Home window replacements can cost up to $1200 per window. Multiplying that by the number of windows in your home can be intimidating. But consider that aging windows that are no longer sealing your home efficiently can increase your home heating and cooling costs by as much as 25%. Improvements to your home enhance its value, and its curb appeal. And not only are new windows more energy-efficient than ever, but there are also more options than ever. It’s worth it in the long run to replace your aging and drafty windows. But at such expense, it’s imperative that you choose the right windows. That’s easier said than done, as there’s a great deal to navigate. Following are some things to consider when you and your home improvement company are choosing new windows for your home.
Replacement Windows and New Windows
New windows will accommodate a whole new shape, size, or both of the exact window apertures. This will be not only a new frame and design, but a redesigned window concept. This is a bigger job but can be arranged with your home improvement company to add value to your home.
Replacement windows, such as Andersen windows and others, are simply swapped in for the frames and sashes in the current aperture. The cost for the units themselves is comparable to that for new windows, but require a great deal less labor and therefore cost less while still adding value to your property and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Styles
The choice between window replacements and new windows will likely be dictated for you by circumstances. Where it will get creative is in choosing a style. There’s a lot to consider.
Single-Hung, or Double-Hung
There are options beyond double-hung and single-hung, but these are the most common. Single-hung windows open by sliding along the track from the bottom, while a double-hung window can be opened from the top or from the bottom. The upper sash must be lowered in order to open a double-hung window from the top.
Materials
Having selected the right construction of windows for your home – new or replacement – and chosen a style, the next step is to work with your home improvement company to determine materials for the windows that will be installed. Vinyl is most common, as well as other materials that are integrated with vinyl in the window construction. Windows made of wood or aluminum are also very common.
Vinyl
Vinyl lacks the charm and authenticity of wood, but is low maintenance and reliable. Vinyl insulates nearly as well as wood, and is less expensive. Vinyl will last longer without maintenance and can look just as good.
Wood
Wood has classic appeal and insulates very well. Wooden windows, however, require considerable maintenance: paints and stains must be reapplied regularly. Wooden windows are also subject to damage and deterioration.
Glass and Panes
Having made all the necessary choices for the windows and frames your home improvement company will help you install in your home, it is left now to choose the kind of glass that will be in the windows.
Your home improvement company will help you understand how the number of panes contributes to how well the window insulates your home: the air between the panes, as well as the depth from pane to pane, contribute more to a window’s energy efficiency than the number of panes. Dual-paned windows, however, are twice as energy-efficient as single-paned windows.
Home Improvement Company
It is important to choose a product that will last, considering the great expense of replacing your windows. A factor that is just as important, however, is that your windows are installed professionally, properly, and with no corners cut. Choosing the best home improvement company is imperative to a quality installation. If there is a home improvement company that you work with regularly, there will likely be window manufacturers whose products they are trained and experienced in installing; if not, choose your window construction first, and find home improvement companies that are trained in installing that manufacturer’s windows.