Aluminium windows - what to do?

[YesClemFandango]

We inherited aluminium windows in timber frames from the last owner. They were fitted by Everest circa 2005, and probably cost a bomb. They are crap! There's no thermal block and we get condensation in the winter. The timber frames are sound. I have a quote for PVC replacements, but just wondering if the window unit can be replaced inside the timber, or would that be ridiculous given the wood is +15 years old? Mostly I'd like to avoid wrecking the walls around the windows internally as we decorated before realising the windows are not good. What would you do?

We've just been in the same situation - the curtains moved when it was windy! The wood hadn't been looked after, so we didn't consider more aluminum windows. We did a total replacement with upvc - there wasn't really any damage tbh. I believe aluminum is the most expensive option too. I'd suggest getting a recommended company round that can do both pvc and aluminum to talk through your options. If you are in north east London I have an excellent company.

We had the same in a previous house. We replaced with upvc.
As pp said, there wasn’t a lot of damage but we did have to touch up a few window recesses. We still had condensation in the master bedroom in winter though, as did all the houses in the street tbh.

Not in London but thanks for the reassurance about the damage. I was kicking myself for getting the renovation in the wrong order, but really thought the windows would be ok for a good few years yet. They look pretty bad as well unfortunately. I could get them sprayed but with all the faff replacement with PVC seems the best thing.