Although replacement windows are an excellent investment any time, most homeowners choose installation in older homes that have old, poor functioning windows or windows that do not work at all.  If you are in this situation or simply wanting windows that are more efficient, this would be the ideal time to buy.  The information provided in this article will help steer you in the right direction so ultimately, you choose replacement windows perfect for your home.

Types of Replacement Windows

Replacement windows are sold in many different types but the four most popular options are listed below.  Of the four, our recommendation and the number one seller would be vinyl windows.

•    Aluminum Replacement Windows – These windows offer versatility, affordability, and they come in a wide range of styles.  Although most people are surprised, aluminum windows are also strong and durable.

•    Casement Replacement Windows – Many people choose this style of replacement window because of the classic architectural features.  In addition, this type of replacement window is a great choice for energy savings.

•    Double Hung Replacement Windows – For a more traditional look, double hung windows are also a great option for saving on energy and they are highly durable.

•    Vinyl Replacement Windows – The best seller of replacement windows, vinyl works well with any style of home, comes in a variety of colors, and offers a long list of benefits.

As mentioned, replacement windows are a key element for adding value to the home.  For instance, if planning to update or completely remodel your home, certain rooms and projects add the most value.  The best room in the home to invest money in is the kitchen, which is the heart of the home and the one room where people like to congregate.  Installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, etc would provide 100% or more of the money invested at selling time.

The same is true for replacement windows.  Of all individual projects, having new windows installed would add the most value.  While there would be an initial financial investment, when you decide to sell the money would be recouped.  However, for replacement windows to add value to the home, it would be imperative to purchase the right windows.  Along with energy efficiency, you want to look for windows that are easy to clean and those made to last the life of the home.

Energy Efficient Replacement Windows

The type of energy efficient windows you ultimately choose would be based primarily on the climate for the state in which you live but ease of cleaning and personal preference would be other factors.  One component that would dictate the level of efficiency is the frame.  Wood is one of the more traditional materials used, which is a natural insulator.  Unfortunately, wood is at risk of damage from insects and the environment, such as wood rot from getting wet.

Aluminum replacement windows are extremely lightweight, the frame would not split or warp, nor would it ever need to be painted.  However, if contractor grade, aluminum replacement windows were chosen, you would be challenged with heat and cold transfer.  Then for vinyl replacement windows, in addition to affordability, the windows are strong, durable, and designed to handle extreme climates, whether hot or cold.

Gas Filled Windows

Another component of replacement windows specific to energy efficiency is the actual glass.  Obviously, a single pane would be a waste of money whereas a double or triple pane window would increase efficiency.  However, the most efficient option is gas filled windows.  The type of gas varies based on climate, but also the manufacturer.  Although gas-filled windows are expensive, in the long-run they would be worth every dime spent.  The gasses used are non-toxic, odorless, and completely transparent.

Typically, manufacturers use two types of gas such as Krypton and Argon, combined.  These two gasses are thicker and denser than dry nitrogen or air so when double or even triple pane windows are filled and then sealed, the amount of heat loss and heat gain is staggering.  Therefore, during the summer and winter, the home environment would be comfortable and the amount of monthly utility bills dramatically decreased.

•    Krypton Gas – Of the two gasses, Krypton is the most expensive but also the best insulator on the market.  Typically, Krypton fills air space of approximately one-quarter inch between window panes.

•    Argon – Although less expensive then Krypton, Argon gas is also a great energy saver, used to fill two to three-paned windows to about one-half inch of air space.

The “U Factor”

Energy efficient windows are also given a “U Factor”, which is a number that represents thermal conductivity.  The lower this number the better insulated the window.  For instance, a replacement window made of aluminum with a single pane might have a U-Factor of 1.30 but if you were to choose a double-pane vinyl window filled with air, the number would drop to 0.81.  However, choosing a double-pane vinyl window filled with Krypton or Argon gas, or a combination of the two, the U-Factor is now at just 0.64.

Using the same U-Factor guidelines, consider ratings for different manufacturers.  The information below is based on vinyl replacement windows with two panes that have been filled with Krypton or Argon gas, or both.  The brands of replacement windows listed are merely the top choices for energy efficiency, but many others exist.

•    Schuco – 0.19
•    Pella – 0.32
•    Andersen – 0.33
•    Marvin – 0.34
•    Certainteed – 0.35

Miscellaneous Savings

Two other things should be considered when purchasing replacement windows for your home.  First, it is suggested that you choose a manufacturer that provides a special coating to the glass.  This coating process is known as “Low E Glazing” or “Low Emittance Coating”, which helps to redirect sun and heat.

Second, if you are the homeowner and principle residence on an existing home (not new construction), you can benefit from a unique tax credit when having replacement windows installed.  This credit is good through December 31, 2010 and consists of a 30% discount on $1,500 or more.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

You have heard how great vinyl replacement windows are but we wanted to offer specific benefits.  For starters, choosing a two or three-pane window filled with both gases would provide you with the highest level of energy efficiency possible.  However, some of the other reasons that vinyl windows are so popular include:

•    Durable
•    Long-lasting
•    Never requires painting or staining
•    Tremendous saving on energy
•    Quick and easy installation
•    Customizable
•    Economical
•    Wide selection

Regardless of architectural features of the home or your personal style, with vinyl replacement windows sold in so many different designs, styles, and colors, you would have incredible choices.  For a casual look, you could choose a neutral colored frame or to complement a Victorian style home, a frame of powder blue.  Then, when you consider how easy it is to clean and maintain vinyl replacement windows, the affordability factor, and the level of energy efficiency, it is easy to see why so many homeowners go this route in rejuvenating the appearance and functionality of the home.

It doesn’t really matter what materials you are looking into buying, you can find the quality that you are looking for.  There are two independent testing associations that you should check for certification from.  These are the most important aspects to finding the replacement windows that will guide you to the best windows money can buy.  No matter what the salesman will try and convince you of, use these facts and certifications as your authority.

The very best replacement windows are the ones certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  The AAMA is considered the top standard since they test the quality of the material, how the materials are assembled, and the integrity of the finished product.  The testing is all and random and incredibly rigorous.  Once a manufacturer decides to have the AAMA certify their window they sign a contract that allows the AAMA unannounced, random access to their production line. This ensures that you will get only the best quality.

The NFRC mainly focuses their testing on energy efficiency.  This means they test for R-values of the glass and air infiltration, among others.  But be aware that the NFRC label can be a little bit misleading.  They will put their label on windows that merely meet the minimum standards, so some window will be much more energy efficient than others within the same company.  They do provide the numbers and values that tell you just how energy efficient that particular window is, and they provide a guide to interpret these number.  But ultimately it is your responsibility to figure out the greatest value.  Ideally you want to find windows with both certifications to know you are getting the best.  Be aware that both associations install a label on the side of the window.  So it won’t be seen once the window is installed.  To be entirely sure the certification exists, try to get a peek at the window before installation for this label.

One thing is for sure when you have older windows.  If you decide not to replace them, at some point you will have to repair them.  More likely is that you will have to replace them fairly regularly until replacing them becomes inevitable.  If that repair will require replacing or removing the paint, chances are high that the paint will contain lead.  Be sure to be well informed on all the dangers of lead.  Even small amounts of lead dust can cause massive amounts of damage to you and your family, even the family dog.

Even though it doesn’t seem that the old windows are very leaky, or are not really letting in that much air, they still can be.  Old windows can be the biggest gap in your energy efficiency.  Single-pane windows have a terrible R-value and no insulation, meaning a majority of the air in the home will be lost.  If the caulking is worn and old, that can also allow massive amounts of air in and out.  You can make some other efforts to improve the insulation of these old windows.  For example you can install superb weather-stripping, re-caulk all the windows, and shrink-wrap them in plastic during extreme weather.  This can help you minimize the air loss, but it won’t be as good as higher quality windows.  So if energy efficiency is something that’s important to you, replacement windows are definitely in your future.

Most important you need to determine if your savings will offset the cost of replacement windows.  Sit down with a pen and paper and start adding.  Figure out your current annual expenditures in heating and cooling.  Now you need to figure out the cost of all your replacement windows.  Add up how many windows you need and the cost of each.  Let’s assume for the sake of these numbers that you will save 30% in energy costs.  How many years will it take for you to get back the money you spent replacing the windows in savings?  If it’s more than about five years then it may not be the right time to replace your old windows.  It’s nearly impossible to make completely accurate analyses for this cost-savings projection, but it does give you a rough estimation of whether it will be a good investment.

This how-to will assume that you have already measured your window and ordered the windows with these measurements.  First, you should examine the windowsill to make sure there is not wood rot.  There is no point in installing new windows into a rotten frame that needs replacing itself.  Now that you are sure the windowsill is solid, carefully remove all inside stops of the existing windows.  Be sure not to damage them or throw them out since you can use them again with the new windows.  Now remove the window sashes themselves, cutting through any nails that are holding them in place.  Remove and old caulk and clean the frame up as much as you can.  You need to either pull out any existing nails or completely drive them in.

Now you need to make sure the new window actually fits the frame opening.  Put it in place to ensure a proper fit and then remove it again.  At this point you should run the caulk along the inside edge of the remaining outside window stops.  Also run a bead of caulk along the windowsill.  Place the window back into place and ensure that it is level and square.  Use a level to make sure it is sitting plumb with the frame and measure diagonally from corner to corner each way to make sure it is sitting squarely.  Shim the window as necessary to hold it in place.  Now is the time to reinstall the inside stops, using new finishing nails, and caulk them where they meet the frame of the window.

Also be sure to check the outside of the new windows.  The window should either come with a naturally sloped frame or have an insert that you can use to cover any gap.  If neither of these things is the case, simply cover the gap with a piece of wood and caulk the seams where the insert meets the frame.  With just these few simple and straightforward steps you can save yourself a lot of hassle with hiring a contractor to install the replacement windows for you.  No expertise is needed, just some time and perhaps an extra pair of hands to help with placing the windows.

Sash windows are basically two wooden frames that are mounted in a larger vertical frame.  The frames, called sashes, hold one or sometimes two panes of glass.  The sashes slide up and down on the two tracks in the frame so that the windows may be opened and closed.  If there are two panes of glass then the window is called a double glazed sash window.  There is also a variety of sash window that has multiple panes of glass, called lights, in each sash.  These are held in place by strips of wood or metal known as muntin bars.

When you are considering replacement sash windows, cost can be a big factor.  Replacing a single one can cost several hundred dollars, more so if they are a rare type of window in your area.  The more expensive are the wooden sash windows.  These are popular because the muntin bars are removable, which gives some choice into how the window looks and makes it easier to clean.  But there are also replacement sash windows that are aluminum on the outside and offer more choices in color and style.  Another benefit to aluminum sash windows is that they never require any maintenance or painting.  Aluminum also tends to be more versatile in size and availability as well.  Nearly all sash windows have the feature of tilting inward so that the outside can be cleaned from indoors; this is ideal for second story windows.

With the availability factor most companies who will installing or replace sash windows are also the manufacturers, limiting the number of people you have to deal with.  But with limited manufacturers comes limited competition and increased prices.  You can best benefit from this by finding a company that offers warranties of at least 10 years.  They should also be a well-established company so that you can rest assured that they will not be out of business if you need a repair.  If you do not already have sash windows, you might be better served replacing your windows with the same type of window you have now, simply because of the price factor.  But if sash windows are something that you simply must have, shop smart and look at all your options before committing to one contractor.