1. Get Help or Do it Yourself?

Installing or replacing windows can be a very difficult and time consuming job. Making sure that the job is done right can also impact heating/cooling bills, resale value of the house, and security.  If you do end up installing the windows yourself you can expect to save about $35-50 per window.  If you decide that you would like to use a service provider to do the work for you there are many to choose from and we recommend that you get at least 3 quotes to make sure you are getting a fair price for the work to be done.  A third option is to buy the windows yourself at Home Depot or Lowes and have a local handyman install them for you.  This is cheaper than going with a service installer for the whole project but you run the risk of the handyman not doing a good job on the installation and you must spend time getting the windows.

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2. Cost

Replacing windows can be very expensive and so it is important to have a budget in mind before you get too far down the road on the project.  If you are merely replacing windows in an existing frame then the cost can range from $150 per window for single pane standard glass windows to $500 per window for double or triple pane windows with gas energy efficiency coatings.  If you are installing frames as well as glass then the cost can range from $300-$1000 per window.  Remember that the choice of windows can impact your heating/cooling bills and also the resale value of your house so put some thought into the budget before you buy.  If you put in high quality replacement windows you can expect to save significantly on your heating and cooling bills and you can get up to 80% of the cost back in the resale value of your house.

3. Brand

There are a wide variety of brand choices when it comes to replacement windows. We list the 10 most popular window brands on our brand page. The most popular brands are Anderson, Pella, and Marvin but there are some very good smaller brands and specialty brands to take a look at if you have unique requirements for your project. Click here to see our selection of Top Window Brands

4. Energy Savings

Your windows can have a real impact on the size of your heating and cooling bills.  In the summer windows with special coatings can reduce the amount of heat that comes in through your windows by up to 70%.   In the winter, double and triple pane windows with insulating gases in between the panes can keep heat form leaking out through your windows.  According to the Department of Energy Low E coated windows cost 10-15% more than regular windows but can reduce energy loss by as much as 30-50%.  Coated windows can also reduce the amount of UV radiation coming in through your windows and reduce fading of carpets, furniture, and drapes.  The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) issues a U-Factor for windows that is a measure of how energy efficient the whole window unit is.  The rating ranges between 0-1 and the lower the better.   The theoretical limit is 0.15.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

The most important factor for cleaning windows is the ability of the window to open or tilt inward so you can clean both sides of the window from inside the house. If convenience is important to you make sure that the windows you choose have this option. Most of the major brands listed in our brand section make windows that have this feature.  Wood windows also require regular painting or staining or else they will rot.  You can get wood frames clad with vinyl or aluminum or you can by vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass frames to reduce the need for painting or staining.

6. Security

Poorly installed or maintained windows can provide an easy pathway into your house. Since most of the major brands listed in our brand section make quality windows, the key is making sure that they are installed properly. Click here if you would like a qualified service provider to review security options with you.

7. Style

Style is the most difficult of all the factors to consider because it is so personal. It is important to match the type of window and the type of frame to the style of your house and your personal taste. Modern manufacturing techniques have become very advanced allowing you to choose from a very large variety of styles to meet your tastes.  The style of the window is determined by the type, the material, and the colors.  You can choose to have the interior of the frames be one color to match the interior colors of your house and the exterior can be more neutral to match the exterior of your house.