American families are more focused than ever on keeping their homes looking good and holding their value. A recent study by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) found that in 2024, nearly half of all homeowners tackled some kind of home improvement project. If you’re ready to reinvigorate your home, replacing your windows is a brilliant place to start. However, it’s essential to learn how to choose replacement windows that satisfy your family’s individual needs.
Consider a few pivotal questions about what makes your home and its residents unique, and you’ll be better prepared to select windows with the ideal features.
One of the most vital tips for choosing replacement windows comes down to weather patterns – how much heat, cold, wind and rain your home endures throughout the year. Modern window designs are far more technically capable than the simple glass panes of the previous century. Find out which popular window technologies best suit the climate around your home.
You could reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30% if you replace your old single-pane windows with better-insulated designs. Windows with double and triple panes help preserve heat inside when it’s cold and keep rooms cool when it’s hot outside. This versatility makes multiple-pane windows ideal for varied climates. Some sophisticated windows also have an inert argon gas blend between the glass panes for the ultimate heat transfer control.
Low-E coating is an ultra-thin, transparent metallic layer that manufacturers apply to their glass’s surface. Windows with low-E glass have “low emissivity,” meaning they reflect heat and infrared energy while letting daylight pass through, perfect for sunny areas. Low-E coating also protects your furniture and fabrics from fading under the sun’s UV radiation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can reduce energy loss by up to 50% with low-E coating alone.
If your home is in a rainy or humid location, you’ll want to protect both your home’s structure and contents from water leaks. Pick windows made from moisture-resistant composites like Fibrex® material. It dramatically lowers warping, mold and rot risk, so your belongings stay safe from water damage and your family remains secure. It’s also paramount your replacement windows have proper sealing and weather stripping to create a watertight barrier against moisture and air leaks.
For every space, there’s a perfect window to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. When deciding how to choose new windows for each room, think about how much daylight you’d like, whether you need ventilation to release steam, what you’d like to be able to see from the opening and how private you want the space to feel.
Large picture windows and bay or bow windows are fantastic options for enhancing your living room’s ambience. These expansive window styles can frame beautiful outdoor views and flood the space with natural light, making the space feel grand, inviting and invigorating. You might also place a few interestingly shaped specialty windows in the living room to fit unusual wall openings and enhance the space’s aesthetic.
Bedrooms should be cozy at night, bright and energizing in the mornings, and secure from wandering eyes. For a versatile solution, consider horizontally sliding gliding windows or the vertically sliding double-hung variations dressed with complementary blinds or curtains. Each type offers both light control and optional concealment for a comfortable, customizable space.
Simple yet elegant casement windows work best for kitchens. They’re especially helpful when placed above the sink or near the stove to let out steam from cooking and washing dishes. Kitchens are also prone to grease buildup from spattering oil, and casement windows have a single glass pane that’s easy to spritz and wipe down.
Bathrooms also need good steam ventilation to prevent mold from growing on damp surfaces. However, they also usually need smaller windows placed higher up for privacy while still letting in some natural light. Windows that open outward with their hinges at the top, known as awning windows, are great for bathrooms as they look sleek up high and can stay open even during light rain. Like casement windows, their single panes are also easy to clean.
Home offices, bedrooms and nurseries often need to be quiet sanctuaries. The best windows to help reduce noise have thick double- or triple-panes and are laminated with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer to absorb sound vibrations. To quiet outside noises like traffic, airplanes and construction, look for replacement windows with a high Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating over 25.
Replacing your windows can add sophistication and beauty to your home, both inside and out. For best results, choose replacement windows with timeless designs that complement your home’s existing interior and exterior aesthetic. Although there are guidelines based on tradition, everyone has different tastes, so ultimately, you should pick what looks good to you.
With modern architecture, less is often more. Choose large, single-panel replacement windows with clean lines and narrow frames like picture, casement and gliding windows. If you do want to add grilles – the strips that divide the window sash into smaller sections – consider a ladder pattern to accentuate the home’s sleek look. Consider dark, subtle, right-angled locks and handles that blend in with the exterior’s color.
Tall, symmetrically placed double-hung and casement windows are a classic choice for colonial, Victorian or shingle-style homes. White, gray and brown frames with rectangular six-over-six grilles add to the traditional look. The locks and handles or hardware should be simple and elegant, with more curves and ridges.
Farmhouse-style homes are midwestern staples with lots of modern variations, so double-hung replacement windows are usually a good fit. The best grilles for farmhouse-style architecture are typically two-over-two or four-over-four patterns in white and earthy tones. Distressed bronze and antique brass hardware finishes give windows a rustic charm.
The right replacement windows can pay for themselves over time – and add non-monetary value. According to an extensive 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, exterior window replacements can earn over 60% of their cost back upon resale. High-quality, professionally installed models boost your return on investment (ROI), beautiful window styles increase your home’s curbside appeal and attract potential buyers, and innovative insulation technology helps you save on expenses.
The average American household spends nearly $2,000 on energy per year. Luckily, homeowners can save money on electricity and fuel long-term with well-insulated, energy-efficient replacement windows. Double- or triple-pane glass, low-E coatings and argon gas fill all help keep your home at a stable temperature so your heating and cooling systems’ efforts don’t go to waste.
Look for the official Energy Star label when selecting windows, as they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) specific energy-efficiency criteria. Some window efficiency upgrades can even earn you a tax credit of up to $600.
When you choose replacement windows made from durable, low-maintenance materials like Fibrex®, you save money on worn sash replacements, professional callouts, water and UV damage, and finish touch-ups. This innovative composite is also sustainable and made from reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer.
To get your money’s worth, consult a professional window replacement company like Renewal by Andersen. We’re renowned for top-quality window design, customization, fabrication, installation and full-coverage warranties. We provide invaluable industry-insider guidance on your ideal materials, styles, efficiency features and placements.
For the gold standard in window replacement and impeccable customer service in Washington, Idaho, Northeastern Oregon, Central California and Sacramento, schedule a free consultation, call us at 800-509-8400 or reach out online today.
