If you live in a house long enough, you’ll eventually have to replace the windows. Whether due to energy inefficiency, security concerns, or aesthetic issues, swapping your old windows for new ones has plenty of benefits.

And if you’re a real estate agent or a homeowner looking to sell your home in the near future, you might want to replace your windows to boost the home value, solve potential inspection issues, and stay competitive in the market.

Regardless of the reason, window replacement can be a big, complex job. To that end, this guide will walk you through the entire process of buying new windows for your home, help you discover when replacement is necessary, and show you how to choose the best windows for your home.

How Do Windows Protect Your Home?

Windows admit light, air, and sound into the interior spaces of a home. It’s through windows that your home connects with the outside world, allowing you to enjoy the exterior environment while protecting the interior of your home from the elements and more.

Extreme Heat or Cold

Properly installed windows can keep hot air out during summer and cold air during winter. Such insulation helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, improves your home’s comfort, and reduces your heating and cooling costs.

Outside Noise

Living near a busy street or in a loud neighborhood can bring unnecessary noise into your house and disrupt your peace. According to the National Library of Medicine, noise can impact the quality of life, comfort, and sleep.

Fortunately, you can pick windows with the right design and material to shield against sound pollution and create a more comfortable living space.

Harmful UV Rays

A typical window glass can reduce the transmission of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are commonly associated with sunburn. UV rays can also cause the fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork in your home. Protection against these rays enhances the longevity of your home’s furnishings and finishes while contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Burglars

Windows allow you to enjoy natural light and scenery without compromising security. But for your window to contribute to your home’s security and safety, it might require:

• Reinforced glass
• Window bars and grilles
• A functional locking system
• Alarm system to detect forced entry or glass breakage

Bad Weather

Windows keep out rain, snow, and wind, which would otherwise damage items in your home and compromise its structural integrity. Even if you live in storm-prone areas, you can still enjoy the functional benefits of a window by choosing impact-resistant options to protect your interior space against strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows

Besides wanting to spice up your home’s appearance, there are some telltale signs that you may need to replace your window for better functionality and safety.

Difficulty Opening

Difficult-to-open windows can indicate several underlying issues:

• Aging or deterioration
• Worn-out hinges, latches, or tracks
• Warped frames because of exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuation, and general wear and tear

Consider replacement if your window is sticking or jamming because it can pose a safety concern in the event of a fire or other evacuation scenario.

Drafts

Drafty windows allow unwanted air to enter and leave your home. During winter, they can make your home feel colder, while in summer, they can make your home warmer. This can lead to discomfort and elevated energy consumption as you try to regulate the temperature in your house.

The drafts are often caused by:

• Poor installation
• Gaps in the window
• Improperly sealed joints
• Worn-out weatherstripping
• Broken or loose glass panes

An easy fix for drafty windows is getting energy-efficient window replacement.

Disruption from Outside Noise

External noise can compromise your home life, whether you’re trying to relax over the weekend, meet a work deadline, or get a good night's sleep. To reduce noise transmission and improve your home’s quality, consider replacing your window with a soundproof option.

How to Choose Replacement Windows

Picking the right windows is critical not only because the replacement will play a major role in your home’s appearance—your choice will also impact the amount of natural light getting into your home's interior, the energy bill you’ll pay, the labor you’ll need for installation, and the amount you’ll spend on replacement.

Some factors to guide your purchase decision in the right direction include:

Types of Window Frame Materials

Window frames are made of different materials, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, insulation, maintenance requirements, appearance, and insulation.

The most common window frame materials include:

• Vinyl
• Wood
• Aluminum
Fiberglass

Here is a quick summary of the four frame materials.

Energy Efficiency

Windows provide natural ventilation and insulation, potentially impacting your energy bills. Put simply, energy-efficient windows can save you money.

During the purchase, the two typical energy efficiency factors you should consider include:

• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This is the amount of solar energy the window lets in. Pick a lower SHGC if maintaining a cool indoor temperature in a hot climate is your priority and a higher SHGC if you want to let the sun heat your home in the winter.
• U-factor: The U-factor indicates how much hot air escapes when it’s cold and how much cool air escapes when it’s hot outside. The scale generally ranges from 0.2 to 1.24. The lower the number, the better the window insulates your home.

Durability

The durability of a window impacts its longevity, performance, and overall value for your investment. A durable window will maintain its structural integrity and functionality, even in the face of harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, and UV rays.

With durable windows, you won’t need frequent window replacements, saving you the repair costs.

Cost

How much you’re willing to spend on window replacement is a critical factor. Some variables that determine the window replacement cost include:

• Window size
• Frame material
• Type of window
• The cost of living in your area

While style and material matter, you should ensure your wallet can accommodate what you want. If you’re a real estate agent working on a larger window replacement job, you might want to consult a window contractor early on to help you figure out the type of windows and material that will work within your budget.

The table below highlights the average window replacement costs depending on the style per window.

Cost by Material

Besides styling, the material you choose is a critical factor in determining the cost of the new window. Here is a breakdown of the common window materials and their average price ranges.

DIY vs. Professional Window Replacement

Once you’ve picked the right window type, you need to decide who will do the replacement. You have two options: you can do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional window replacement contractor.

DIY Window Replacement

DIY window replacement can help you save on labor costs. However, if you don’t have the proper tools, you’ll need to buy them.

Some of the tools you’ll need include:

• A caulk gun
• A tape measure
• Waterproof shims
• Hammer/ power drill

If you don’t have the right tools or aren’t confident enough in your DIY skills, consider hiring a professional. If you proceed and make mistakes, you can end up with costly window repairs and might violate the home warranty code.

Professional Window Replacement

If you hire a professional, expect to pay labor fees between $100 and $300 per window, depending on the window size and type—and your location.

A contractor will set up the replacement for you, provide valuable advice on the best window option for your budget and specific needs, and help minimize risks.

What to Consider When Hiring a Window Replacement Contractor

Getting the most value out of window replacement depends on how they’re installed. Here are some factors that should guide your hiring decision as you're looking for a reliable window installation contractor.

Credentials

The first thing to look for in a window replacement contractor is their credentials. Check if they have the necessary licensing to install windows in your state and verify their expertise and training.

You can also examine if the contractor has insurance to protect your home against damage and accidents during the installation process. That way, you won’t be financially responsible for any property damage or injuries.

You can find the top window replacement companies in your area using this table here:

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Reputation

A contractor's reputation will help you establish if they are trustworthy. You can evaluate reputation by examining the contactor’s online reviews on independent sites such as Google, BBB, Angi, and Yelp. This can give you an almost accurate picture of what it’s like to work with a contractor.

Alternatively, you can ask for references from past clients to understand the contractor’s work and reliability better.

Warranty

Ask the contractors about the type of warranty they offer to cover their installation work. Ensure the contractor protects you from problems caused by poor installation practices, such as water infiltration, air leaks, or misaligned windows.

Review the warranty duration, coverage scope, exclusions, conditions, and the claim process to help you settle for a contractor that stands behind their work.

Pricing Structure

Review the contractor's pricing structure for a detailed breakdown of the price you will pay, the payment terms, and budget management. Some contractors charge hourly rates, while others charge per project.

Regardless of the pricing model, most contractors offer free window replacement quotes on their websites, making it easy to determine who’ll fit your budget and provide the best value. However, you should look beyond just the total cost. Consider the scope of work, warranty offered, and value-added services the contractor provides.

Window Replacement Benefits: Why Replace Windows

Replacing your windows has several functional, aesthetic, and monetary benefits. Some of them include:

Better Appearance

Besides malfunctioning, older windows can compromise the aesthetics of your home. They might have outdated designs, old window frames, or a cloudy appearance due to sun damage over the years.

Replacing the old windows with modern design can improve the home's appearance, giving it a polished look.

Improved Comfort

Replacing your windows with energy-efficient options can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Energy-efficient windows reduce heat loss during the winter and keep heat out during summer, making your home more comfortable.

The added insulation that comes from new windows reduces the energy required to regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing your energy bills.

Enhanced Safety and Security

Windows that don’t lock well or at all can be easy targets for burglars. Without secure locks, an intruder can easily access your home and compromise other security features like alarms or surveillance cameras.

Replacing such windows with units that have advanced locking systems makes it more difficult to break into your home. And if you install impact-resistant windows, they can withstand high-impact forces such as attempted break-ins and storms to make your home safer.

Increased Value

When you sum up all the benefits of replacing your windows, you’ve got a lot of reasons why your home is much more valuable. If you’re looking to sell your in the near future, the buyer will appreciate a home that is:

• Safe
• Appealing
• Comfortable
• Energy efficient

Your new windows can go a long way in helping your home stand out to potential buyers.