Here is the money problem, Patriot Nation: in a San Antonio summer, every drafty window is a hole in your cooling budget, and single-pane units leak expensive air all day long. New windows are a real investment, $300 to $800 each, but they are also one of the few improvements buyers notice at the curb and on the energy bill. The question is whether yours have reached the point where replacement beats repair.

Window Lifespan by Type

Vinyl windows typically last 15 to 25 years. Wood windows can last 30 years or more with proper maintenance but require regular painting and sealing. Aluminum windows last 20 to 25 years but conduct heat, making them less energy-efficient. Fiberglass windows are the most durable, lasting 30 to 50 years, but cost more upfront. The seals on double-pane windows can fail sooner, causing fogging between the panes.

What it means in dollars: the window type sets both the lifespan and the energy performance. A 20-year-old aluminum window is likely costing you more every summer than the replacement would.

The real-world play: check the age and the type together. A fogged double-pane seal means the insulating gas is gone, and that window is done regardless of how new the frame looks.

Warning Signs You Need New Windows

Condensation or fog between the glass panes means the seal has failed. Drafts around the frame indicate deteriorating weatherstripping or gaps in the installation. Windows that stick, won't stay open, or are difficult to lock may have warped frames. Visible rot or decay around wood frames is a sign of moisture damage. High energy bills can also suggest your windows are no longer insulating properly.

What it means in dollars: each warning sign is either a repair or a replacement decision. Fogged seals and rotted frames are replacement territory, while drafts and sticking may be fixable with weatherstripping and adjustment.

The real-world consequence: buyers notice drafty, single-pane windows the moment they walk in. Fixing them before listing is one of the few improvements with a real return at the closing table.

Window Replacement Costs

Basic vinyl double-hung windows cost $300 to $600 each installed. Mid-range windows with better energy ratings run $500 to $800 each. Wood or fiberglass windows cost $800 to $1,200 or more per window. Installation costs vary based on the size of the window, whether the frame needs work, and the number of windows being replaced. Replacing all windows at once typically gets you a better per-window price.

What it means in dollars: a full-house window replacement is a five-figure project, which is why the decision deserves real thought. Doing it in one pass gets the best per-window price and one warranty.

The real-world play: if full replacement is out of budget this year, weatherstrip and seal the worst offenders first. It is the cheapest fix for drafts and buys time for the bigger project.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Energy Star certified windows with Low-E coating and argon gas fill can reduce your cooling costs by 12 to 33 percent according to the Department of Energy. In San Antonio's climate, south- and west-facing windows benefit the most from Low-E coatings that reflect infrared heat. Look for windows with a low U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) appropriate for our hot climate.

What it means in dollars: the savings come every month for as long as you own the home, and they stack with the resale value the new windows add. In a hot climate, the energy math is the strongest argument for replacement.

The real-world play: prioritize the south and west sides, where the afternoon sun does the most damage. Replacing those windows first captures most of the benefit for a fraction of the cost.

Patrick's take: an investment buyers see

I tell my clients that drafty, single-pane windows are one of the first things buyers notice. Replacing them before you list is one of the few improvements where you will see a real return at the closing table. Bonus points if you choose windows that match the style of your home.

Make it a great one: check the seals, feel for drafts, and know the window type before you decide. Whether you replace all of them or fix the worst first, the energy bill and the resale value will both thank you.