The energy usage and comfort of your home depends on the windows to a large extent. If your windows are leaky, old, or not functioning efficiently, it can make your home uncomfortable and make you lose a lot of money on cooling and heating systems each year. Having new and well-functioning windows will reduce your energy cost, give a boost to the resale value of your home, provide better light and views, reduce the changes in room temperature, and improve the overall ventilation of the house.

Additionally, having new windows can minimize damage to the interiors caused by UV rays and make the safety and security of the house better. So, if your old and leaky windows are giving you a hard time, here’s how you can plan your window replacement.

Evaluate the condition of your windows
Most people believe that windows last forever. But the fact is that just like everything else in your home, they also need to be replaced after regular intervals. But, the tricky thing to understand is when to get the window replacement done. To determine this, ask yourself a few questions like are the windows leaking, are there any gaps forming between the windows, or have they become difficult to open? If the answer to any of these or similar questions is yes, you may soon need a window replacement. Another way you can know if your windows need to be changed is to look for any structural changes that have become noticeable in the windows.

Get the best type of windows
Windows are that part of the house which is visible from the inside and outside. Therefore, they must complement the exterior architecture as well the interiors of your home. Some of the options that you can choose from are:

• Bow
• Casement
• Double-hung
• Bay
• Sliding

Getting a professional on-board for the process will help you get customized sizes and designs. The windows that you get should match your style. This will add value to the house and increase the appeal of the curb.

Know how energy-efficient the windows must be
It is estimated that energy loss through doors or windows can go up to 70 percent. Also, 90 percent of the heat escapes from the glass. If you have noticed that your monthly expense on utility bills is steadily increasing, it is time you considered a window replacement. To save energy, pick a window that has a lower U-value. The lower the U-value, the lesser the heat that is lost during the winter season. If you want your air-conditioned air to stay indoors for longer and enhance the cooling efficiency overall, get a window that has a lower SHG or solar heat gain number. While you are getting new windows for your home, keeping both these values in mind can help you get windows that will help you save energy.

Know which material suits your home the best
When you go out to buy window frames, you will get several options to choose from. These will include vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Before you make a choice, it is important to keep some things in mind about all these materials. If you are going to opt for wooden windows, you must remember that moisture can cover the wood over time. This can lead to sagging. Although rotting might not be a problem with aluminum windows, they can get oxidized. Aluminum windows can also become too hot or too cold, depending on the temperature outdoors. This also means that they might not be able to act as a barrier to the outside temperature. With vinyl windows, you can get a surety of weather resistance. They can also be made of uPVC or unplasticized PVC, which makes them strong, safe, and water-resistant.