10 Tips for Choosing Replacement Windows
10 Tips for Choosing Replacement Windows - Are you suffering from chilly drafts in the winter? It might be time to swipe your old, rickety windows for new replacement windows.
These windows simply fit into the same window space occupied by the old window. By doing a little bit of legwork in the research department you can feel comfortable during cold months, improve energy efficiency and save money over the long run. Consider researching possible solutions for a few weeks before purchasing your new windows.
Place a strong emphasis on comparing and contrasting customer reviews. Analyze specifically how installers handled customer complaints or problems to build a watch list of reputable and helpful businesses to choose from.
Decide Whether the Buy Fits Into Your Budget
Purchasing replacement windows improves energy efficiency but is an expensive purchase worth a few dollars saved each month? Depending on your financial situation consider putting off the purchase until you can afford replacement windows.
Gauge the U-Factor
Use the U-factor to determine how well a replacement window holds in heat. A lower value indicates windows which hold in heat effectively. If you live in a cold weather climate select windows with a U-factor of 1.0 to 0.3 to keep warm during chilly months.
Consider the R-Value
The range of the R-value runs from a 0.9 to 3 reading. This characteristic measures how well a replacement window insulates your dwelling.
Choose Your Glass
You can choose heat-absorbing glass, low-emissivity glass or reflective glass for your replacement window. Heat-absorbing glass repels solar energy which keeps your house cool. Low-emissivity glass can allow in or repel heat depending on the preferred indoor temperature of the season and reflective glass blocks dangerous ultraviolet rays.
Select Your Frame
Choose from wood, fiberglass, aluminum, fibrex or vinyl frames. Select vinyl frames for optimal energy efficiency. Woods acts as a natural insulator and fiberglass replacement windows also retain heat which helps you save on your heating bill.
Aluminum frames are cheaper but less popular alternatives due to low energy efficiency and being prone to condensation build up. Fibrex windows are energy efficient combinations of vinyl and wood.
Receive Estimates from Multiple Installers
Speak to more than one installer for a wide range of pricing options. Find a business which fits your needs and your budget.
Ensure Your Estimates Cover Labor and Materials
Save yourselfan unpleasant shock by ensuring your contractor quote includes the price of materials and labor.
Research Warranty Options
Warranty details vary from company to company. Lifetime warranties may not apply to the life of your home. Other warranties may not be transferrable to new homeowners or cover installation methods.
Scour Through Online Reviews
Reseach online industry forums to assess customer reviews. Conveniently weigh positive versus negative feedback from the comfort of your home. By reading thorough reviews you can make an intelligent decision based on the experience of former or current customers.
Even if winter is coming and you feel pressured to make an impulse buy patiently wade through the sea of facts you obtain to make an intelligent decision.
