5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows Before Next Winter
Edmonton winters don't forgive underperforming windows. If you're noticing any of these signs, your windows are likely costing you money and comfort every month — and it only gets worse once temperatures drop.
1. Fog or Condensation Between the Panes
If you see moisture or a milky haze trapped between the glass layers, the sealed unit has failed. The gas fill has leaked out and the insulating value has dropped significantly. This can't be fixed with a rag — the glass unit needs to be replaced.
The good news: if the frame and hardware are still solid, you may only need an IGU (insulated glass unit) replacement rather than a full window swap. Rally Glass assesses this on every call.
2. You Feel Drafts With the Window Closed
Hold your hand near the window edges on a cold day. If you feel cold air moving, the weatherstripping has deteriorated or the frame has shifted. On older windows, the sash may no longer seal properly against the frame.
Minor drafts can sometimes be fixed with weatherstripping replacement. If the frame itself is warped or the window doesn't close tightly, replacement is the permanent fix.
3. Your Heating Bills Keep Climbing
Windows account for 25–30% of a home's heat loss. If your furnace runs constantly and your bills are climbing despite stable gas rates, your windows are a likely culprit — especially if they're original to a home built before 2000.
Upgrading from single-pane or old double-pane to modern triple-pane with Low-E and argon can reduce heating costs noticeably.
Triple pane vs double pane comparison
4. The Frames Are Soft, Cracked, or Visibly Damaged
Wood frames that feel soft or spongy have moisture damage. Vinyl frames that are cracked or discoloured have degraded from UV exposure. Either condition means the window can't maintain a proper seal, and no amount of caulking will fix it long-term.
This is when full-frame replacement is the right call — it removes the damaged frame entirely and installs new insulation around the rough opening.
5. They're Single Pane (Yes, They Still Exist)
Some Edmonton homes — especially inner-city character homes and older bungalows — still have original single-pane windows, sometimes with storm windows added on. These have almost no insulating value and are the single biggest energy upgrade you can make.
What to Do Next
If one or two windows are showing problems, start there — you don't have to do the whole house at once. If most of your windows are showing signs, a full-home replacement gives you volume pricing and ensures consistent performance throughout.
Rally Glass offers free in-home assessments where we check every window and give you an honest recommendation — repair where it makes sense, replace where it doesn't.
Request a free in-home estimate
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