Let’s just say it upfront — new windows are great. They’re clean, efficient, easy to open, and they’re often a big selling point, especially in homes around Toronto’s west end. In neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles, High Park, and Bloor West Village, buyers absolutely notice when the windows have been updated. It signals less work, fewer surprises, and that move-in ready vibe everyone wants. 

That said, let’s look at it from another angle. Old windows aren’t the enemy. Especially not when we’re talking about the original wood windows you’ll find in century homes. They might not have low-E coatings or fancy double panes, but they offer something modern replacements rarely do: charm, character, and, surprisingly, solid performance when paired with the right upgrades. 

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Old windows aren’t the horror story they’re made out to be. Before you start budgeting for full replacements, let’s break it down.

Century Wood Windows Are Built Different 

The original wood windows you find in older homes were often made from old-growth timber. That means dense, heavy wood with a tight grain that’s incredibly durable and, believe it or not, naturally insulating. That’s part of the reason so many of these windows have lasted a hundred years or more. They were designed to be maintained and repaired, not thrown out and replaced.  

Even without upgrades, wood windows can outperform some modern materials like hollow vinyl or aluminum when it comes to keeping the cold out. It’s important to note that while new windows can improve energy efficiency, they come with a significant upfront cost. For many homeowners, the savings on energy bills aren’t enough to offset that investment anytime soon — with some estimates showing it could take over 40 years to fully recoup the cost. So, adding a bit of routine maintenance to your original wood windows might make sense. Things like reglazing, weather-stripping, or repainting and they’re more than up to the task. But the real boost happens when you add storm windows. 

Buying or selling real estate in Toronto’s west end is full of nuance. With so many character-filled homes, west end real estate is different than what you see in other parts of the city. Here are a few more posts that addresses some key differences:

• Are There Century Homes in West Toronto?
• Don’t Panic! How to Understand a Home Inspection on an Older Home
• What’s the Deal with Parking in West Toronto?

The Secret Weapon: Storm Windows 

There’s this assumption that if a window is single-pane, it must be inefficient. But that’s not entirely true. When you install a good quality storm window (which many homes in the west end already have) whether it’s on the outside or inside, you’re adding a layer of insulation. It traps air between the storm and the original window, acting like a double-glazed unit. That simple addition cuts down on heat loss, stops drafts, and even helps with noise reduction. 

Several studies have shown that original wood windows paired with storm windows can match or outperform modern double-glazed replacements in terms of thermal performance. One analysis even recorded a U-value (a measure of heat transfer, where lower is better) of 0.50 for a wood + storm combo, compared to 1.10–1.60 for many standard new windows, that actually beat those of modern replacement windows. We’re talking original wood windows with storms performing just as well, if not better, than many newer models you’ll find on the market today. So, if your home has the bones of a good original window, the storm window combo can be a game-changer. You keep the heritage detail, improve comfort, and avoid a major renovation. 

When it comes to renovating your home, it’s important to consider the ROI. Read our post The Cost of Renovations: Read Before You Sell or Buy an Older Home

Why Sellers Sometimes Keep the Old Ones 

In lots of west end homes, you’ll see a mix. Most of the windows have been updated, but a few of the original ones remain. That’s not a mistake. It’s usually intentional. 

Sometimes those remaining windows have leaded glass, stained glass, or just beautiful craftsmanship that’s hard to replicate. You’ll often see them left in key spots — like in a front vestibule, over a stairwell, or as a decorative feature near the front entrance. They give a home a sense of history. And in neighbourhoods like Roncy or The Junction, that’s a big part of the appeal. 

Sellers know buyers value efficiency, but they also know many buyers love a home that still feels like it has a story. A well-placed original window is one way to keep that story alive. 

Whether you’re buying a home in West Toronto or you want to know what buyers are looking for, here are a few more posts you might find helpful:

• 5 Reasons Why Bold Design + Quality Renovations are a Winning Combo
• What to Look For When Buying an Older Home
• Is a Detached Home Better than a Semi-Detached House?

No Dust, No Drama: Replacing Old Windows Is Surprisingly Simple 

When it finally comes time to replace those old windows, here’s some good news — it’s one of the least disruptive upgrades you can make to a home. Unlike kitchen overhauls or bathroom gut jobs, window replacement doesn’t involve tearing apart your living space. In most cases, the work is done from the exterior, meaning your drywall, trim, and daily routines stay mostly untouched. Installers usually work room by room, so your entire home isn’t turned into a construction zone, and you won’t be tripping over tarps and tools for weeks.

A single window can typically be swapped out in just a couple of hours, and a full-home replacement can often be completed in a matter of days. There’s no need to move out, pack up, or live through major noise and dust. You can carry on with your day — coffee brewing, kids playing, dog barking — while the crew quietly gets to work. Once done, you’ll have a more efficient, quieter, and comfortable home without the drama that usually comes with renovations.

Compared to the time, mess, and cost involved with other upgrades, replacing your windows is refreshingly straightforward. It’s one of those rare projects that makes a noticeable difference, without flipping your whole life upside down.

Looking for renovation inspo? Check out these posts next:

• Winter Home Projects to Boost Your Home’s Value
• How to Increase Your Home Value (Without Losing Your Mind!)
• Should You Add a Garden Suite to Your West End Toronto Home?

Something to Think About

There’s no denying that new windows boost value. Most estimates say you’ll recoup 65–70% of the cost at resale, and energy efficiency is high on most buyers’ checklists. However, If you’re touring homes and you spot a few older windows, don’t let it throw you off. Yes, they might need some attention, and yes, you may want to replace them eventually. But in the short term, they can absolutely be lived with. And with a good storm window setup, they might surprise you with how well they perform. 

New windows are a win. But old ones, when they’re in the right condition and paired with the right upgrades, are far from a loss. They’re part of what makes a house feel real. A little imperfect. A little storied. A little like home. 

Do you have questions about West End Toronto’s gorgeous older homes? Whether you’re thinking about buying a century home or you’re planning a home sale, we can help. Get in touch today via the form on this page. You can also call us at 416-909-1602 or email us directly at hello@getnested.com.

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