Window Replacement and Installation

It really depends on your needs and budget. Replacement windows will enhance both your home's curb appeal and its energy efficiency, so if you can afford to upgrade all of your existing windows with the latest and greatest, it will benefit you over time (especially in resale value). However, that's not often necessary, as replacing windows room-by-room, floor-by-floor, or just in the front, back, or sides can still make a big difference. If aesthetics are what you're after, just one set of bay or bow windows can totally transform the look of your home. 

Look for the ENERGY Star label, which will disclose important information about how well the window insulates, how much solar radiation and visible light can pass through the glass, and how much air leakage it allows. Warmer climates require a window that screens out more solar heat, while northerners may desire a window that permits a little more solar heat gain.

That depends on the enormity of the task and your level of experience and confidence. Some jobs, like a pocket window replacement on the ground floor, will be friendlier to the novice than others. For the added assurance of experience, hire a seasoned independent contractor. For the greatest peace of mind, hire a company-certified installer, whose work will be insured under warranty. 

Ask yourself whether you're satisfied with the view, whether you need it to open, and what you need it to do. One reason people replace windows is lack of operability or function. A sliding or gliding window placed over a countertop can be much easier to operate than a double-hung window; awning and casement windows can often be opened with a simple nudge or push!