Do I need to replace spiral balance or just adjust it?

A home owner from Far Rockaway, NY says:

date: 10-18-09

Hi, I have 5 tilt windows in my house, all of which drop down when you try to open them. Do I need to replace the spiral balance in each window, or simply adjust or charge the existing balances with a charging tool? Thanks!

date: 10-19-09

I have a couple questions to help determine if you need to replace your spiral balances. Approximately how old are your current spiral balances? Have your windows ever functioned properly? Is the problem of your windows dropping down getting worse? Do the windows gradually drop down or do they not hold open at all? Also, include any other information you can give me that you believe may be helpful.

A home owner from Far Rockaway, NY says:

date: 10-20-09

The windows are approximately 20 years old. They are metal and quite heavy. The windows used to stay up perfectly. Now the windows don't hold open at all but just drop immediately. Also, I noticed that they are the red tip balance. Is that appropriate for a heavy metal window?

date: 10-20-09

Window support balances do wear out overtime. A twenty year lifespan is very good and since you report that the windows used to stay up perfectly I would not increase the strength of your spiral balances. If you increase the strength too much, your windows may not stay down. To determine the exact replacement you will need start here, by choosing if you have a tilt or non-tilt window. After you finish that question you will be asked more questions to help determine the appropriate replacement spiral balance for your windows.