Should you be in the process of purchasing an older home then you may wish to consider replacement windows, unless those already in the home have been installed in the last couple of years. There are a number of reasons as to why this is a good idea and, thanks to the various styles available, you should still be able to get windows that are sympathetic to the overall style of the building as well.
When it comes to the windows in an older building you will undoubtedly discover that they are of poorer quality to modern day ones not only in the glass, but also the frame and the installation. By sticking with the original ones you will come to find it harder to heat your house and keep it warm due to the amount of energy that is escaping.
Older windows do not have double glazing and will more likely have wooden frames that have become weathered over the decades. This weathering makes them more porous so your heat and energy is only going to seep out through these holes and of course cold air will be drawn in as well.
New windows come with thicker glass, you may even get triple glazing should you wish to do so, and the frames will tend to be either PVC or metal. These are more solid than the old wooden frames and due to the two, or three, layers of glass the heat coming out from your home is less and the cold air coming in is trapped before it enters your room.
Another way in which modern windows have an impact is with the way they are sealed during the installation. Replacement windows are installed to be airtight and any holes around the window is filled with modern fillers that do not allow the heat to escape which clearly makes it easier to keep your room warm. This is a vast improvement on what you would have had before as energy will find the easiest route out so the gaps around the edge of the windows that you were not aware of will have been the source of a lot of lost heat.
Whilst you may like the old style it is worth remembering that you will be able to find modern windows that have the same appeal and it is merely a case of shopping around. You may have to pay a bit extra, but you will still end up with the same traditional look that is suitable for the building, but with all of the modern materials.
So if you are the owner of an old home, or looking to buy one, then replacement windows are certainly going to need to be high on your list of things to do for home renovations. By simply installing windows with modern, thicker glass, stronger frames, and the installation involving the correct fillers you will find your rooms are warmer and easier to heat and the number of draughts you feel will vanish by the end of the job.