Windows can have a huge impact on the appearance and comfort of your home, and if you’re thinking about replacing your residential windows, you’ll want to think carefully before deciding on which style is right for you. To help make this process easier, here are four things that you should keep in mind.
1. Energy Efficiency
According to Energystar.gov, replacing your standard residential windows with ones that meet EPA and U.S. Department of Energy’s recommended EnergyStar ratings, can help lower your energy bills by between 7 to 15%. This is due largely to the fact that many standard windows have low insulation abilities and allow heat to enter and escape more easily. Because of this, it can take more energy to keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. EnergyStar-rated windows help cut this cost down, and many look great while doing so.
2. Consider the Architectural Style of Your Home
When looking for the best residential windows for your home, you’re not going to want to choose windows that clash with your home’s style. For example, a Victorian-style home isn’t going to benefit from contemporary modern style windows, and vice versa. Let your home’s style guide you towards the styles that will work best for you so that your new windows will complement your home instead of clashing with it.
3. Think About Purpose
Consider the purpose that you want your windows to serve so that you can make a more informed choice. For instance, if you want your windows to serve as a way to bring light into your room, you may want to invest in larger panels that can really open up your space. Sliding glass window doors are also something to consider if you want them to function as both windows and as an entry to an outdoor space. Think carefully about how you want your new windows to function in your home so that you can make the right choices.
4. Consider Your Interior
Windows shouldn’t just complement the outside of your home, but they should also complement the interior. As an example, when adding a window to your bathroom, you’ll want one that will let in light, without providing a line of sight into your space. Different shapes of windows can also complement the interior decor, and help differentiate spaces from one another. When choosing the best residential windows the interior and exterior appearances should work in tandem and have equal influence on the final product.
If you are considering replacing your old windows, keep these four things in mind so that you can find the best residential windows for your home without ending up with regrets.