If you're dealing with drafty rooms, high energy bills, or windows that just don't work like they used to, you might be wondering if it's time for replacements. I'm Nico from Pallotta Home Improvement, and I've replaced hundreds of windows throughout Warren County. Here's what I look for when helping homeowners decide if their windows need to go.

Your Energy Bills Keep Going Up

When your windows aren't sealing properly, your heating and cooling system works overtime. I see this all the time in Lebanon and Mason — homeowners tell me their energy bills have been creeping up even though they haven't changed how they use their home.

Old windows lose their seal over time. The weatherstripping gets brittle, the frames settle, and gaps develop that let conditioned air escape. If you're cranking up the heat in winter or running the AC constantly in summer just to stay comfortable, your windows are probably the problem.

You Feel Drafts Around Your Windows

This one's easy to test. On a windy day, hold your hand near the edges of your windows. If you feel air moving, that's conditioned air escaping and outside air coming in.

I've worked on homes in Springboro where the drafts were so bad that homeowners avoided sitting near windows in winter. That's not normal, and you shouldn't have to live with it.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

If you see fog or water droplets between the glass panes of your windows, the seal is broken. This happens with double-pane windows when the insulating gas escapes and moisture gets in.

You can't fix this — the entire window unit needs to be replaced. I see this frequently in older homes throughout Warren County, especially after harsh winters where temperature swings stress the seals.

Windows That Won't Stay Open or Closed

Struggling with stuck windows or ones that won't stay up? The balance system is shot, and it's usually not worth repairing on older windows.

This isn't just inconvenient — it's a safety issue. Windows that don't operate properly can be dangerous in an emergency, and they're not doing their job of ventilating your home when you need it.

Visible Damage to Frames or Sills

Check around your window frames for:

• Soft or rotting wood
• Warped or cracked frames
• Peeling paint that keeps coming back
• Water stains on walls or sills

These are signs that water is getting where it shouldn't. In Ohio's climate, this kind of damage only gets worse, and it can spread to other parts of your home's structure.

Your Windows Are Over 20 Years Old

Even well-maintained windows don't last forever. Technology has improved significantly in the past two decades — today's energy-efficient windows perform much better than what was available 20+ years ago.

If you're in an older home in West Chester or Hamilton, you might be surprised at how much more comfortable new windows can make your space.

What Makes Warren County Different

Our weather is tough on windows. We get freezing temperatures, ice storms, high humidity in summer, and plenty of wind. Windows that might last longer in milder climates wear out faster here.

I only install windows rated for our climate zone, with proper weatherproofing for Ohio conditions. That's not always what big box stores carry, which is why working with a local contractor matters.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to replace windows just because they're old, but you shouldn't ignore signs that they're failing. If you're dealing with comfort issues, high energy bills, or visible damage, new windows will solve those problems.

I've seen homeowners put off window replacement for years, thinking it's too expensive. But when you factor in what you're spending on wasted energy and the discomfort you're living with, good windows pay for themselves.

If you want an honest assessment of your windows and what it would cost to replace them, I offer free estimates throughout Warren County. I'll tell you exactly what needs to be done and what can wait — no pressure, just straight answers about protecting your home.