Replacing your old windows can be done to improve the way your home looks, or you may be making a change because you want to make your home more energy-efficient. New windows could make your home more comfortable too, by eliminating drafts and hot spots. New window installation can range from $8000 to $24,000, so you want to make sure you choose the right windows for your home. Let’s take a look at exactly how to choose the right replacement windows.
Chose the Window Style
Windows are the literal window to the world. They don’t just let in light; they also have an impact on the aesthetics of your home. You want to choose windows that look good and will blend in with the exterior of your home.
Your home’s design may call for double hung windows in place of another style. Double hung windows are a classic style that started with colonial homes but can look just as good on a ranch or Craftsman style home. Specialty shaped windows are often required in historic homes, but they are an option for modern homes as well. Note that you can choose more than the window’s shape. For example, you could have diamond grids or glass filters built into the window.
Choose a Window Material
You don’t have to have wooden window frames to match the wood-clad exterior of your home. Vinyl resembles wood while requiring far less maintenance. It resists rot and damage, and it doesn’t require painting or sanding. You can choose vinyl frames in almost any color. Aluminum and wood frames are available as well. Window replacement companies like American Vision can help you choose the right windows for your home, no matter what style, color or shape you want. Check out their selection at https://www.americanvisionwindows.com/.
They’ll help you identify windows that will complement your home’s exterior while saving you money. They can assist you as you identify design elements that reflect your priorities. For example, you can enjoy natural light without letting the neighbors see in, thanks to American Vision’s obscure glass. You can choose how much light enters your home. Also, everything they offer will stand up to San Diego’s hot summers.
You can also have options to dampen outside noise. Triple pane is the best choice in this case, though triple pane is overkill if the only thing you want to do is make your home more energy-efficient. In some areas, you’ll want to have windows that resist heavy winds, hail and salty air. Know that you can choose windows that are easier to clean or impossible to close on little fingers. Your requirements will determine the right glass package installed in your window frames.
Choose a Custom-Fit Window Provider
Custom-fit windows are engineered to fit your home perfectly. The precise fit will have a significant impact on your home’s energy bills. The best window provider won’t just custom design windows with the frame, glass, and materials you’ve requested, but they’ll offer to send their experienced team to install them in your home.
Consider Energy Efficiency
You also want to go with windows that offer great energy efficiency. The way you can check a window’s energy efficiency is by looking at its U-factor. The U-factor is the window’s ability to conduct and move heat. You ideally want to go with a window that has a low U-factor, no matter the weather conditions.
A window with a low U-factor will prevent excessive heat from entering the house during the summer months. This means that you won’t have to spend as much on air conditioning, which is a major plus.
On the other hand, a window with a good U-factor will also be great during the winter months. These windows offer another level of insulation and will prevent heat inside the house from escaping, allowing you to make savings on heating.
Not only that but having windows with a good U-factor could be a great selling point when you’re trying to sell your house. Not only will you be able to sell it as eco-friendly, but you can show them the actual savings that they could make. Going for energy-efficient windows will provide an even greater return on investment than regular windows, not to mention that new windows are not as great of a selling point as energy-efficient ones.
Don’t choose windows just because they’re cheap or promise to lower your energy bills. Consider every way your windows can affect your quality of life so that you can choose the right windows for your home. By choosing the right set of windows, you will not only ensure that they last long, but you could also make some significant savings in the long run.
