Are your home's windows in horrible shape and do you need to replace them? If it is your first time buying windows, you'll definitely want to know more about what you should be looking for. Here are a few key things that you'll want to consider.
The Energy Efficiency
One very important part of getting new windows is the energy efficiency. After all, you want to make sure that your new windows are going to do their part when it comes to keeping your energy bills low. Look for features such as Low-E coatings, multiple panes of glass, and insulating gas between the panes. While each feature does cost more money, it leads to a more energy-efficient window.
The Material
There are multiple materials that you have to pick from, with wood and fiberglass being two of the most popular materials out there. Wood is known as a more premium material and a great insulator, but it does require more maintenance to keep the wood looking great over time. Meanwhile, vinyl is a cheaper material that requires much less maintenance, with the most you typically have to do is clean the material when it gets dirty. Materials like aluminum tend to be cheap, but are poor insulators for window material.
The Style
It can be a bit overwhelming with so many styles of windows to pick from. The most classic style is a double-hung window, which allows the window pane to slide down from the top or bottom to allow cool air in. A cheaper variation is the single-hung window, which has one panel fixed in place while only the other pane moves.
A more high-end style option is a casement window, which operates by using a crank to turn the window outward. The crank and latch system also allows for the window to create an incredibly tight seal when the window is closed, which helps keep the air outside your home where it belongs.
The Warranty
It's important to never forget about the warranty offered with the windows. A high-quality warranty is going to cover the materials and the labor if the window needs to be replaced since you always need to pay for both when you replace a window. In addition, you'll want to know if the warranty transfers to a future homeowner or if it just stays with you.
Contact a local window replacement service to learn more.