Introduction

If your windows are more than 15–20 years old, chances are they’re not doing your home — or your wallet — any favours.

Even if they look fine, outdated windows could be quietly draining your energy, reducing your comfort, and chipping away at your home’s value.

1. Energy Bills That Just Keep Climbing

Old windows are often single-pane or poorly insulated, which means they’re no match for Ottawa’s winters or humid summers. Drafts, leaks, and thin glass allow heat to escape in winter — and seep in during summer.

What does that mean for you?

• Your furnace or A/C works harder to keep your home comfortable
• Energy consumption spikes
• Your bills creep higher month after month

Modern replacement windows come with insulated frames, Low-E coatings, and multiple panes that drastically reduce energy loss — helping you cut utility costs from the day they’re installed.

2. Invisible Money Leak: Air Infiltration

That chilly spot near the couch? It’s not your imagination.

Older windows tend to lose their seal over time, allowing outdoor air to seep in — even when the window is closed. You might not notice a full-on draft, but even subtle leaks can cost you.

According to Natural Resources Canada, up to 25% of a home’s heat loss can come from windows and doors. That’s energy — and money — you’re literally throwing out the window.

3. Hidden Maintenance Costs

You might think you’re saving money by avoiding replacement, but constant repairs add up.

Re-caulking, repainting, replacing weatherstripping, fixing hardware — none of that is free. And if you’re calling in a handyman every season, those service calls aren’t cheap either.

With new windows, you can skip the upkeep. Today’s materials — like vinyl or fibreglass — are built to last, resist moisture, and hold their seal for decades with minimal maintenance.

4. Your Home’s Value May Be Dropping

Buyers notice windows. They know what drafty, foggy glass means: more costs after closing.

If you’re planning to sell — or even thinking about it in the next few years — outdated windows can affect:

• Curb appeal
• Energy efficiency ratings
• Home inspection reports
• Final offers

New windows not only attract buyers — they can boost your resale value and reduce time on the market.

5. Comfort Isn’t Just a Luxury — It’s a Cost Factor

Old windows can make your home uncomfortable:

• Drafts in the winter
• Overheating in summer
• Cold floors and uneven room temperatures
• Annoying outside noise

You may find yourself compensating with space heaters, fans, blackout curtains, or even avoiding certain rooms altogether.

The bottom line? Discomfort has a cost — financially and emotionally.

6. Old Windows = Missed Energy Savings Every Month

This isn’t just about what you’re paying — it’s about what you’re not saving.

New ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your home’s annual energy bill by up to 12%, according to NRCan. That adds up over time — and offsets the cost of replacement faster than you might expect.

Final Thoughts

Old windows aren’t just outdated — they’re expensive. From creeping energy bills to maintenance headaches and lost property value, the costs of holding on are bigger than they appear.

Replacing your windows isn’t a cosmetic upgrade — it’s a smart investment.

At Big City Windows & Doors, we specialize in high-efficiency window replacement designed for Ottawa homes. We’ll help you choose the right styles, navigate rebates, and install everything with care — so you can stop losing money and start enjoying your home again.

Ready to Replace Your Windows and Doors?

Contact Big City Windows & Doors today for a free consultation and estimate.

Let us show you how new windows can save you money — and transform your home for the better.