We all want to save money in whatever ways that we can, especially when it comes to replacing things that we don’t necessarily apply a lot of personal creativity into, like windows. Obviously, all houses need windows. But replacement windows aren’t exactly the most exciting purchases to buy. This is why you may be motivated to shop for discount windows. While some discount products are almost always lower quality, this isn’t necessarily the case for window replacements. In fact, you can source great windows for lower prices. You just need to make sure that you are sourcing them from the right places.

With that being said, we’re looking into the dos and don’ts of buying windows. This can help you not only save money now but also in the long term. Let’s dive in!

Do: Shop Energy Efficient

Firstly, you need to make sure that you’re shopping as energy-efficient as possible. Energy-efficient windows can lead to more cost savings than standard discount windows. You can save money on your energy bills by replacing standard windows with windows that have Energy Star labels.

The Energy Star label was originally started in 1992, and it indicates that a window is energy efficient. When windows meet the standards of the Energy Star program, energy bills can ultimately be lowered by 7% to 15%. When buying energy-efficient types of replacement windows, you are ultimately able to trust that you will be saving money over time and not just at the time of purchase.

Don’t: Buy Used Windows

Yes, you can buy used windows, often from discounted home improvement stores. While there are benefits to buying some types of used and recycled home improvement materials, this is not the case with discount windows.

Once windows have been installed, they begin to experience a great deal of wear and tear. Think about the beating that windows automatically begin taking due to the elements. This can cause microscopic cracks within the window panes, as well as damage to the window frames. This is particularly true for wood frames, which tend to expand and shrink more frequently. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to buy residential windows from sellers of used windows.

Do: Research Your Seller

Whenever buying discount windows, it’s a good idea for you to research your seller before you buy. There are many window sellers that offer discount windows that are high quality and exactly what you need. But as with any seller of discount products, there are some that are a bit too good to be true.

Do some research online before buying from a discount seller; a good seller will have great reviews. If you’re working on renovations on your house, ask your contractors for recommendations. It’s about being a smart consumer, and nothing more.

Don’t: Limit Yourself to Wooden Frames

Wooden frames have their advantages. But it’s important to make the right choice for your home and lifestyle. As previously mentioned, some windows with wooden frames become damaged more quickly because of the way that wood expands and contracts when exposed to the elements. While you may see some discount windows offered with wooden frames, resist the impulse to jump on them right away. Wooden frames can be less energy efficient because the ease with which they’re damaged affects their insulation abilities.

Do: Buy Vinyl Frames

When looking for energy-efficient windows that will save you money not only during the initial purchase but in the long term, you should buy vinyl window frames. Vinyl is less easily affected by the elements and is much more insulated than other window frame materials.

There are plenty of benefits to buying discount windows, and if you buy them from a reputable seller, you can get exactly what you need without over-spending. But the important thing to remember is that you need to buy windows that last you for the long term. This will help you save money over the course of years, not just right now.

According to the U. S. Department of Energy, air leaks around your windows and doors can add 10% to your heating bills. You do not want to pay additional bills, and therefore, it is important to replace your doors as soon as they start leaking air in or out of the house. Once you have replaced your damaged door, you can be assured of reduced energy bills and increased security. So, what signs should you look for?

Sticking Doors

If your wooden door begins to stick, it is an indication that it has soaked up moisture and needs to be replaced. Such a door can make your house damp, triggering the growth of mold. You will also pay for more energy to heat the house since the water-damaged door will make it colder than it used to be.

Warping Doors

If your door begins to bend or lose its shape, it is an indication that it has soaked in a lot of moisture. Such a door cannot be repaired because it is already damaged. What you need to do is replace it. In most cases, doors warp after lasting various humidity cycles, and this means the door will have lasted long enough to deserve a replacement.

Hanging Level, Not on the Hinges

If you realize that your door is not on the level it is supposed to be with the hinges, it is time to replace it. Such doors are difficult to close, risking burglars getting into your home. It also increases the amount of energy required to heat the house, and therefore, you will have to pay higher energy bills.

A Door That Looks Old

If your door looks old and weak, it does not need a repair but rather a replacement. This most applies to front doors because they are visible to visitors. You do not want to have a door that looks old and chipped, yet you can have it replaced with discount doors. A faded or old door will hinder the amazing appearance of your home.

A substantial number of people consider repairing doors because it is cheaper than replacement. However, this is not an ideal solution because some damages are beyond repair. Repairing them would only cost you more because you might be required to repair them again shortly after the first repair. Once your door shows any of the above signs, you should replace it the soonest as possible.

So you’re renovating your home, and you’ve gotten to the point where it’s time to select new entry doors. There is a lot that goes into choosing both windows and doors because they make up a great deal of a home’s outer appearance. In a lot of ways, a door can be compared to your home’s “face”. It’s the first impression that your home gives to a lot of people and can really set a stylistic tone for your house.

Chances are that you’ve never shopped for entry doors before. Therefore, you may want to do some preliminary research before you settle on the right door for your home. The more you know ahead of time, the easier it will be for you to choose the right exterior doors, whether they’re replacement doors or meant for a brand new home.

What Materials Are You Considering?

There are actually far more materials available for entry doors than you might think. The reality is that you need to consider several different types before moving forward. Traditionally, many homeowners prefer wood doors. That is what they picture owning, and many of us assume that entry doors that are not actually wood are wood. They are aesthetically pleasing and versatile, but they’re not without their issues. Wood is a naturally porous material, which means that it absorbs liquid. Gradually, this can lead to rot over time, degrading the door. Wood will also naturally expand and contract depending on the surrounding temperature. Not only does this affect the quality of the door, but its appearance as well, causing warping over time.

A common alternative to wood is steel. Steel is preferred to wood by many homeowners, but it’s likely that you haven’t seen a lot of entry doors that look like they’re made of steel. Graining patterns can be added to make steel doors look as if they are made of wood. Because they’re made of steel rather than wood, however, the door will not warp through the expansion or contraction of the grain. This also means that steel doors remain easy to open and close. Additionally, these doors provide the best security levels. They can’t simply be broken down the way that wooden doors can be. Although some homeowners don’t like the aesthetics of steel doors, they can be made more eye-catching through glass inserts as an alternative to the faux wood graining.

Fiberglass is another great alternative, though it’s somewhat newer to the market. While steel can be susceptible to rust, fiberglass has no such issues. Fiberglass doors are fairly tough doors, remaining resistant to both dents and environmental factors like rain. They also provide the best levels of insulation, which is important to consider when you remember that 25% to 30% of all residential heating and cooling energy usage is the result of heat gain and loss through windows. Doors can function in a similar way, which is why insulation is crucial.

What Kind of Look Do You Want?

As previously mentioned, some people like their doors to resemble the rustic appearance of classic wooden doors, regardless of the material the door is made from. But the fact is that not everyone likes the appearance of wooden doors. If you’d like your home to remain more sleek and modern, an industrial steel appearance may be more ideal.

You should think for quite a while about the color of your door. Again, a gray or black door will come off as more modern, while some people prefer red doors in the sense that they stand out. White doors are more associated with a cottage or farmhouse appearance, while blue or green doors are considered a bit dated.

Mentioning again the idea of glass inserts, these are quite modern and create a sense of beauty and sleekness. The issue is that you do lose a bit of privacy when adding glass inserts.

Remember too that you don’t necessarily have to spend too much money on entry doors. Discount doors are available, and they are not necessarily lower quality. No matter what, be careful when selecting your door, and remember that it will have a major effect on your home’s overall appearance.

We don’t think often about replacing our windows. We may replace our roofs or even our floors, and certainly our furniture, but we don’t often replace our windows. But the reality is that residential windows do not last forever, and eventually all of them need to be updated. The fact is that if you don’t buy replacement windows in a timely manner, your home will experience a variety of different negative effects. Additionally, if you attempt to sell a house with damaged or outdated windows, you will inevitably see that reflected in a reduced value.

At the same time, many of us don’t know when our windows are ready to be replaced. The last thing you want is to replace your windows before it’s time. The typical lifespan of the average window types is 15 to 20 years, but if your home is older than that time range, you may very well not have an idea of how old your windows are in the first place. With that in mind, let’s look through some of the ways that you can determine whether or not it’s time for window replacements.

1. You’re Wasting Money on Energy

Are your energy bills higher than they used to be? This could be a sign that it’s time for you to consider replacement windows. Higher energy bills are often indicative of hot or cold air escaping your home, and your HVAC system working overtime to compensate for that. The question is how this air is escaping your home, and it’s often through windows and doors.

There could be several issues at play. The problem could be damage or simple wear and tear causing gaps within the windows. The window types themselves could also be outdated and more prone to draftiness than more updated types of windows. Either way, it will probably be less expensive for you to invest in replacement windows, as opposed to allowing these inadequate windows to remain as they are.

2. Rot

Depending on the types of window materials you’re dealing with, your window frames may be more prone to rot. Obviously, wooden window frames will be particularly prone to this kind of damage, even if the glass windowpanes themselves are undamaged. Although these types of issues can sometimes be repaired without requiring entire window replacements if they’re caught early enough, quite often a full replacement is indeed necessary.

The reason why windows begin to rot is often that they’ve sustained water damage. Therefore, homeowners in more humid or wet areas should pay attention to their windows in particular. Wooden window frames can also be affected by bugs, especially termites. Though rot will eventually become visible, homeowners may want to do general inspections of their windows every few months. Rot will also become apparent through softness in the frames as well.

3. Cracked Panes

Keep in mind that one of the main reasons why homes begin to lose value is aesthetic damage. You may be satisfied with a single cracked windowpane here and therefore. But if you plan on selling your home, you’ll need to invest in replacement windows anyway if the windowpanes are cracked.

The issues with cracked windowpanes go beyond the aesthetic problems. Cracked windowpanes also present issues related to energy usage and even security. The last thing you want is for your home to be more vulnerable to potential intruders because you ignored damage to your windows.

4. Condensation

If condensation is building up between the layers of glass in your windowpanes, this is a sign that your windows need to be replaced. The condensation is likely occurring because there is damage to the glass that may not be apparent to your naked eye.

Unless your windows are brand new, if the windowpanes are damaged you should probably replace the windows in general. Usually, damage has been done to the windowpanes the frames are at a point where they need to be replaced as well.

These types of issues should be considered as you prepare to evaluate your windows and determine whether or not they need to be replaced. Replacing your windows may be irritating, but remember: this is an investment in your home’s long term future.

When considering how best to lower your home’s energy bills, the issue may lie within the windows and doors that you use. Although about 15% of your home’s wall space is taken up by windows, you also need to prioritize energy-efficient exterior doors. Both doors and windows can possess sealing issues that can ultimately result in heat escaping from your home. This will trigger an overworked response in your HVAC system and ultimately lead to higher energy bills.

Therefore, when it comes time to replace your exterior doors, you need to consider the different types of doors carefully. While you should make sure that you invest in doors that you like on an aesthetic level, it’s important to prioritize doors that will last for the long term, while also tending to your energy needs. With that in mind, let’s look into some of the different types of styles that you should consider when shopping for replacement doors.

1. Steel Entry Doors

Let’s consider first steel entry doors, as these may be somewhat less familiar to you than other types of exterior doors. This is something to consider if you’ve previously experienced security issues with your home and are worried about your entry door being broken into or damaged again. Steel entry doors certainly can create a more secure home, and can also add a certain level of intimidation to potential intruders once they realize what they’re dealing with.

Steel doors are also more able to withstand severe weather. If you want to invest in doors that will last for a significant amount of time, steel doors are among your best bets. They usually come with foam core insulation, therefore locking in heat throughout the year. You could either invest in a door that looks like it’s made of steel or one that has been finished in a different color, with a wood grain effect.

2. Wood Doors

We often assume that most exterior doors are made of wood, when in fact the reality is that most exterior doors are made to look like they’re made of wood. That’s because homeowners love the appearance of wood, even when it isn’t necessarily the best option on a practical level. While wood doors can be very sturdy, they’re not without their weaknesses. They can be susceptible to rotting, warping, and expanding due to moisture which of course means that they often don’t last as long as other types of doors.

Wood doors are also more expensive than most other types of doors and require regular maintenance in order to maintain their appearances. Wood doors need to be painted or stained every few years. Depending on where you live, they may actually need to be tended to even more often.

3. Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are popular alternatives to wood doors and have actually been growing in favor within recent history. They do not rot, warp, or expand and can be modeled after wood doors in appearance.

Like steel entry doors, fiberglass doors often come with foam core insulation, and they’re resistant to scratching or denting. If a steel door seems too heavy or intimidating, you may want to consider investing in a fiberglass door instead.

4. Sliding Patio Doors

Needless to say, entry doors are not the only types of exterior doors on the market. You may alternately need to consider the best investments for patio doors. Sliding patio doors are popular for a reason. They can come in aluminum, wood, vinyl, and operate on rolling tracks that make them easy to manage.

Though sliding doors can be energy efficient, this often depends on the materials from which they’re made. In this sense, aluminum and vinyl are often the best choices.

5. French Patio Doors

The advantages of French patio doors are clear. They create a sense of elegance, while at the same time allowing a good deal of light. These patio doors are not necessarily as convenient as sliding doors, but can greatly enhance the appearance of a home.

Keep in mind that when choosing a door, you should make sure that you’re taking into consideration its durability, the location in which you live, and its aesthetic appeal. With that in mind, you’re bound to make the right choice.

So you’ve lowered your air conditioning and heating needs, you’ve made sure that you don’t keep any lights on unnecessarily, and you’ve made an effort to turn off electronic devices when they aren’t in use. But your energy bills are still higher than you anticipated. What are you doing wrong?

In many cases, the issue lies with your doors and windows. Quite often, cool and hot air can escape through windows and doors. This leads to your HVAC system overcompensating in order to make up for the loss, which can ultimately result in your energy bills rising. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that that air leaks around your windows and doors can add up to 10% to your heating bills. Therefore, you should consider how you can best cut down your energy bills through your doors and windows. Is it possible that you would lose less energy if your sliding glass doors were updated? Should you consider different types of replacement windows? Let’s explore the different options below.

1. Have Seals Inspected

You should consider having the seals for your entry doors and windows inspected before you move forward with any replacements. It’s possible that the seals themselves could be mended before you spend on any outright replacements. Although sliding glass doors are attractive, some of them may have seals that are less secure. Therefore, you should see if your doors and windows are even capable of sealing properly first, as this could be the issue you’re dealing with.

2. Consider the Materials

Different door and window materials offer different results in terms of energy efficiency. For example, wooden frames may be more prone to rot, which ultimately results in more air escaping your home. Vinyl is a different material that you should consider for both windows and doors. Vinyl offers a certain level of insulation that traps heat within the home whether you’re using sliding glass doors and French doors. Metal frames are similarly energy efficient, as are fiberglass frames. You should keep this in mind as you begin updating the doors and windows within your home.

3. Think About Age

Did you invest in an older home? It’s possible that your windows and doors, regardless of their types or the materials from which they are made, need to be updated. Certain materials do last longer than others. As previously mentioned, wooden frames can be more prone to damage and rot, which would mean that they need to be replaced sooner than metal, vinyl, or fiberglass frames. If you can determine your door and window frames are more than 20 years old, you should consider having them replaced sooner rather than later.

4. Change the Style

It’s possible that you may be better off with different styles of windows and doors. If your French doors need to be replaced anyway, you may want to think about replacing them with doors that will better accommodate your energy needs. If you invest in sliding glass doors that are designed to be energy efficient with locking air chambers, you may be able to lower your energy bills significantly. For that matter, this is a great time to consider updating the appearance of your home.

5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Frames

Of course, you don’t have to change the style of your doors and windows in order to update them. Keep in mind that you can simply have them replaced with energy-efficient versions of the same styles.

You have options available as a homeowner if you want to lower your energy bills. The cause of the issue could be much simpler than you think or it could require you to replace your windows and doors entirely. No matter what the issue may be, approach it carefully and don’t jump to conclusions.

So you need to replace your windows. There are a lot of reasons why you may have come to this decision, and not all of them have to do with your windows becoming suddenly damaged. Window damage can build up over time, and for that matter can be the result of windows being improperly installed, or the wrong window types being used for the wrong purpose. Not all types of windows are right for residential purposes, remember. Another reason why you may be considering new windows is that your energy bills are higher than you might like them to be. One of the best ways to save money on windows is to simply install new ones that are better fitted and more energy efficient than your previous windows. Now, if you’re considering new windows, you should certainly think about windows with aluminum frames for a number of different reasons. But if you haven’t used aluminum windows before, those reasons may not come to you immediately. Let’s look into the benefits of aluminum windows, and why all homeowners should consider them.

1. Lasting Power

When you really think about it, windows take quite a beating. We depend on windows to protect us from the cold and the rain, and it’s no wonder that some materials end up breaking down more quickly than others. It’s key that you own windows that are suitable for a variety of different types of weather, not only to keep you safe but to ensure that you don’t switch out your windows prematurely. This is why windows with aluminum frames are so appealing. Aluminum is quite durable, certainly more durable than wood and other materials. It can stand up to the elements for years, and even decades. Not only does this save you time and energy; over the years, it will also save you money that you would otherwise spend on prematurely replacing your windows.

2. Design Variety

Certain types of materials used to create windows just aren’t right for all types of windows. Therefore, you might not be able to commission windows made of the same material, from the same company, for all of the windows in your home if there are different window styles throughout the house. This is not only inconvenient but often costly, causing you to spend more as your source different types of windows made of different materials. This is why a lot of people choose to have their windows made with aluminum frames. Aluminum is flexible, and therefore can be shaped to accommodate a variety of different designs. For that matter, this metal is also strong, despite its flexibility. It can therefore accommodate large panes of glass as well.

3. They’re Easy To Clean

Dirty windows can quickly go from annoying to unsightly. It’s all too easy for dust and dirt to cake on window frames, even if you’re able to keep the glass window panes clean. You’ll quickly notice that on wooden frames, dust can actually smudge deeply and become incredibly difficult to remove, resulting in you taking hours to clean your windows. Aluminum frames are much easier to keep clean in this sense, requiring little more than a quick wipe down.

4. Cost Efficiency

The pricing for windows with aluminum frames is usually fairly competitive, keeping them within budget for a lot of different homeowners. But the cost efficiency of these windows really kicks in when you have them over time. Aluminum windows help lower your energy bills, which is where windows tend to become more expensive without a lot of homeowners even realizing it. It’s estimated by some that heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for about 25% to 30% of all residential heating and cooling energy usage, which of course means that windows have a lot to do with your energy bills running up. Aluminum windows actually come with a thermal break, which essentially reduces or prevents thermal energy from flowing from one conductive material to another. This enables aluminum windows to hold in or trap heat much better than windows made from other materials.

There are so many reasons why aluminum windows are superior; these are just a few. But they must be considered by those who are shopping for new windows.

Your windows won’t last forever. As much as a lot of us rely on our windows as basic parts of our homes, we don’t always check to see if they need to be replaced. In fact, many of us buy homes without even checking to see how old the windows might be. Windows do have a lifespan, with the typical residential windows lasting around 15 to 20 years. Fortunately, replacing your windows doesn’t have to be as much of a pain as you might think. A lot of companies that sell different window types also sell doors, which means that if need be you can replace several different products at once. With that being said, you may not need to replace your windows due to old age. You may want to change the look of your windows in order to have a more aesthetically pleasing home. Perhaps you want to upgrade your windows in order to make them more energy-efficient and lower your bills over time. No matter why you’re looking for new windows, you have options. The most important thing is knowing when to replace them. Let’s look into that below.

1. They’re Hard To Close

The last thing you want is a drafty window, and at first, you may blame yourself for not properly closing your windows. But the fact is that a draft isn’t always your fault. Perhaps you have the wrong window types for your home, which means that they aren’t aligning properly. On the other hand, your windows could be worn down from over-use, and therefore more difficult to shut now. If your windows weren’t installed properly in the first place, another reason why they may need to be replaced, they could have balance issues, which would keep you from closing or even locking them properly. If your windows are especially old, they may suffer from rust and rot issues. No matter why your windows are having difficulties shutting, you need to take care of those issues, and that may result in a replacement. Not only does being unable to properly close or lock your window make your home draftier, less comfortable, and potentially less energy efficient, it’s also quite unsafe.

2. Condensation

Condensation may not seem to be much of a problem, especially with some window types over others. Of course, condensation or ice, in general, aren’t necessarily problems. But if that liquid is occurring between panes of glass, it could be indicative of the need for window replacements. The issue is that if this kind of moisture is gathering between panes of glass, it could mean that the seals are failing in your window panes. The reason why those additional panes are there is that they create insulation, which makes your windows energy efficient. Essentially, if the panes are loose or cracked in some way, they allow air to release, which renders your windows inefficient. At that point, you should definitely consider looking into window replacements at the minimum.

3. Damaged Window Frames

You may not think that window frames matter all that much and that the actual glass parts of the windows are more concerning. Now, different window types have different types of frames, but if those frames are damaged, regardless of the types of windows that you have, you could be in trouble. Touch your window frames. Are they soft? Then they may be damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced. If they’re chipped in some way, they could allow for an eventual breakdown or sagging that makes them difficult to use. Of course, soft and sagging windows are also indicative of rot, which makes them ultimately unusable no matter what.

4. Noise Breakthroughs

Cool air isn’t the only thing you need to worry about seeping through your windows. If you’re hearing much more noise than usual, it’s time to look into a window replacement. A noise breakthrough indicates that your windows are either improperly sealed or badly sealed.

There are so many problems that can affect your windows. When properly cared for, they can last for years. But if you don’t take care of your windows, you could be dealing with problems for a long time.

Although often overlooked, windows and doors are some of the most important aspects of your home. Windows affect almost every aspect of your home, whether you like it or not. If you have new windows, the effects may be positive — but if you have windows that are in need of repair, you might experience some negative impacts.

 

If you need window replacements, do not delay and speak with a professional who can help you find the right fit for you and your home. Are you considering replacing your windows? You should look into this helpful guide that outlines the benefits of getting new windows for your home.

 

Lower Energy Costs

Replacing your windows proves to be one of the most cost-effective decisions you can make. According to Energy Star, replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows that meet federal standards can lower energy bills by 7% to 15%. Not only can that help you live more sustainably, but it can also save you a lot of money on a monthly basis.

 

UV Protection

Natural light is a wonderful thing to have in the home, as it can brighten up any room. But did you know that this can actually cause your furniture to start fading? To fight against UV damage, you will want to get new windows that are specifically designed to block out more UV rays. This can help to keep your furniture looking newer for longer. What’s more, it can potentially protect your skin, as you’re still prone to UV damage when you’re inside!

 

Easy Maintenance

Getting replacement windows will help you save time and money on home maintenance. This is because windows come in a variety of different options and designs that can make things easier for the homeowner. For example, there are easy-clean glass and certain shade options that make windows more low-maintenance than they were before. The less time you have to spend on household chores, the better your life will be.

 

Safer Environment

Quality windows and doors are available with glass that can help to ensure your house is safer. Tempered glass is less likely to cause injury when broken. This is because it does not break off into small pieces. Laminated glass is different and has a polymer interlayer that holds together if broken, which helps to add an extra layer of protection.

 

Noise Reduction

Nobody likes to hear the outside world when they are trying to relax at home. Noisy streets can be difficult to deal with. However, new windows with certain window materials can drastically improve the sound barrier. Noise reduction is often amplified with installing high-quality glass.

 

Curb Appeal

Window replacement does more than just help with energy costs, safety, and noise reduction. New windows can also help to give those who drive past your home a great first impression. This can help to boost the value of your home, which may be beneficial if you are looking to place your home up on the market. Regardless, you are sure to leave a lasting impression on those who visit.

 

Home Value

New windows also help to boost the overall value of your home. Replacement windows ensure that the windows of your home are not only looking great, but they are also working properly. This is often one of the first things a potential buyer will check before purchasing the home, often requesting that the seller fixes up the windows before they go through with the purchase.

 

Our dedicated team of professionals is skilled in all window types and will find you the perfect discount windows for your home. Our team members are waiting to help assist you on your next project when it comes to new windows and doors. So give us a call today.

Windows don’t last forever. Though residential windows can potentially last for around two decades, eventually everything needs to be replaced, and these are no exception. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes time to replace your windows, especially if you’re looking to save money. After all, about 30% of a home’s heat is lost through its windows, and the more your HVAC system has to make up for that lost heat, the higher your energy bills become. Furthermore, the appearance of your windows can have a surprisingly major impact on your house’s overall presentation and look. Therefore, you need to consider what you’re doing when you choose new windows. They could very well impact the value of your home. With that being said, let’s look into the different window types that are available.

 

1. Double Hung

 

For most homeowners, the double hung window is the standard. In terms of this window type, both the bottom and the top sash of the window are operable. This means that they are both easier to clean and facilitate better air flow. A double hung window can be made from a number of different window materials, which can potentially affect the overall cost. But in general, these types of windows will cost anywhere from $450 to $600.

 

2. Single Hung

 

A single hung window is also very common, with the main difference being that only the bottom sash is operable. This means that this window is slightly harder to clean and doesn’t let in quite as much air. It really depends on whether or not you prefer double hung or single hung windows on a personal level. One thing to keep in mind: the single hung style is cheaper, coming in at around $170 to $360.

 

3. Arched

 

A lot of people love the arched style because it’s a bit more aesthetically pleasing than typical double hung and single hung styles. These windows aren’t necessarily easier to clean and don’t change the ventilation, but they certainly add a beautiful elegance to your home. It probably won’t come as a surprise that these windows are somewhat mid-range in their typical prices, landing between $325 and $500.

 

4. Bay

 

The bay style window is arguably even more gorgeous than an arched window. This type of window protrudes from the house, which makes it a bit different from what most of us are used to and makes the window style rather distinct. Of course, these windows are much more difficult to install because they require a degree of alteration to the home. You’ll need to hire a specific bay window installer, which means the cost may be higher, usually averaging anywhere from $1,150 to $3,350. Usually, there is a center window with another window on either side at 30- to 40-degree angles.

 

5. Bow

 

A bow window is similar to a bay window, but it differs in some key ways. It’s curved and custom, and it creates a circular area that runs along the home’s exterior. This can actually make your home appear larger than it actually is, which is one reason why a lot of homeowners favor this type of window. Sometimes, the types of panels that you choose to make up the window can drive the cost up further. This makes it, occasionally, more expensive than a bay window. Therefore, the cost of this type of window usually sits between $1,400 to $3,800.

 

There are a lot of different factors that may affect the type of window that you ultimately choose. But no matter what, you need to be careful about your decision. Weigh the cost of the window against the return on investment it may yield, and consider whether or not you need to cut down on your energy bills as well, and how you can possibly choose the kinds of windows that cut those costs. Think, too, about how much time you want to spend on the installation. With that in mind, happy window shopping!