensation better than most ordinary models can. Even so, new windows can't guarantee dry glass under every single potential combination of indoor humidity and outdoor temperature, but they can ensure you won't be experiencing a draft.
This is why it's good to see a professional and receive a proper consultation. During the consultation, make sure to describe where the moisture appears. It's also worth checking whether curtains, furniture, or closed blinds restrict airflow near the glass, and whether your home's ventilation is managing moisture effectively. Addressing these details in fall gives you a more informed plan for the colder months. It also helps establish realistic expectations for what high-performance windows can accomplish.
Choose Windows That Work with Your Lifestyle
Replacing your home's windows provides you with an opportunity to reconsider the features you have simply accepted over the years. Maybe, after some inspection and consideration, you may decide that the existing style isn't what you really want, like a window that's awkward to open over the kitchen sink, or perhaps the colour no longer suits the space.
We meet at your location in person and spend a little time thinking about each room of your house. Consider how often you open the windows in that room, how accessible they are, whether they need different opening mechanisms, and whether or not you want to change or retain the space's appearance. A window overlooking the backyard may serve a different purpose from one facing a neighbouring property, for example.
Howald Windows & Doors supplies custom-made North Star windows in a range of styles, finishes, and colours. That gives you plenty of options to discuss alongside energy performance and your budget. You don't need to arrive with every decision made – a concise list of priorities, such as easier operation, improved comfort or a coordinated exterior, provides a good jumping-off point for a discussion.
Give the Installation Process the Attention It Deserves
The product you choose is only one part of the project. Accurate measurements, preparation of the opening and careful installation all deserve attention when comparing estimates. Poor installation can contribute to drafts, condensation, and water leakage. Choosing a capable installation team is therefore an essential part of protecting the value of your purchase.
Our window installations are completed by our in-house team, and we also provide a 10-year installation warranty, alongside North Star's transferable limited lifetime product warranty. Ask us to explain the applicable terms so you understand the coverage. Before proceeding, review the proposed project scope, including interior and exterior finishing, removal of old or damaged materials, and any work that must be arranged separately. A clear estimate helps you compare the complete job and plan your budget with fewer unanswered questions.
Start With a Conversation This Fall with Howald Windows & Doors
If you’re considering new windows, contact us to discuss your project and current availability. We’re already booked into mid-December and install year-round, so now is a good time to plan your replacement.
Custom manufacturing and installation availability both affect timing, so it helps to set a realistic schedule before planning around a specific date. Don't worry, our team is here to help every step of the way.
There is no need to wait until a draft becomes unbearable to explore your options for window replacement. Our free, no-obligation quote gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns, review suitable products and understand the proposed cost.
Contact Howald Windows & Doors to get your project started. We can help you tackle a few problem windows or plan a full-home replacement to keep your living spaces comfortable.
