If your home windows are cracked, leaking, or are simply in need of an update, heading down to Renewal by Andersen windows to pick out a brand new batch is a necessary step toward keeping your home sealed and protected. But window shopping isn’t a simple matter of getting a slightly-updated version of what you used to have. From style to insulation value, there are tons of different factors to consider when buying your replacement windows. After all, you don’t want to go through the effort and cost of buying brand new windows only to be faced with the same problems in a few years’ time. Your replacement windows are an investment. To make the most of your purchase, you should always take the time to consider all the pros and cons of the top models in your price range. If you’re in the market for brand new windows and don’t know what kinds of questions to ask or what to look out for, here’s a rundown of what not to do when purchasing your replacements.
Don’t Buy Cheap
Everyone wants to save money. Financially, it might not always make sense to splurge on an expensive new model for an area of your home that gets frequently updated. However, for a home project like replacement window installation, you definitely don’t want to fall into the trap of being pennywise and pound foolish. While there are many windows on the market that are extremely basic and will technically do the trick, you don’t want to leave your home vulnerable to moisture leaks, rotting, and sun damage due to a poor window choice. Choosing the right window or set of windows for your home will help you protect your investment for potential decades to come. While most older window models were made to last around 20 years at the outset, current models are formulated to protect homes and stay strong for a much longer period of time. That means that thinking about your window replacement project as a continued investment is the smarter option. When it comes to keeping your home safe, dry, and strong, don’t trick yourself into saving now and paying big later.
Don’t Forget Installation
Unless you really know what you’re doing, you’re most likely going to want an extra hand with installation when it comes to swapping out your old windows for new. But installation comes with its own questions. For instance, does the service you’re using offer free installation, or will you have to pay extra? If so, how much are you looking at? Are the workers attached to the company licensed, and is there any kind of insurance attached to the job? All these things are important to factor in. You could buy the most expensive, long-lasting window model on the market and it wouldn’t do you a lick of good if it was installed poorly or improperly. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your workers are licensed, safe, and in possession of the proper permits if the job calls for it. If you have any concerns about the work, ask questions beforehand. Find out what happens in case of a problem, and ask whether or not the job itself is ensured. Accidents happen, and the last thing you want is to spend extra money on a job that ends up doing more damage to your home. Do a bit of research looking into installation pricing as well so that you can have a sense of how much the job should actually cost.
Don’t Ignore Insulation Value
Your new windows can do a lot of things to protect your home: They can keep moisture out, saving you tons of money on structural repairs, keep your home belongings free from sun exposure, saving you a lot of time and funds of treatment and replacement, and keep your home protected from cold winds and harsh storms. However, where you’re most likely to see savings upfront is in your energy bill. Getting new windows that are highly rated for their insulation value is a smart move in terms of creating long-term savings. Choose windows with at least two panels for better insulation, and always go for a high R-value to trap in thermal heat and shut out cold air. If you’re concerned about sun damage, looking for glass with a low-E coating will help you avoid overheated rooms and damaged home objects like rugs and furniture. In general, your windows can do a lot to keep your home naturally temperature-controlled. Spending a little bit more money on a higher-rated model will end up helping you save in the long run.