I swapped a couple windows over to spring balances a while back, actually. They’re a mixed bag. Installation’s not much harder than the cord replacement, but you do have to remove a bit more of the sash and sometimes shave the frame to get them to fit right. The upside is no more messing with weights or broken cords down the line. Downside: I’ve noticed they don’t always last as long as a good sash cord, especially in humid climates where the springs can get sticky or start to rust. Personally, I’d stick with cords for anything historic, but for a quick fix or less-used windows, spring balances are fine. Just double-check your measurements before you buy—those return trips to the hardware store get old fast.
Yeah, I’ve swapped out both cords and springs in old houses—honestly, the spring balances can be more headache than they’re worth, especially if you’ve got any kind of warping or out-of-square frames. Had one job where we had to trim the jambs just to get the springs in, only to have them seize up a year later when the humidity kicked up. Cords are fiddly but at least you know what you’re getting, and they’ll last decades if you use decent rope. I’d only go with springs if it’s a rental or somewhere you don’t care about keeping it original. Just my two cents.
I get where you’re coming from about the springs, but I think they get a bit of a bad rap. Cords are classic, sure, and I’ve replaced more than I can count in these old Victorians around here. But I’ve also seen ropes fray or snap in less than a decade if someone used cheap cotton instead of proper sash cord. And once you’ve got the trim off, weights out, and you’re fishing new cord through those tiny holes... it’s not exactly a walk in the park, especially if the pulleys are rusted or painted shut. Sometimes it feels like you’re spending half the day just getting to the part you actually need to fix.
Springs can be finicky with weird frames, I’ll give you that. But in places with heavy traffic—like rentals or even family rooms—sometimes the convenience wins out. You don’t have to mess with counterweights or worry about balancing them just right. And if you go for better quality spring balances (not the bargain-bin stuff), they can last longer than folks expect. I’ve had a few clients where they’re still gliding fine after 8-10 years, even with humidity swings.
One thing I will say though—if your windows are already wonky or swollen from age, neither system is going to work magic. You might be fighting a losing battle unless you sort out the frame first. But if you want something that’s pretty much “set it and forget it,” springs can be a real time-saver.
End of the day, both have their headaches. Cords are more forgiving if you want to keep things original, but springs aren’t always the enemy. Just got to pick your battles and be honest about how much hassle you want to deal with down the line.