Window Shopping made Easy

This year, as people are staying closer to home, why not try a home improvement project that involves little effort, makes your house more beautiful and efficient and can provide benefits for years to come -- replacing your windows.

Beauty, comfort and energy efficiency are excellent reasons to replace your old windows. Not to mention, when windows are old, leaky and don't work properly, they can also be frustrating to operate.

If you've determined it's time to seriously consider a window replacement project, Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says replacing your old windows is easier than you think, and offers the following considerations to help make your project as easy as opening a new window.

Choose windows that are energy efficient.

Traditionally, poor performing windows and doors have been the weak energy link in homes, often accounting for up to 40 percent of a home's heat loss during the winter. Make sure you choose windows with energy-saving benefits. Two simple ways to check a window's energy efficiency and performance are to look for an ENERGY STAR label and a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help reduce your energy bills by up to 15 percent, according to ENERGY STAR. Plus, homeowners who purchase and install qualifying ENERGY STAR windows and doors in 2009 may be eligible to receive a one-time credit of up to $500 on their 2009 federal income tax.

The NFRC label shows a window's U-Factor, which tells you how well the window keeps in heat. U-Factors generally fall in the range from .20 (most energy efficient) to 1.20 (least energy efficient). The lower the number, the better the window is at keeping heat in. In colder climates, a U-Factor of .30 or lower is recommended to get the most energy efficiency from your window.

Choose windows that offer low-maintenance.

Today, homeowners can choose from several framing material options including wood, vinyl and composite frames. Because ongoing maintenance can be daunting, many of today's homeowners are looking for windows that require little or no maintenance.

Windows made from composite materials can be a good option for homeowners who like the look and strength of wood windows but also want the low-maintenance features of vinyl. Because of the unique blend of materials, composite windows do not need ongoing staining or painting to maintain their natural beauty, saving you time and money.

In addition, today's window technologies offer a new generation of low-maintenance glass, featured on Renewal by Andersen replacement windows, that helps reduce dirt build up and water spots on your window's exterior when activated by sunlight -- making your view better and cleaning easier.

Choose a reputable company that provides installation and warrants it.

Quality installation is a critical component of any successful window replacement project. Even the highest quality windows will under-perform if installed incorrectly. That's why Renewal by Andersen includes professional installation as a key part of their window replacement process, offering homeowners the ease of working with one company throughout their entire window replacement project. In addition, the company provides a limited warranty on both its products and installation.

Eliminating those uncomfortable drafts and unsightly windows is a great way to start the year. Armed with the knowledge to make the right window replacement decision for your home, you can easily commit to making this the year to make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient.

For more information on replacement windows and energy efficiency, visit www.renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.