Gain Insightful Tips for Purchasing Replacement Windows

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Congratulations on deciding to upgrade your windows! This significant investment is usually a one-time project while residing in a home, and it can be more costly than other home upgrades. Given its infrequent nature, feeling unsure about selecting and installing new windows is natural. To ease this process, ENERGY STAR experts offer a few tips to guide your purchase and installation:

Initial Preparations

Before contacting contractors or installation companies, it's wise to define your preferences. Homeowners generally look for windows that are visually appealing, easy to operate and maintain, come with a robust warranty, perform in diverse weather conditions, and help reduce energy costs. Most modern energy-efficient windows use double-glazing filled with Argon—a safe, non-toxic gas that enhances insulation and lasts throughout the window's lifespan. Other considerations may include:

• Frame Material: Choose between wood, vinyl, or fiberglass. Wood offers a traditional appearance, while vinyl and fiberglass frames often come with longer color and finish warranties.
• Frame Color: Select from prefinished color options, with the possibility of differing colors for the interior and exterior frames.
• Operating Style: Match the window style to the one being replaced. Double-hung windows are common in the Eastern U.S., while horizontal sliders prevail on the West Coast. Other styles, like casements, awnings, and hoppers, open outward with a crank.
• Window Grids: Modern window grids are more for aesthetics and are often placed between the glass panes for easier cleaning.
• Energy Efficiency: Opt for ENERGY STAR certified windows suitable for your climate, ensuring high performance and energy savings. Use the Climate Zone Finder Tool to determine your zone.

If uncertain about your options, explore window company websites for styles and color ideas before consulting a salesperson.

Hiring a Contractor or Installer

Typically, replacement windows are sold through in-home visits by installers who measure your current windows. Prices can vary significantly, so obtaining at least three quotes is advisable. Screen each contractor by reviewing their BBB profile and checking for relevant state or regional licensing. Local utilities might offer pre-screened installer lists who also know about local rebates. If you have no personal recommendations, ask for suggestions on your neighborhood list serve. Check the installer's website to ensure they offer the desired products, or look up the window brands they sell.

• Confirm Product Availability: Ensure the contractor has the specific materials and styles you need. Request color samples and visit a showroom if possible.
• Know the Manufacturer: Find out who makes the windows. This information can help you research ENERGY STAR certified product lines.
• Request Demonstrations: Ask for demonstrations, especially on special coatings for glass that block or reflect solar heat. YouTube also has useful demonstration videos.

Talking to a Sales Representative

When discussing with a salesperson during a home visit, keep these critical points in mind:

• ENERGY STAR Certification: Ensure they offer models meeting ENERGY STAR criteria for your location. Use the Climate Zone Finder Tool for guidance.
• Technical Specifications: The U-factor measures heat loss; a lower U-factor is better for colder climates. SHGC measures solar heat gain; a lower SHGC is beneficial for warmer climates.
• Federal Tax Credits: You may qualify for up to $600 in federal tax credits for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognized windows.
• Warranties: Look for comprehensive warranties covering the product, glass seal, and installation.
• Installation Details: Verify who performs the installation and whether the warranty covers their work.
• Glass Strength: Double-strength or tempered glass may offer better durability and is often advisable for specific climates.
• Lead Paint Protocols: For homes built before 1978, ensure lead paint safety protocols are followed during installation.

Finalizing the Contract

Upon selecting your windows, you will sign a sales agreement. Keep in mind the following:

• Commit Carefully: Avoid signing if you're not ready to purchase. Contracts should state the windows will be ENERGY STAR certified for your climate zone.
• Specify Technical Details: Ensure U-factor and SHGC values are included in the contract.
• Warranty Clarity: Clearly outline all three warranty types in the contract.
• Avoid Rush Decisions: Be wary of same-day signing specials; reputable companies offer estimates valid for 15-30 days.
• Get Copies: Obtain a signed copy of the agreement with all terms explicitly written.
• Plan for Delivery: High-performance windows may take 6-12 weeks for delivery, so plan accordingly.

Installation Day

On the day of installation, follow these steps:

• Verify Products: Ensure the delivered windows match your order and include ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels before removing old windows.
• Keep Labels: Retain or photograph the labels for each installed window for warranty and rebate purposes.
• Test Installation: Operate each window to ensure proper function and inspect the caulking for completeness and neatness.

After the installation, enjoy the benefits—energy savings, comfort, and enhanced views—from your new windows.

For more details, visit horizontal vs vertical sliding windows.

Best Places for Sliding Windows in Your Home

By Great Lakes Window

Great Lakes Window offers a variety of vinyl replacement window styles. Today, we’re highlighting the popular and versatile sliding windows. These horizontal windows slide left and right, making them easy to operate, clean, and a great contemporary option.

Wondering where sliding windows fit best in your home? Here's a guide:

Areas Needing Ventilation

Sliding windows open both ways, making them perfect for laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens where ventilation is needed.

Difficult to Reach Spaces

They are easy to operate, even in hard-to-reach places, eliminating the need for stools or ladders which might be necessary for other types like Double Hung windows.

Horizontally Oriented Spaces

If your home has more horizontal than vertical space, sliding windows blend seamlessly. They offer unobstructed outdoor views, maximizing natural light.

Energy Efficiency Needs

Our windows are highly energy efficient, and sliding windows may offer superior performance due to their simplicity, ensuring a tight seal.

Choosing Your Sliding Vinyl Replacement Windows

Decided on sliding windows? Now, consider decorative styles, color schemes, and energy ratings. Visit our photo gallery for inspiration.

Our Great Lakes Window dealers guide you through every step, from selection to installation, ensuring comfort, beauty, and efficiency for your home.

Want to learn more about aluminium lift and slide doors? Contact us today.