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Windows are very important components your house. They allow enough light to get in, act as good ventilation and enhance the beauty of the entire house among other benefits. A time comes when you need to purchase replacement windows. Your windows may be getting old and tarnishing the beautiful appearance of your home or it may be a need to try out something new so as to brighten up your living space. There are some factors you need to consider since not everything you find in the market will work well according to your desires and budget. Here are some of the factors to consider when purchasing replacement windows.

Cost
When replacing your windows, you should choose products which best fits your budget. The whole replacement process should not be too expensive. There are different dealers and professional who offer these products and services at different prices. It is important to do a good research and settle to the one offering quality materials or services at the best prices. However, you should not base your choice on cost only. There are several varieties, designs and brands in the market. It is important to think of your desires first then choose materials which meets those desires and fits your budget well than being swayed by the cheapness of the products.

Functionality of The Windows
Before purchasing replacement windows, it’s important to understand well what you want the windows to do for your house. Do you want more privacy, more sunlight to get in, increased ventilation or reduced noise? These are the questions to ask yourself so as to choose something that will solve your problems efficiently.

Looks of The Windows 
One of the benefits of windows in a house is to improve its beauty and enhance its architectural styling. When making replacements, you don’t have to go for the same style as you had before. Consider other several styles and choose the one you think will blend well with your home and meet all your needs. Consider things like style and color of the frame, glass and screens so as to settle for something worthy. If your replacement involves just a few windows, it is good to match or complement the remaining ones. This makes your decision much easier.

Operation of The Windows
Sometimes, the need to replace your windows may arise if the old ones are difficult to operate. It is very annoying if you deal with windows which always get stuck or don’t fully close. There are a variety of new designs in the market which can give you an easy time when operating your windows. These include sliders, cranks, push-out, double-hung, etc. Each design will work at best depending on the location of the window so you need to make the right choice. For example, if your window is above the kitchen sink, a crank window design will be the best choice.

Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your windows is a very crucial factor. It is important to go for replacement windows that are easy to clean and the ones with special features to make their cleaning operations easier, such as tilt functions. Apart from cleaning, there are other routine maintenance activities which have to be performed in different windows. For example, staining and sealing may be required for wooden frames to protect them from moisture. One the other hand, vinyl and aluminum models require less maintenance. It is advisable to choose a material which will not give a lot of stress when carrying out these maintenance duties.

Energy Efficiency
When making a decision to install replacement windows, you should make it the best moment to consider improving the energy efficiency of your home. You probably incur high energy bills due to the heat losses through your windows. If you choose materials with high insulation, you will be able to maintain the temperatures inside your house balanced regardless of weather conditions outside. When choosing your material, look at its U-Factor which describes how well it keeps heat inside and the R-Value which shows how well it insulates. The type of glass you choose will play a big role in this too. Single-panned glass has low efficiency compared to double and triple-panned glass. High energy efficient windows will reduce your energy requirements hence you will end up saving a lot of money on annual energy bills.

Installation
The performance of your windows will depend on how well they are installed. It is important to find a professional contractor who possesses enough knowledge on how to install those particular products you have purchased. The best choice is usually getting installation services from the dealer of your products because they have enough knowledge on how every detail of their materials should be installed.

If you consider these simple points, your decision for purchasing Arvada replacement windows will be worthy and you will get the full value of any penny spent.

 
One of the most classy components that will make trendy decorations and delightful exteriors are doors and windows. As you may possibly select among many alternatives, replacement windows continue being very desired choices. They are windows that one could set up in replacing of your aged house windows that decomposed as a result of extended exposure and use to environmental factors such aswater and sunlight, etc.

Many individuals buy replacement windows due to so many benefits that they supply. As an example, you don't must invest a lot in set up as substitute house windows very easily change in the frames of aged house windows. Considering they are made of diverse components, you also have the liberty to pick the one that matches your interiors and private personal preferences. Furthermore, different types of substitute windows make sure they are much more attractive for buyers.

Awning replacement windows

Choosing awning or dual installed types of wooden alternative house windows is quite important. This is especially true if you are looking for one to use for ventilation. They are quite simple to open and close when compared to the other individuals types out there. They have a turn-able handle as compared to sliding or lifting. That's the reason.

Bay & Bow replacement Windows

A mix of house windows prolonged outward is the thing that we phone bay and bow home windows. It changes the design structure of the home and helps to create more space due to its outward design and style. These are generally 4 or maybe more models joined together to create a curved window walls. With these alternative home windows, you will find a sense of extra space, which is ideal for tiny bedrooms.

Casement
replacement house windows

This
listing on types of alternative house windows wouldn't be full without these. If you are looking for something classic then by all means go with these. After all they symbolize the actual United states structure and also have the best characteristics. As an example, they are very energy-efficient and I enjoy their ability to permit in additional light-weight and open up landscapes which can be wide.

Gliding replacement windows

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typical in kitchens, gliding windows open up horizontally with a sash that slides to the correct. Like double-put up substitute home windows, gliding window types usually do not take up beneficial outdoor space. This is ideal for high targeted traffic places likewalkways and porches, and patios.

Horizontal Slider Windows

Contemporary and wonderful, side to side slider home windows symbolize tranquility. These are split into two straight components but slide in horizontal direction. This sort of alternative windowpane is usually huge in dimensions and may be set up in any area of your dwelling. Whether it is the residing bedroom and room, review space, or kitchen, horizontal slider house windows appear perfect anywhere these are installed.
Finding the right form of substitute windows will not be the end, you continue to have to do the installation. One thing if for sure, no one wants to mess up replacement windows - mostly because they come at a price. This is why you should find a replacement window company  that lives within your area. You'd be amazed to realize how simple it is to look for such a organization only without spending anything.
 
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There are several ratings used by government agencies and window experts in order to determine whether a product meets energy efficient standards. By far the most famous, Strength Superstar graded products are experienced by way of a set of specifications set forth from the United states Team of Vitality plus the Usa Ecological Protection Bureau. Just one measure would be the U-element, which reveals the speed by which a home window guards against heating loss. Another similar rating is the solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC. This procedures the window's capability to deflect the sun's heating. Jointly, these safeguard components work to maintain the heat interior during the the winter season and to keep the warmth from your sunlight out throughout the summer months. The Design And Style Force Score, or DP, steps the drive a closed down, secured window can tolerate less than force. A very high DP ranking will suggest a window can more effective endure the forces of character or possibly a robbery endeavor.

Setting up strength-effective and insulated window in your house will reduce your electricity monthly bill tremendously. It will help you guard your floors, furniture and paintings and other precious goods in your own home. Energy-efficient  windows will not be made the same. Every single home window carries a distinct price and style, and performance. Before you purchase and install windows on your home, you should thoroughly review your options so you can buy in confidence.

Reduced-E glass is a very common sort of power-efficient window that a person can locate in almost any property-advancement store. The "E" in Reduced-E stands for emissivity which signifies the volume of heat the window radiates. Very low-E indicates reduced vibrant electricity, which also suggests the cup will mirror much more temperature that this will absorb.

Folks wish reduced-e window with their households for its opportunity to protect nicely. It does a great job of reflecting the sun's warmth through the summer time and preserving the cold air flow out in the winter. Low-E cup is normally twice-pane cup that is certainly somewhat colored. Space between the glass is loaded with a gas, for instance argon, which serves as being an insulator.

Glass glass windows covered with solar powered video or windows tint are energy-productive also. Makers position the tint around the internal window to maintain it from peeling or itching. It can be common to locate tint on solitary-pane glass windows because solitary-pane home windows have high emissive features. Placing tint on a substantial emissive home window minimizes the volume of sunshine that goes in into the house. This also puts a stop to the staining offurniture and drapes, and timber floor solar panels.

Tornado windows and guide window home windows are effective insulators also. Thunderstorm house windows maintain too much noise and wind out of the property even though lead window glass windows keep higher levels of heat and sunlight out. Lead cup windows may be found in ornamental models but the majority of them are opaque or semi-obvious. Surprise glass windows are clear but they also supply tiny security versus furniture and floor staining. Someone that favors surprise glass windows can add a layer of solar powered movie towards the cup for sunshine defense. Someone who wants head cup should buy triple-pane lead glass windows for maximum effectiveness.

Before you install it on your home, it is important to know how a window will function. Increase-pane insulated cup supplies the ideal efficiency however it typically is available at the increased cost. To spend less, you could elect to apply solar powered video to your active home windows. Storm windows and triple-pane lead glass windows will help if you need more sound protection. Many of these options are effective ample to provide standard vitality-effectiveness. Normally the one you ultimately choose depends on yourpreference and budget, and preference.

Being a homeowner, there are a few easy things you can do to drastically trim your heating and cooling charges. Replacement windows are built better than ever before, offering a multitude of Energy Star rated products that will not only lower your heating and cooling costs but they are made to reduce UV damage and make your home more comfortable.

Power-efficient windows don't just enhance your unique convenience and save you money. They may also safeguard your home furniture from natural light that can reduce them as time passes. Certain kinds of window window is able to keepcarpet and artwork, upholstered pieces of furniture, and wooden from deteriorating resulting from Uv ray visibility. That means by upgrading your windows you're lengthening the life of your interior furnishings and helping your home look its best. Plus, whilst older house windows can provide a gloomy, altered take a look at the outer society, new home windows are going to be very clear and nice and clean.
 
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By Randy Covington

Simply put windows...are what you put in the holes in your house. Think about that. Holes in your house. It seems to me that if you are going to have holes in your house, you want a very good quality window to prevent the those holes from letting the conditioned air out and the cold air in and rain from destroying the interior of your house.

Their are three basic categories of replacement windows
  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Vinyl
I will discuss wood windows in particular in this post and specifically clad windows as very few people wish to put unclad windows in their house due to the added maintenance of having to paint them every 3-5 years.

Wood windows are made of wood, (primarily pine) but are sold primarily with a cladding on the exterior to reduce the exterior maintenance requirements that attach to all windows (no painting). The cladding is typically Aluminum, however their are increasing options in this regard in the form of extruded and sheet noble metal claddings such as Bronze, Copper and Zinc.

The last 3 materials are generally sold only on custom windows which are very expensive and typically can only be justified on hard budgets of over $ 400 PSF. If your like me (and most others) you will not be building a home in this range.

However, there are a few copper alternatives manufactured by commodity window manufacturer's that might in fact fit into your budget. I will discuss these in greater detail in a later post. Anyway back to clad wood windows.

The best known names in this field (due to huge marketing budgets) are Anderson, Pella, Weathershield, Jeld-Wen and Marvin. They probably comprise about 65% market share between them and each of them have their own specific advantages and disadvantages. Only a careful review of the features and benefits of each window will reveal what is best for your project. A brief description of the features that I consider important when reviewing the various windows follows below:

Anderson - unique in that the wood window made by Anderson is clad with a PVC vinyl cladding. The cladding is bound to the wood substrate with an adhesive type mechanism which has shown effective, but in some extreme climates worries me that it could detach.

The window is backed by a top-notch warranty and I have anecdotal experience that the company takes its warranty obligations seriously. A good thing indeed. There was manufacturing problem with the welding of the corners of the vinyl cladding some years back on a lot of windows that made its way to Colorado. I was selling Anderson windows at that time and know that the Company spent a very healthy sum of money to find the windows with the problem and fix them before the owners knew there was a problem. It is not that usual to see this kind of pro-active attitude in any company.

The other features of the window include a proprietary glazing system that will require that you will always have to go the Anderson for replacement and a reticence by the company to put breather tubes in their glazing system (critical in high altitudes). Anderson is the largest manufacturers of windows (under one brand) in the U.S. Anderson sells their product through a dealer network composed of lumber yards, window dealers and home-improvement contractors. Anderson mow also sells a line of composite windows made from the waste wood derived from manufacturing its wood windows,

Pella - Pella manufacturers windows clad and unclad in Iowa and markets them through primarily authorized distributors although they have recently started to distribute their builder grade line through Home Depot. The Pella product is distinguished by the availability of buit-in roll-down insect screens, between-the-glass window blinds and and an exclusive distributorship for the clearest window screening material made in the United States.

Pella's clad system is roll-formed and loosely attached which can cause problems such as "oil-canning" in very hot climates and the possibility of condensation forming underneath the cladding in high-humidity locales leading to rot of the underlying sash. Otherwise Pella makes good quality window. Pella now manufactures a line of composite windows which show promise from a performance perspective.

Jeld-Wen - sells wood windows under a variety of brand names including Jeld-Wen, Pozzi, Wilmar and a few others. All of these brands were more or less regionally well-known brands and Jeld-Wen has made a weak effort to unify the brands either from a marketing perspective or from a manufacturing perspective from what I can tell. The various brands have quality reputations that you will have to judge for yourself. The Jeld-Wen moniker is a holding company for a broad range of construction products that make Jeld-Wen a very large presence in the construction products category, a great many of them in the commodity category. They are an excellent manufacturer.

Marvin - is an old line family owned firm that manufactures a broad line of wood windows and composite windows. One of the distinguishing features of the Marvin brand is that the aluminum clad version is actually an extruded aluminum sash with a Wood insert to the interior. This scenario is also a feature of the Weathershield line and the Window Technologies line in the Midwest. This method makes for a more rigid sash, and eliminates the possibility of oil-canning and reduces the chances of moisture forming under the cladding. It also places a barrier dead air space underneath the sash which should add somewhat to its performance in cold climates.

These are the (4) largest manufacturers of wood windows in the United States based on market share. The relative value of their window products is affected by a range of factors that will make your choice dependent on your specific needs. There are also a great many regional manufacturers that make good quality windows that will be equally prevalent in your locale. I will discuss those in another post.

My personal selection for the highest quality wood clad window available would be Loewen Windows. Loewen is a Canadian company that is based in the far Northwest so I am not sure you will find them widely distributed in your area of the country. A few things that distinguish the design of the Loewen is that it is built out of Vertical Grained Doug Fir which is a moderately durable wood (better than pine) and is more beautiful than pine if you are staining the interior.

The window also is designed to meet the Canadian standards for Air infiltration which are the toughest in this hemisphere. The window is very well made and they are still a small enough company that customer desires and satisfaction are central to the operation of the company. I would highly recommend them.

Randy Covington has over 30 years experience in construction. Formerly Licensed as a Residential Builder in Florida and an unlimited General Contractor in South Carolina, he has built small commercial and residential projects in the Southeast and West. Randy has spent the last 15 years selling construction products from lumber to custom windows with Bronze and Copper cladding to some of the most expensive residences on the planet. If you have question on constructing your own home or on windows, or need to source something really unusual for your home, you may reach him at www.myhomespace.biz or at [email protected].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Covington

 
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By Paul Doh

If you're going to be replacing the windows in your home, you have a number of different options that are available to you. One that is often overlooked, but is a good choice in most cases are wood replacement windows. It provides a more traditional appearance to the home while at the same time, adding versatility compared to vinyl or aluminum windows. It also adds durability, although there are some limitations that we will discuss as well. In choosing wood windows for the home, what are some of the considerations that you should keep in mind?

As is the case with any type of home improvement, the quality is often found in the name. Some of the major window manufacturers, including Jeld-Wen, Marvin and Andersen are going to provide you with high-quality Windows. The decision as to which of those manufacturers you use is really going to depend upon the location where they are being installed and a number of other factors that are specific to the window. For example, are you going to have them custom fit to the openings or are you going to be upgrading the type of wood used for the frame?

Something that you may want to consider is the sustainability of the material that is used for the wood windows. This make sure choice environmentally friendly one, if you choose a sustainable wood. Most of the major manufacturers have information about the material source on their website, or you can contact them directly on the telephone to ask any questions that you may have. You can also check on the Forest Stewardship Council website to see which window manufacturers adhere to the standards of that organization. They also have a listing of distributors who provide those environmentally friendly products as well.

One reason why many people choose wood windows over vinyl or aluminum is that they are looking to add value to their home. Although it certainly is true that in most cases, wood windows are going to add value to the home, which is not always the case. For example, if you are going to be upgrading the Windows on a historic home or if you are going to be doing it on a Victorian style home, would is most certainly going to be the way to go. If you have a more modern home, however, you can often get away with spending less on aluminum or vinyl without lowering the home value.

Another option that can give you the best of both worlds is clad wood windows. These are wood windows but they have aluminum or vinyl bonded to the outside surface so they do not need to be stained or painted. The inside of the windows will have exposed wood, which can be painted or stained to match the interior decor. These types of Windows are convenient and they are slightly less expensive than a standard, all wood window. They provide you with the insulating benefit of wood while at the same time, limiting the maintenance that would need to be done periodically.

Paul Doh is a professional home constructionist specializing in window replacements. He advise his clients to invest in wood replacement windows as they are durable and aesthetically appealing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Doh

 
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As you plan on installing your replacement windows, be aware that it fits into an opening in the wall framed with structural materials.  This opening is called the rough opening. The rough opening is typically 1/2 inch larger than the overall window unit size on each side.  The header is a structural member that spans the rough opening and carries any load above the window to relieve pressure from the ceiling joists or second floor joists. A second wall stud called  jack stud or trimmer stud is on each side. A double sill forms from the bottom of the rough opening.  Your last for of support is the extra stud on the outside of the jack studs (king stud in image on the right).

Changing the Size of the Window
If the replacement window is to be smaller or larger than the window it is replacing, the framing for the rough opening will have to be altered.  The size of the rough opening depends upon the replacement window size.  Manufacturers specify the rough-opening size for each window.

Adjusting For a Smaller Window
Begin by removing the old window and frame, exposing the existing frame of the rough opening. This will include removing the interior window casing and possibly exterior molding around the window or sometimes some of the siding.  Next, install studs and a sill in the rough opening.  If you want to lower the window, frame a member below the header.


Adjusting For a Larger Window
The framing for a larger window is more difficult.  Since the width of the rough opening is larger than the existing header, a new longer header is required.  Since the old header is supporting a overhead ceiling or floor, this weight must be supported before the old header is removed. This can be done by installing a temporary partition below the ceiling joists.  Make certain the floor is strong enough to carry the load. 


Under normal conditions the bottom plate on the temporary partition will spread the load over several floor joists. If there is any doubt about the strength of the floor joists, install a temporary beam below the floor. It can be supported on concrete blocks laid without mortar.   It is also possibly that the temporary partition may cause minor damage to the ceiling material, so repairs may be necessary. You might pad the top plate with a piece of carpet.  


After a temporary beam has been positioned on concrete blocks and any necessary shimming for support below the floor and the temporary partition as needed, has been put in place, you are ready to remove the old header as well asn any unneeded studs.  This will involve cutting away drywall on the interior wall and cutting black the exterior siding. Careful measurement is important so that too much material is not cut away. If this happens, it will require some extra patching after the window is in place.   Next frame the new rough opening as explained above.  Always have a stud or crippple every 16 inches on center so you can install your drywall.  Because the opening to be spanned is larger than the original, consider the size of the new header.


To install the replacement window, make sure that you follow the manufacturer's directions. Procedures vary depending upon the type of window to be installed as well as upon the brand of window to be used. Most replacement windows are designed so that they can be installed form the inside of the wall. 

 
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There are three types of 'hung-windows' - single-hung, double-hung and triple-hung.  Hung-type windows has a sash that moves in a vertical direction.  They are counterbalanced by some type of mechanism that holds them in the open position.  Hung windows provide an opening for natural ventilation and the sash does not project outward or inward when open.  Only part of the total window allows ventilation. 

Single-hung windows have a fixed upper sash and the lower sash slides up over it.  Double-hung windows have both sash moving in the vertical position .  This allows arranging them so ventilation can occur through the open bottom or top sash or split with some coming from each area.  In each case, only 50% or less of the window is open.  Triple-hung windows are used where a larger glazed opening is required, providing more light. They will also provide more ventilation than double-hung windows.  All three sash move up and down vertically allowing ventilation on the top, middle and bottom of the window.

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Double-hung windows may have single panes of glass or be divided into small panes. Those divided into small panes have vertical and horizontal muntins into which the glass fits.  For ease of cleaning and reduced cost the sash may have a single glass with a divider over it, giving the appearance of a divided-light window.

Hardware for hung windows includes locks on the meeting rails and sometimes a sash lift on the bottom rail.  Sash locks provide a minimum securing and pull the meeting rails of each sash together, closing them tightly against the weather stripping. This effectively reduces air infiltration. 

Hung windows are held open with a spiral balance or compression jamb-liner sash slide. The spiral balance is a tube, a coiled spring or a spiral rod. If the sash will not stay open or will not stay closed, the tension on the spring will have to be adjusted. To do this, remove the tube from the frame but do not let the screw come out of the tube. If the spring is too tight, turn the tube with the screw a couple times counterclockwise. Reinstall the tube on the frame. Hung windows will have a balance on each side. 

If you are looking for new windows in the Denver area, contact Prestige Window & Doors (303) 502-5888 or visit their shop 1368 26th St #1, Denver, CO 80205.

 
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Manufacturers have their windows tested for use in various altitudes. Using double-pane insulating glass at altitudes higher than its rating will result in glass distortion and increased possibility of breaking.  As the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases, causing the sealed window glaze to expand its volume to reduce the interior pressure.  This will cause the glass to deflect  and can lead to damage.  The difference in pressure is also applied along the edge seal and ultimately failed sealing.

Some window manufacturers have developed glass technology that increases altitude limits on energy efficient glazed inputs to as high as 10,000 feet. When selecting windows in various locations that have possible altitude problems, check with the manufacturer to verify the suitability of the windows chosen.  For example, Andersen Windows has data on windows for altitudes from 3,000 to 10,000 ft.

If you live at an altitude over 5,000 ft, you will want to check with your window company that the windows you are going to buy are manufactured for altitude.   If you live in Colorado and need new windows, give Prestige Window & Doors a call (303) 502-5888.  They work with several different manufacturers that specialize in high altitude window.

 
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Window installation costs can bump up the price of window replacement quite a bit. But there are a few ways homeowners can reduce the total costs of replacing outdated windows in their homes.

What Contributes to the Cost of Installing Windows?

Window contractors make money in one of two ways: marking up the windows they sell to you and charging you for window installation. Window installation cost vary greatly, depending on the type of window you order. For instance, vinyl and aluminum framed windows are less expensive than wood windows. Also, if you replace the entire window package, including the window frame, the window contractor must remove exterior trim, siding, vapor barrier, and interior casings--a significant and costly task for each new window. This is especially true for stucco homes, because the exterior stucco must be cut and then patched after extracting and replacing the old window.

Trimming the Cost of Window Installation
Three ways to save money on window installation:

  • Window inserts. Inserts fit inside the existing window frame and have become popular for window replacement because there's only a fraction of the labor involved. By re-using the old frame, window installation costs are much less.
  • Self-perform labor. Another way to defer cost of window installation is to expose the old window yourself by removing exterior trim and siding. A good window contractor should be able to cut removal costs out of his bid. Since waterproofing is so crucial in any climate, it might be best to let the contractor re-install the vapor barrier, trim, and siding, however.
  • Tax credit for new windows. Through December 31, 2010, homeowners can be reimbursed for 30 percent of costs up to $1,500 if they purchase new energy-efficient windows. This tax reimbursement, provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, can help defer the expense of buying and installing new windows. The federal tax credit does not cover window installation costs, but rather the windows themselves.

For more helpful information about windows, check out the Window FAQ page.

 
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By Brian M. McLauren

There's no doubt about it, swapping your old windows out with new replacement windows is a sure bet to instantly add beauty and value to your home. Along with your home's roof and siding, the windows are one of the most important factors that can elevate your home's aesthetic while keeping it protected from Mother Nature.

Old windows not only look bad, they also act like sieves, letting warm air out during the winter and cool air out during the summer. Replacement windows are your best defense when it comes to saving on your energy bills.

Beyond the look of the replacement window, one of the most important factors to consider is efficiency rating. As you begin to window shop (pun intended), ask window providers about their windows' U-factors. A window's U-factor can significantly help your home's energy efficiency, depending on the climate you live in. U-factor is the rating given to a window contingent on how much heat loss it allows. In general, a window's U-factor should be between 0.2 (allows extremely little heat loss) and 1.2 (high heat loss). If you live in a colder climate you should be sure to buy replacement windows with the lowest U-factor possible.

In addition to a window's U-factor, ask your window provider about Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC. SHGC ratings should range between zero and one, signifying the amount of heat the window allows to pass into your home from sunlight. Ratings closer to zero allow little heat in, while numbers closer to one allow more solar heat in.

Enough about the technical stuff - what about the look? Getting rid of your aged windows bearing cracks, chips or murky glass is the best first step to giving your home the cosmetic overhaul it deserves while boosting its value. New windows are also easy to clean and low maintenance. Believe it or not, attractive, energy-efficient replacement windows are surprisingly affordable and tend to pay for themselves over time due to the money they'll save on bills.

Casement and double-hung windows are always popular choices. Casement windows provide unobstructed views and are hinged from the side, allowing you to fully open the window for wonderful breezes, easy cleaning and a beautiful look. Double-hung windows are popular because they don't consume exterior space, making them a good choice for walkways, porches and patios. Also, the window sashes open vertically and they have a stacked appearance, meaning both sashes can slide past each other.

Also, slider windows and bay or bow windows are consistent favorites. Slider windows are economical and provide large openings for maximum viewing with a modern exterior look. Bay windows typically have a large, fixed center glass panel and bow windows are made up of six equal sized window units joined at equal angles to form a curve. Each of these choices will provide energy efficiency, beauty and enhance your home's comfort.

Not sure what's best for your home? Go to a local window provider near you and start asking the informed window shopper's questions. The perfect windows for your home are nearer than you think.

About the Author
For more information on Bowie replacement windows or replacement windows in MD, visit our website today.