You know you're going to buy new windows, but the question is--from what company do you buy them? Many replacement window options are available. Logic says to go with the best price. Windows are windows, right? But every company offers something a little different and you need to consider several factors before you buy new windows.

 

You can buy the most energy efficient windows in the world, but if they're not installed properly, they're not going to work like they're supposed to. Ask friends and family members for recommendations for reputable window installers.

 

Many contractors have brand preferences. If you're able to get the replacement windows you want, you trust the installer, and his or her price quote fits your budget, choosing a brand becomes a moot point.  

 

If you're planning to install the new windows yourself, other factors such as warranty offers, energy efficiency, and window styles become important considerations.

 

Don't assume anything when you're shopping for replacement windows. While many brands offer the same perks, all brands are not the same. Always ask about what your window warranty covers. Some brands will replace a window for as long as you have it, no questions asked. That means if a neighbor's baseball goes through the kitchen window, no problem. The same holds true for weather damage.

One of the top reasons to buy replacement windows is increasing your home's energy efficiency. Comparison shop and be sure to check window ratings. The National Fenestration Rating Council and Energy Star provide ratings that rate a window's U-factor, or how well it keeps heat from escaping, and the solar heat gain coefficient, which is the amount of solar radiation the windows allows to enter your home. Consumer Reports uses this information, as well as its own tests, to further rate windows.