Replacing your windows can be a big decision. Depending on the size of your home, it can be quite an investment. There are many things to consider before making the final decision. Here are just a few things to think about before you write the check!

What do you want from your new windows?
Are you looking for a more aesthetic look to your home or are you trying to save money on heating and cooling? Many times you can accomplish both with the same window, that’s not always the case, especially when it comes to your budget. If you have a limited amount of money to work with, you may have to sacrifice one of the two. So, it really pays to know what is more important to you. Be sure to check Energystar.gov to see what labels your windows should have depending on your needs. Here’s the most current label guidance for Ada County.

What kind of budget do you have to work with?
If the budget is tight and you must choose between the best quality and “good enough”, you’ll still have to make some decisions. Regardless of how much money you have to spend, you’ll want to be sure to match the overall style of the home to keep in step with the neighborhood. If you go with budget windows, you may suffer in appearance and performance. You can download our Window Style Guide here for some helpful design tips.

How long will you be in this home?
The obvious reason for this question is “will you be able to recoup the investment?” If this is a short-term housing solution for you and not your “forever home” then you’ll want to keep that mind. However, with that in mind, you should see some immediate energy savings! Check out this article on Kiplinger.com about calculating your payback.

– Rich @BizMilk