Aside from wanting to save on energy bills, homeowners replace their windows to make their houses more attractive, less drafty and to reduce more outside noise coming into their living space.
Every home should have a window that can keep the elements out yet still able to get all that healthy sunshine in. Choosing a window replacement can be tricky as there are too many choices available on the market. However, there are simple guidelines you can follow when trying to find appropriate replacements for your house’s windows.
Balancing Price, Quality, and Aesthetics
The biggest concern of every homeowner trying to replace their windows is how to find the right balance between these three factors. The common misconception of consumers is that the higher the price, the better the performance, the prettier it will look when installed on your home. However, price, performance quality, and great design aesthetics do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.
Match the Design
The first step in choosing the right window replacement is to match it with the overall architectural design of your house. For example, ceiling glass windows won’t exactly look good in a cottage-style home nor would diamond-shaped mullions will look great in a contemporary home.
Hire a Professional
Next step is to hire a certified window installer. Most window manufacturers offer contractors training to be able to install their products properly on the clients’ home. Certified window replacement contractors also generally know which material will work best for your home, especially if you are located in an area vulnerable to high winds and extreme temperatures. They can also advise you which brands are worth every penny and which window brands are just pretty to look at but won’t keep the cold draft from entering your home.
Don’t Focus on Price
Lastly, don’t just base your window replacement decisions on price alone. There are several expensive window brands on the market that offer so-so protection from wind and rain, while there are cheap window replacements that will make you wish you have spent a bit more for quality’s sake.
Focus your efforts on finding a window replacement that add value to your home. Windows that have an Energy Star rating can be extremely valuable if you are looking to enjoy some tax rebates. Windows with low-E coatings are also popular but it will be entirely useless if you live in a place with a cold climate.
If you are still confused, a window replacement contractor is always ready to help you narrow down your choices and give a rough estimate on the overall cost of the project.
Sources:
Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home, todayshomeowner.com
Home Window Buying Guide, consumerreports.org
