Highlighted below are the most frequently asked questions (replacement windows FAQ) we’ve received over the years about purchasing and installing replacement windows.
What’s the difference between new construction and replacement windows?
Replacement grade windows in general are typically higher quality windows than new construction (or contractor) windows. The primary reason this is so is because new home builders and contractors are always looking for the cheapest products they can buy to maximize the return on their project and they typically only offer the minimum warranty by law which is 2 years.
Most window companies offering replacement windows offer a warranty of 15 years or more because their windows are better designed, built and installed.
What’s the Difference between New Construction and Replacement Windows
How do I know when it is time to replace my windows?
Listed below are tell-tale signs that your home windows need to be replaced:
You are seeing an abnormal rise in your energy bills and you have metal frame windows.
Wooden frames that constantly require maintenance and have a high level of expansion and contraction with moisture.
Windows that don’t slide up and down anymore due to a broken balance cord.
Broken or cracked glass.
Condensation between the panes of glass, a sure sign of glass seal failure.
Old or inefficient glass.
Air leaking into your home in and around your window, signs of aging or poor installation.
If any of the above problems exist with your current windows, replacement windows could be a wise investment that reward you with lower energy bills and a better looking home for years to come.
Will the replacement windows be installed from the inside or from the outside?
In most instances replacement windows are installed from the outside. In some circumstances though, it may be necessary to install replacement windows from the inside. On the day of installation, your window installer will assess your specific situation and explain the process that will best suit your home.
Will new replacement windows really save me money on my energy bills?
In short, Yes!
Homeowners lose roughly 30% of the money they spend to heat and cool their homes when energy (warm air in winter, cooled air in summer) “escapes” through inefficient windows.
Older style window frames and non-insulated glass allow thermal energy to easily pass between the inside and outside of your home.
However, today’s replacement windows feature insulated frames and glass packages that create a thermal barrier to prevent energy loss. This means you’ll use less energy to heat and cool your home and ultimately see significantly lower energy bills.
How often should home windows be replaced?
It really depends. The quality of the windows along with the quality of the installation is what really is going to determine when it needs to be replaced.
If you go with a high-quality window installed by professionals you will likely not have to replace your windows for the duration of your time living in the house. A true quality window made today is engineered to last a minimum 30 years. The products, testing, and engineering used today in the higher quality replacement window designs all are very complicated and thorough allowing for this time of long term performance.
Why do some windows have two to three panes of glass?
Windows need more than one pane of glass to keep more heat inside the home in winter and cool air in summer. Multiple panes provide a thermal barrier that prevents energy leakage.
Can I find comparable replacement windows at a hardware store?
If you want quality then your answer is a resounding NO. Off-the-shelf” replacement windows from your local (or national hint-hint) home improvement store are generally of a lower quality. Why do you ask? Well because these are the windows many home builders buy when looking for the cheapest windows to include in their for-sale properties.
How long will window installation take?
Most replacement window projects can be completed within 1-2 days. The type of window being installed and type being removed help determine the amount of time needed to complete the job. On average each window takes about 30 minutes. Trim work and cleanup will require additional time to complete.
How much do vinyl replacement windows cost?
Replacing a vinyl window costs on average between $300-$700 per window. This rough range assumes the vinyl replacement window is going into an existing and structurally sound frame on a ground floor. Click here to learn more…
Is all replacement window glass the same?
No. Special consideration should be given to glass options such as tempered glass, Low-E glass, Argon gas, Krypton gas, and heat mirror. Each option offers various levels of energy efficiency and safety.
What’s the difference between bay windows and bow windows?
Check out our Bay vs. Bow Windows article here.
How many different types of replacement windows are there?
What’s the best window frame material?
There are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the various window frame materials. When choosing a material for your window frames you should always look for the best combination of strength, durability, insulating properties, ease of maintenance, and attractiveness.
Each of the main window frame material choices on the market offer some of these features.
Wood window frames are usually the most attractive, but they require regular maintenance and can be negatively affected by changes in the weather.
Vinyl window frames are super easy to care for, but over time may sag or warp.
Aluminum window frames are strong, but offer almost zero insulation.
Fiberglass window frames are fantastic when it comes to energy efficiency but typically cost more than the others.
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves over time?
For most high-quality, energy-efficient windows this statement is true. Savings will vary no doubt, but expertly engineered and well-built windows will lower your home’s energy consumption, resulting in significant monthly savings on your energy bills.
With vinyl replacement windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows. These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
Do I need to replace all of my windows at the same time?
If your ultimate goal is to realize maximum energy savings then yes you should replace all of your old windows at the same time. However it is not essential. Replacing even a few windows at a time will help to reduce energy use and lower your heating and cooling bills.
If you’d prefer not to replace all of your windows at the same time, we advise either replacing all of the windows on one side of the home at a time or one level at a time for a multi-level home.
Should I try to install replacement windows myself?
Proper installation is essential for today’s replacement windows to be fully effective. That’s why our replacement windows include professional installation by factory-trained crews. We want to make sure the fit is perfect and your new replacement windows will be properly balanced for optimum performance.
What is the NFRC and why does it matter?
The NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Research Council. This label lets you know that the window has been put through extensive testing to ensure optimal energy efficiency. Each product gets rated by specific performance measures, illustrated on the label affixed to your new replacement windows.
Why is “inert gas” placed between the panes of glass in some windows?
Inert gas such as argon or krypton serves as a highly effective barrier to prevent the transfer of thermal energy through conduction. See our article on window glass types here.
You can tell how effective it is by placing your hand on the inside of the glass on a cold day, only to find it is barely cool to the touch! But you should also be sure that the glass is properly sealed to the frame so that energy can’t “leak” around the edges – a detail many window manufacturers overlook.
How do I prepare my home for replacement window installation?
You’ll want to take down curtains, blinds, or any other window treatments. Security sensors should also be removed and turned off by your security company. Please provide your installation professional with a clear path to the window(s) being replaced by moving anything that may be in the way. It is also advisable to remove all wall decorations from the walls close to the windows as they may fall during removal or installation.
What’s the difference between single-hung and double-hung windows?
The terms single hung and double hung refer to windows that operate up and down. A single hung window is fixed at the top and only the bottom sash opens. On a double hung window, both the top sash and bottom sash open and both usually tilt-in for cleaning.
What does Low E stand for?
Low-E stands for “Low Emittance”. “Emittance” is the energy radiated by the surface of body.
Low-E is a type of glass surface that emits or radiates low energy making it energy efficient.
Low-E Glass is an option that one can add to a window to make it more energy efficient. There are different types of Low-E and a true Professional should be able to tell you, and in some instances, show you the different types that can work to save you the most energy.
What does a window’s U-Value mean?
The U-Value of the window refers to the rate of heat transfer; the lower the U-Value, the better! In order for a window to be eligible for energy-efficiency tax credits, the U-Value must be .30 or less.
Which replacement window is the best?
We review all the major window brands and companies on our “Replacement Windows Reviews” page.
What’s the difference between single and double hung windows?
Check out our Single vs Double Hung Windows article here.