Homeowners find that the work of maintaining a home never ends. Something always needs to be replaced or repaired, and the windows in your home will eventually come up for replacement, too. Not a pretty thought, is it, because replacement windows are expensive; however, if you want to maintain the energy efficiency in your home, it's a task that will need to be performed at least once during the life of the home. If you have the skills it will take to install the windows yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money. Most homeowners, however, will choose to have someone else do the job for them. The new windows that you purchase can be made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl that are designed for easy installation as long as the frames and sills of your windows are in good shape. You will choose the best replacement windows by matching them to the style of your home so that your décor will benefit from them both inside and out.

The first thing you need to do is stop and consider what kind of windows you want in your house. Are you happy with the kind you have, or is this the time to make some changes? For example, if you've never liked the aluminum sliders that came with your home, maybe you'd rather take a look at some wood double-hungs or vinyl casement windows. All of these styles are available in varying combinations. In addition, you can choose the type of screen you want.

While vinyl is the most popular material used in replacement window frames today, there are other options for replacement windows. If you live in an older home you have the option of replacing your old wood windows with new, energy efficient clad/wood windows. These windows can often times be installed inside the "pocket" of your old windows without having to tear into the house or disturb the existing trim. The windows have a clad exterior, usually vinyl or aluminum that protect the windows from the elements, and a wood interior to keep with the look of your existing windows.

Fiberglass is a newer material available for replacement windows. It has thermal properties similar to wood window (wood is the best insulator available) and it is stronger than vinyl or aluminum. Fiberglass is very durable and is hard to dent or scratch. The material is also paintable which gives you options other than the standard white and tan offered by most vinyl window manufacturers. You will pay more to have wood or fiberglass replacement windows. Vinyl is the least expensive of the three, but you also have product limitations, and quality issues with vinyl that you do not see as much in clad/wood or fiberglass replacement windows. You should always look at all of your options for replacement windows because vinyl is not the only choice.

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.

Talk to a window installation professional to discuss window replacement and installation options that are right for your home. Once your new windows are installed, your home will be better insulated with a modern look, all while saving you money on energy bills.