There are many misconceptions that homeowners have about replacement windows that can keep them from choosing to replace their windows. The four misconceptions below touch on a few (but major) issues that are commonly brought up by people hesitant to replace their windows. By dispelling these misconceptions about replacement windows, homeowners will feel more comfortable making the decision to start a window replacement project. U-value is defined as the measurement of the amount of heat transfer through the window. The lower the U-value, the less heat is transferred across the window. While it is a good measure for the window, the U-value is only one factor used to determine the energy performance of a window. Other measures like the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and the visible light transmittance are also used to determine the performance of the window.

There are certain factors that you should consider when shopping for new replacement windows. It is important to understand the different parts of a window and their function to make an informed decision and a smart purchase.

Vinyl-coated fiberglass is the material that is most often used for screens, but you can also buy aluminum and solar screens depending on where you live and your taste. There are so many different kinds of windows available that you will undoubted find just exactly what you want to make your house more energy efficient, give it additional beauty, and fit your budget. By consulting with a professional window salesman you may learn that you can get buy with adding storm windows instead of having to replace the entire windows. Storm windows work well for increasing your energy efficiency and will cost you a lot less than replacement windows do.

During your research into replacement windows, you'll discover that two of the top companies in the business are Milgard and Andersen. Both of these companies have been producing high-quality windows, screens, replacement windows, and storm windows for many years now and have earned a reputation for some of the best products on the market. Companies like this go to great lengths in their design to make sure that when you purchase their products you'll be getting the highest energy efficiency you can buy. As you've probably already learned, the majority of all heat loss from your home during the winter months is due to air leaks surrounding your windows. In some cases you may even be able to see your curtains blow as cold outside air pours in.

When you think of energy efficiency you most likely think of Energy Star. The initial cost of Energy Star windows will be higher than you'd pay for other windows, but over the long term they will significantly decrease your energy loss and utility bills. In addition, if you purchase your Energy Star windows with coated glass or solar screen, they will be effective in keeping the harmful UV rays of the sun from fading your furniture, carpeting, and draperies. Not only that, but you can usually find a rebate or a tax credit for installing efficient Energy Star windows in your home.

Experts will tell you that you need to budget between $300 and $700 per window if you're going to have replacement windows installed in your home. If you need to replace rotting frames and windowsills and then install new construction windows, that will raise the price to more like $1000 each. What this means is that if you want to replace all of the windows in a typical 1-story house, you can expect to pay somewhere between $3000 and $10,000 in total. As you can see, replacement windows don't come cheap, but there are times when you have to have them. Your money will be well spent, though, because your home will look more attractive, both inside and out increasing both curb appeal and value, and you'll increase your home's energy-efficiency significantly as well.