Windows might not be something you think about every day, but if you’re living in Melbourne and noticing higher energy bills, draughty rooms, or mould creeping into corners, your old windows could be part of the problem. In fact, outdated or poorly functioning windows can quietly drain your home’s comfort and your wallet.
At Facelift for Homes, we’ve helped countless Melbourne homeowners identify and replace problem windows — and the results speak for themselves: lower energy bills, better insulation, and improved comfort all year round.
So how do you know when it’s time to take action?
Below are the top signs your old windows are costing you money — and what to do about them.
1. Your Energy Bills Keep Going Up
Melbourne’s unpredictable climate means we rely heavily on heating in winter and cooling in summer. If your energy bills are climbing and your usage habits haven’t changed, inefficient windows could be the culprit.
Why this happens:
Old windows often lack proper sealing or insulation.
Heat escapes during winter and leaks in during summer.
Your heating/cooling system works overtime to maintain comfort.
What to look for:
Noticeable spikes in gas/electricity bills during seasonal changes.
Rooms that are consistently too hot or cold compared to others.
✅ Facelift tip: Ask us about double-glazed awning or casement windows that seal tightly and reduce thermal transfer — great for Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather.
2. You Can Feel Draughts Near the Window
Melbourne’s weather is famous for switching between sunshine and storms within the hour. One of the standout advantages of awning windows is their ability to provide consistent airflow — even when it’s drizzling.
Because the glass pane opens outward from the bottom, rain is deflected away while fresh air continues to flow in. That means no more stuffy rooms, mouldy corners, or the need to constantly open and close your windows.
Perfect for:
Bathrooms with poor airflow
High-humidity areas like laundries
Upper-storey rooms that need passive cooling
Facelift for Homes takes into account the direction of prevailing winds and your home’s orientation to maximise cross-ventilation using awning windows.
2. Encourages Passive Cooling
Walk past your window — do you feel a breeze even though it’s shut? That’s a clear sign your seals have broken down or the frame has warped.
Common causes:
Age-related warping or swelling in timber frames.
Cracked seals or broken latches.
Cheap, non-insulated aluminium frames from the 80s and 90s.
In Melbourne’s colder eastern suburbs like Mount Dandenong or Emerald, draughty windows can drastically increase your heating needs.
✅ Facelift tip: New aluminium windows with modern seals prevent draughts, reduce condensation, and stabilise indoor temps.
3. Condensation Between Panes
If your windows are double-glazed and you’re noticing fog or condensation between the panes, it means the insulating seal has failed. This makes your double glazing almost as ineffective as single glazing.
Why this matters:
Your window has lost its insulating gas (usually argon).
Moisture seeps in, reducing visibility and energy performance.
Over time, it encourages mould growth and frame rot.
This is common in Melbourne’s humid bathrooms or south-facing windows.
✅ Facelift tip: We replace failed units with modern double-glazed windows that tailored for Victorian climate zones.
4. You Can Hear Everything from Outside
While noise pollution won’t show up on your energy bill, it’s a hidden cost to your quality of life — especially if you live near:
Main roads or train lines (e.g. South Yarra, Cheltenham, Frankston)
Schools, parks, or shopping strips
Old single-pane windows do little to block sound, forcing you to crank up the TV or invest in other noise-blocking solutions.
✅ Facelift tip: Our acoustic-rated window options significantly reduce external noise, and many Melbourne clients say it’s one of the biggest unexpected benefits.
5. Visible Gaps, Cracks, or Warping
Take a close look at your frames. Do you see:
Daylight through the edges?
Cracked glazing putty or silicone?
Soft, crumbling timber?
These signs mean your window isn’t insulating properly — and likely letting water in as well. In older suburbs like Elsternwick or Ascot Vale, many homes still have 40+ year-old timber windows past their prime.
✅ Facelift tip: Our team can inspect your windows and offer replacement options that match the aesthetic of period or mid-century homes — while drastically improving insulation.
6. Your Windows Are Hard to Open or Don’t Lock Properly
Struggling to open or lock your windows isn’t just annoying — it’s unsafe and inefficient.
Common causes:
Swollen timber from water damage
Rusted hinges or warped sashes
Latch mechanisms that no longer line up
Improper closure = poor insulation + security risk. And in windy parts of Melbourne like Point Cook or Mornington, a faulty lock can mean rattling windows all night.
✅ Facelift tip: Our windows are fitted with premium hardware and multi-point locking systems — smooth to operate, secure, and long-lasting.
7. Your Curtains Move on Windy Days
If you notice your sheer curtains moving when the windows are closed, it’s a classic sign of air leaks.
While this might seem minor, it’s actually one of the easiest ways to test your window seal. Leaky windows make your heater or air-con work overtime, especially in open-plan living areas common in Melbourne homes.
8. Mould or Mildew Near Window Frames
Mould grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas — and old, inefficient windows are breeding grounds. This can lead to:
Respiratory issues (especially for kids or the elderly)
Structural damage from moisture
Paint and plaster deterioration
We commonly see this in tightly sealed yet poorly ventilated homes in inner-Melbourne or older brick veneer builds.
✅ Facelift tip: Awning windows installed high on walls help vent steam while keeping rain out — perfect for bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
9. Your Home Looks Dated or Uninviting
This one’s not just about money — it’s about property value. Outdated, discoloured, or mismatched windows can:
Decrease curb appeal
Signal poor maintenance to buyers
Drag down the overall look of your renovation
If you’re planning to sell or rent your home in Melbourne’s competitive market, new windows are a proven way to boost appeal.
✅ Facelift tip: We offer modern, minimalist frames, period-style timber looks, and custom colours to enhance your facade while improving performance.
Why Window Replacement Matters in Melbourne
Melbourne’s climate is unique — hot dry summers, cold damp winters, and weather that can change by the hour.
That’s why smart window replacement is one of the best investments you can make in your Melbourne home.
Homes here need windows that:
Seal tightly against the elements
Open easily for airflow when needed
Reduce condensation, noise, and draughts
At Facelift for Homes, we’ve been helping Melbourne families for over 50 years. We don’t just replace windows — we help you redesign how your home breathes, performs, and looks.
Our Promise to You:
Melbourne-registered builders — not subcontractors
15-year product and installation warranty
Local experience with Victorian regulations and energy ratings
Custom options for every home style — from heritage to modern
Next Steps: Book Your Window Check-Up
- If any of the signs above sound familiar, don’t wait for the next energy bill to shock you.✔️ We offer in-home consultations across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula
✔️ You’ll receive personalised advice, clear pricing, and expert recommendations
✔️ No pressure, no jargon — just honest guidance from a team that’s been doing this for decades👉 Book your free consultation or explore our window styles to see what’s possible.
Let’s make your home more comfortable — and more affordable to run.
