How to Know It's Time to Replace Your Windows - A Pre-Winter Checklist for St. Louis Homes

October 28, 2025

As temperatures drop and the Midwest winter approaches, St. Louis homeowners start preparing for the cold. But while you’re checking your furnace and sealing up doors, don’t overlook one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your home: your windows.



Old or inefficient windows can make your heating system work overtime, drive up energy bills, and leave your home feeling drafty. Before winter hits, use this checklist to find out if it’s time to replace your windows.

1. Drafts or Cold Spots Near Windows

Stand near your windows on a windy day. Do you feel a chill, even when they’re closed? That’s a sign that your seals may be failing or your frames are warped. A quick fix like caulking might help temporarily, but long-term energy efficiency comes from a full window replacement.

2. Rising Energy Bills

If your utility costs have been creeping up year after year, your windows could be to blame. According to Energy.gov, heat loss through old windows can account for up to 30% of your heating energy use. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows with Low-E glass and insulated frames can make a noticeable difference.

3. Condensation or Fog Between Panes

Double-pane windows are designed to insulate with an air or gas layer between the glass. When you see fog or condensation between panes, it means that seal has failed, letting moisture in. Once that happens, the window loses its insulating properties and should be replaced.

4. Difficulty Opening or Closing Windows

Windows should open and close smoothly. If they stick, won’t lock properly, or require extra force, it might mean that the frame is warped, the hardware has failed, or the structure around the window has shifted. This isn’t just inconvenient — it can also be a safety issue.

5. Visible Damage or Rot

Wood rot, cracked frames, peeling paint, or broken glass aren’t just cosmetic problems. They can let in moisture that leads to mold or structural damage. If you spot these issues, replacement is often the best long-term solution.

6. You Still Feel Uncomfortable Indoors

Even if your windows look fine, the real test is how your home feels. Do you notice cold air pockets in certain rooms? Does the temperature fluctuate dramatically from one area to another? Modern replacement windows provide better insulation and help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

Why Replace Before Winter?

Replacing your windows before winter hits means:


  • Lower energy bills all season long
  • A more comfortable home with fewer drafts
  • Improved curb appeal when holiday guests arrive
  • Added value if you plan to sell in the next few years


Plus, many homeowners find that replacing windows before the coldest months ensures smoother installation and faster project timelines.

Let RRSA St. Louis Help

At RRSA St. Louis, we specialize in professional window replacement designed for Missouri’s unique weather patterns. Our energy-efficient options, expert installers, and quality materials help keep your home warm and your energy bills under control.


If your windows show any of these warning signs, contact us today for a free inspection and estimate before winter sets in.

The Hidden Cost of Drafty Windows: How Air Leaks Drain Your Energy Bills

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Vinyl vs Fiberglass vs Wood Windows: Which Material Makes Sense for Missouri Weather?

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When it’s time to replace your windows, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what material to choose for your window frames. Each type - vinyl, fiberglass, and wood - offers its own mix of looks, performance, and price.  For St. Louis homeowners, where summers are humid and winters can be bitterly cold, the right window material makes all the difference in comfort and energy efficiency. Here’s how to decide which is best for your home.

How New Entry & Patio Doors Boost Curb Appeal and Energy Efficiency

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Is It Time to Replace Your Windows? 6 Warning Signs to Check Before Winter

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3 Ways To Prep Your Roof For Fall

September 29, 2022
We hope your end-of-summer BBQ was legendary. We hope you enjoyed your pool parties and porch-sitting. But time marches on and autumn is here. Before the cold weather hits, there’s a few things we think you should know about your roof – and steps you can take to make sure it stays functional and damage-free through the harsh winter months. As you might know, it costs an average of $7,200 to replace a roof in Missouri. Unfortunately, homes don’t really come with how-to manuals to protect roofs and avoid repairs, but RRSA has you covered. Let’s take a look at three ways you can prep your roof for fall and winter.

Three Signs Your Roof Is Getting Old

May 24, 2022
It’s hard to gauge the life expectancy of a roof. The best estimates put the lifespan of the average roof at between 20 and 30 years for standard asphalt shingles. Other materials, like clay and concrete, can last up to 100 years . Aside from materials, lots of factors play a role in aging or preserving a roof: temperature, exposure to elements (like wind and hail), and maintenance history. But no matter what kind of roof you have, it pays to know what the early signs of age and degradation are so that when you see them, you can act before your roof becomes compromised and begins to leak, which can cause thousands of dollars of damage , or otherwise fail. Let’s take a look at three warning signs that your roof is getting up there (pun intended).

Three Reasons A GAF Certification is Important

April 28, 2022
Did you know that only 2% of roofers in the U.S. qualify to be recognized as GAF Master Elite™ Contractors? That figure may seem small, but taken together with the fact that the roofing industry has a failure rate more than 50% — and much of that failure attributed to lack of knowledge — it starts to make a little more sense. If you’ve owned a home for more than a few years, you’ve likely heard stories (or had your own experiences) with bad roofers. When trying to avoid the shoddy workmanship, subpar product, and un-warrantied work, three letters are going to change the way you think about roofs and roofers: GAF. Let’s look at three reasons this particular certification ensures you get the most for your money.

Three Reasons To Consider Roof Ventilation

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How often do you think about your roof? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably not a lot — after all, we’ve got plenty to think about without worrying about the condition of our houses. But a roof is one of those things that you really don’t want to fail on you when you need it most. On top of being a fairly expensive thing to fix, it’s also incredibly stressful to deal with when inclement weather is approaching. To this end, one of the best things you can do for the long-term health of your roof (and of your savings account) is to be proactive and consider roof ventilation. Let’s take a look at three reasons it’s a smart investment.