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In short, it depends. After 20 years, the glass in your windows is less energy efficient, which can cause increased electricity bills. You might also see signs of water damage or natural wear and tear over the years. However, with proper maintenance, some window frames can last up to 50 years, so you may only need to replace the glass to save on energy. 

At the same time, window replacement is a major investment, so replacing the glass in rooms most impacted by outdoor temperatures is one way to avoid going all-in to replace your windows.

While plywood will keep winds and debris from shattering your windows from the outside, window film can help protect your windows from the inside. Window film can keep a window from shattering. If your windows break, the film can hold the shards of glass in place, reducing the risk of cuts.

While you may sometimes see window film marketed as "hurricane window film," note that it doesn't provide sufficient hurricane protection on its own. It's no substitute for plywood, storm windows, or hurricane shutters.

Yes, every window needs a lintel. The lintel is necessary for redistributing the load above the window to the walls around the window. Windows aren’t meant to support a load, so lintels are an important part of a window installation. If you go to replace your windows and discover there are no lintels, you may need a window company or structural engineer to install lintels for your new windows.

Yes, you can absolutely put a screen on a casement window, and most casement windows come with screens. Unlike with a double-hung, single-hung, or sliding window, the screen in a casement window sits on the inside of the window so that the sash can freely open outward. Screens are especially important for casement windows because the large window opening the window provides leaves your home more open to bugs and outside debris than most other types of operable windows.