Every once in a while, your home needs a little facelift. However, just giving your siding a fresh coat of paint won’t cut it; getting replacement windows will do the trick. New windows can completely change the look of your home, giving it a much-needed aesthetic boost and instantly making you the envy of all your neighbors.

A couple of years ago, choosing a replacement window was as easy as getting ones that were comparable to your current ones. However, with advancements in energy-saving technology and the plethora of new innovative designs, doing so these days is easier said than done. If you’re in the market for new replacement windows for your home, then you’re in the right place.

In today’s post, we’ll show you how to find the best replacement windows for your home. Let’s get straight into it.

Check the Window Style

If your old windows were a tad boring, consider switching up your window style. This is not only great for giving your home a fresh look, but some window styles also boast immense functionality. The most common window styles include:

• Bay
• Sliders
• Casement
• Double-hung
• Garden
• Picture
• Bow

Casement windows are great for keeping the cold at bay since they boast a generally tight window seal. Sliders are great if you want to let in all that glorious sunlight inside. Bay windows, on the other hand, are great for aesthetics, and glass block windows are great for privacy in rooms such as bathroom windows.

Consider How Energy-Efficient You Want Your Windows

With energy costs going through the roof, energy-efficient windows are becoming more of a necessity than a luxury in Oahu, HI. If your old windows were single-pane, you now have the opportunity to switch to more energy-efficient windows. We’re talking double-pane, triple-pane, or even quadruple-pane windows. Sure, these windows might be expensive, but the amount you save will more than make up for the initial costs.

Windows with low-emission, or “Low-E,” coatings are great for colder climates. On the inside, these windows have a thin layer of metal. This layer blocks excessive UV light while allowing heat inside. That way, you can get heat from the outside without the accompanying UV light.

When buying a replacement window, be sure to inquire about the window’s U-value. The U-value describes the window’s heat loss and the rate at which it loses heat. Windows with a higher U-value lose more heat than those with a lower one. If you want to cut down on energy spending, look for windows with a low U-value.

Another thing to look at is the solar heat gain coefficient or SGHC. This describes the amount of heat that can enter through the window plane. As with the U-value, a lower value is better for energy efficiency.

Window Frame Material

Not all window frames are created equal, so another thing to consider when selecting replacement windows is the frame material. Of course, you want a good-looking frame, but visuals aren’t everything when it comes to choosing a frame. Also, think about the material’s energy efficiency and ease of maintenance. Some of the best window frame materials include aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and wood.

The Cost of Installation

The average cost of replacing your windows is about $700 per window. This could be as low as $300 or as high as $1,200, depending on the type and size of the windows. Some basement windows cost as much as $6,500 to install.

That said, finding replacement windows that match your budget is important. By this, we mean something that isn’t too cheap nor too expensive but somewhere in between. Expensive doesn’t always mean good, and getting the cheapest windows you can find is just asking for trouble.

So, create a budget for your windows and stick to it. Also, be sure to explore all your options to get the most bang for your buck.

Your Home’s Design and Architecture

Make sure you get windows that complement your home’s overall architecture. You don’t want your new windows to stick out like sore thumbs. Instead, they should blend with the rest of your home for a seamless exterior.

Slider windows are excellent for homes with modern designs because they’re sleek and easy to operate. If your home is more traditional, double-hung windows will do it justice. Although they don’t offer much utility, they complement the home’s architecture beautifully.

The Installation Process

The company you hire for your window installation is also important when choosing replacement windows. For weathertight construction, you’ll need professionals with years of experience and sublime craftsmanship. Check out online reviews and explore your options before settling on a contractor to replace your windows. Steer clear of contractors with very low prices. You might just get what you pay for.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are imperative to the beauty and functionality of your windows. How you clean and maintain your windows largely depends on the type of windows you have. Keep this in mind when choosing replacement windows.

You don’t want a situation where the windows are too big for you to clean. You also don’t want a window that requires frequent maintenance to look its best. Vinyl is the easiest to maintain since it doesn’t require any repainting or sanding. All it needs is a little cleaning every now and then, and you’re good to go.

Color and Design

Finally, you want windows with the right colors and design to bring your home’s exterior to life. Your windows could easily be the highlight of your home, but only if you pick the right colors and design. If you’re unsure of what to pick, get help from an exterior designer. That way, you can find the perfect windows for your home’s exterior.

The Best Replacement Windows for Your Home

Your home deserves nothing but the best, and the information above should help you get just that. Don’t forget to explore all your options before settling on new windows for your home. Check out the different designs, styles, and colors and find something that pleases you. And remember, your windows are just as good as the contractor who installed them. So if you want the best windows, you need to find the best contractor in Oahu, HI.

Sunburst Windows is, without a doubt, the best contractor in Oahu, HI. Contact us today for beautiful, durable, and high-quality replacement windows and take your home’s aesthetic to the next level.

Photo By Suti Stock Photo at Shutterstock