Best Replacement Windows
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Best Replacement Windows: Reviews and Comparison
Finding the perfect replacement window for your home can be tough, especially when you have so many options to choose from. To choose the best option for your needs, you should consider factors like material type, window style, frame type, energy efficiency, and cost. This handy guide covers the best replacement window options, so you can pick the right one for your home.What Makes the Best Replacement Windows?
Consider the following factors when weighing replacement window options.Price
When selecting a replacement window, make sure to have a set budget in mind. Window prices usually range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the type of frame material and window style you choose. The most common window frames include: Wooden frame: These are generally expensive, but they offer exceptional aesthetic value. With proper maintenance, these windows can last for years while offering excellent thermal insulation to help you save on energy costs. Vinyl frame: Vinyl frames are cheaper than wooden frames and resistant to moisture. These frames are available in different shapes and sizes, but most of them cannot be painted. However, there is a range of stock colors that you can choose from to match the window with your home's aesthetic. Composite frame: Composite frames are the least expensive of the three frame options. These frames are comprised of fiberglass or organic materials, which make them strong and energy-efficient. Similar to other frames, composite frames are available in different sizes and shapes. When selecting replacement windows, you should also factor in installation costs, which can range from $300 to $2,000 per window, including labor charges.
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Features
Consider the following features to ensure your window replacements are in line with your upgrade requirements: Window design: Double-hung is the most popular window design, featuring two sashes that can move up and down. These windows often come with tilt-in sashes so that you can tilt the moving part of the window for easy cleaning. Other design options include single-hung, casement type, and awning-style, all of which come with different operating mechanisms and structure designs. Glass panes: You should also consider the number of glass panes needed for adequate insulation. Most brands offer double-pane glass filled with argon gas that improves the insulating properties of the window. You can also get triple-pane glass, which costs more but is ideal for those living in extremely cold regions. The three glass layers also dampen noise. Energy efficiency: Make sure that the replacement windows you choose are energy-efficient. Look for windows with an Energy Star label to ensure that they meet the minimum standard for insulation defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. Windows with Low-E (low emissivity) coating further improves glass efficiency by reflecting heat while allowing light to pass through. Other energy-efficiency metrics include:- U-Factor, which indicates how well the window prevents heat from transferring outside. U-value ranges between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the number, the better the efficiency.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how efficient the window is at blocking heat from the sun. The SHGC number ranges from 0 to 1. Windows with a low SHGC value are ideal for hot climates.
- Visible Light Transmittance (VT) indicates the amount of light the window allows to pass through, ranging from 0 to 1. A high VT number means you'll receive more light inside your home.
Customer support
When selecting a particular window brand, make sure it offers quality customer support. Most reputable brands offer trained professionals who assist homeowners throughout the selection and installation process. These company-run programs ensure that your windows fit properly while meeting your energy-saving goals.Customer reviews
Another great way to determine the quality of prospective replacement windows is through customer feedback. Most reputable brands provide testimonials about their products on their website. These reviews are a great way to verify the claims made by companies about their products.Warranties
Warranties are another great way to identify window quality. Most window manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on other parts. However, you should also look for windows that offer an option to transfer warranties, so that when you move, the new owner receives peace of mind. Many brands and independent dealers also offer installation warranties, so if anything goes wrong within the warranty period, your repair costs are covered.Best Replacement Windows
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The following list outlines our top five replacement window recommendations.
