Is it time to replace your home’s windows? Maybe you’re feeling too many drafts seep through the old windows or they just don’t add to the curb appeal of your home.
Whether for energy efficiency or aesthetics—or both—window replacement is a smart investment in your home. Remodeling Magazine’s annual “Cost Vs. Value” report estimates you recoup a 73% ROI for vinyl window replacements when you sell your home. But to gain the return on investment, be sure you know what to look for. Before you buy, here’s what you should know about window replacement.
- Copycatting isn’t required. Look at your current windows—how they look and how they operate. Do you want the exact same window, in a new model? Would you prefer something that opens more easily, or in a different manner. You have many options for replacement windows, so talk to a professional before you make your choice.
- You can do it in stages. If the cost of an all-out replacement window makeover is prohibitive, break it up into stages. You can start with the front of your home or choose a façade where the drafts are the worst.
- Hire a pro. Replacing the windows in your home is not a project that many people do with enough frequency to gain the skill and knowledge required to do it right. There are some projects that require a professional in order to get it done correctly and efficiently. Window replacement is high on the list of “Professional Required” jobs. The price for the service includes a warranty, along with the peace of mind that the installation supports the money you invested in purchasing the windows.
- Understand the energy efficiency ratings. Replacement windows are not a one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to energy efficiency. Windows are rated according to:
- U-factor: How well the window prevents the heat from escaping (between 0.15 and 1.20 with 0.15 offering the strongest barrier)
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): How much heat from the sun is blocked (between 0 and 1, with the lower number providing higher protection)
- Visible Transmittance (VT): How much light comes through (between 0 and 1, with the higher number providing higher protection)
- Air Leakage: How much outside air comes into the home through the window (between 0.1 and 0.3, with the lower number providing more protection against leakage)
If you live in the north where winters are cold, you want a window that keeps the heat inside your home. Homeowners in a climate with warm temperatures year ‘round might prefer a lower SHGC, for the protection against the sun’s rays.
Johnson County Siding & Windows serves the Kansas City area with extensive expertise in window replacement. We offer a broad array of choices for replacement window styles, types (vinyl, fiberglass), and sizes. Contact us to explore the possibilities for enhancing the look, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home.
