Windows are one of the most essential parts of your home. A properly installed window seals your home from outside air, helping keep your home at a comfortable temperature no matter the season. This increases the energy efficiency of your home too, as your windows will prevent the heat or air conditioning from escaping and keep your HVAC system from overworking.
Aside from their functionality, your home’s windows are also a major part of the aesthetic and design of your space. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, replacing the windows increases your home’s value and overall appeal. So, it’s important to know what to look for when buying or replacing your windows!
Signs You Should Replace Your Windows
There are several ways to tell if your windows should be replaced. If your windows are old, drafty, or don’t open properly, it’s a sign they should be replaced. Even if your windows are still perfectly functional, some people choose to replace them when they’re renovating or planning to sell their homes.
Tips for Window Buying
The first step in the process is to determine whether you are replacing an existing window or installing a new one. For example, you may be replacing an existing window with a similar or updated model, or you may be putting in a completely new type of window. This will impact the cost and decisions you will have to make when taking on this project.
Here are some things to look for in replacement windows to make the best decision for your home:
Style
Windows come in a variety of different styles. You can choose to keep the same window style or install a different one. Here is a bit more about each style:
Bay Window
Bay windows usually consist of three or more windows that protrude outward from the exterior of a building. This creates a little alcove, or “bay” on the inside. Bay windows bring a lot of natural light into a space and offer an expanded interior space, making them a popular choice.
Double Hung Window
Double Hung windows feature two vertically sliding sashes that can move up and down the window frame. These windows are easy to clean because they can tilt inward, and they also improve airflow. Given their classic look, they are a popular choice for many homes.
Picture Window
Picture windows are large, fixed windows that do not open or close. They give a clear view of the outdoors and are usually single pane. These windows give plenty of natural light and are a great choice to show off a beautiful view. Picture windows come in a variety of shapes or sizes, making them highly customizable for any room.
Casement Window
Casement windows are popular due to their hinge, which swings open like a door. This allows for optimal ventilation and unobstructed views of the outdoors. When closed, these windows are weather-resistant and enhance security. Because of their versatility and design, casement windows are a popular choice.
Our Window FAQs answer many common questions our customers have about different styles.
Energy Efficiency
Older windows are not as energy efficient as newer windows. This is usually because older windows are single-paned and newer windows are double or triple-paned. Double or triple-paned windows are more energy efficient, keeping your energy costs lower.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for up to 30% of the temperature loss in your home. When you have efficient windows, your house is better insulated against the hot or cold weather. Energy-star-rated windows can decrease your energy bill by up to 13%, which is why energy efficiency is an important factor when buying new windows.
Window Design
When you’re looking to replace a window, the design aspects (such as color and finish) are equally as important as the type of window. Windows give a certain aesthetic to your home and should look the way you want them to. Our windows come in a variety of architectural styles, giving the inside and outside of your home the look and feel it deserves.
Window Maintenance
Like anything else in your home, windows have to be cleaned and maintained. Some windows are easier to clean than others, so maintenance is an important factor in your decision to replace your windows. For example, double-hung windows tilt in for easy cleaning, whereas a picture window, which does not open or close, may be harder to clean depending on its location. Before choosing a new window, it’s important to know how easy (or hard) it will be to maintain.
Installation
As with any other home renovation project, getting new windows installed involves time on your end and our end. So, it’s necessary to ask about the installation process when purchasing new windows. Some questions you may have are:
- How long does it take?
- Do you offer financing? (we do!)
- Can you install windows in the winter?
At Standard Windows & Doors, we understand that replacing your windows is a big undertaking. We pride ourselves on great customer service to make replacing your windows an excellent experience from start to finish. We’re your go-to window installation service in Southeastern Wisconsin, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Have a window project in mind? Get a free estimate today!
