How to Choose Replacement Windows – Consumer Reports Magazine

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Published: September 2014

Contrary to what some ads say, saving money on your energy bills is not the reason to replace your windows. Thats because it could take decades to recoup the $8,000 to $24,000 youll spend on new windows and installation. Energy Star-qualified windows can lower your energy bills by 7 to 15 percent. Thats only about $27 to $111 per year for a 2,000-square-foot, single-story home with storm or double-pane windows, or $126 to $465 if that home has just single-pane windows. So why bother?

New windows can make your home quieter, more attractive, and less drafty, and they dont need painting. Theyre also easier to clean than old windows with combination storm and screens and can reduce your carbon footprint.

To check which windows can keep out rain and wind without leaking, we tested 21 double-hung and four casement-style windows, two of the most popular configurations. We found significant differences between brands in types and frame materials. Working with an outside lab, we subjected the windows to heavy, wind-driven rain and winds of 25 and 50 mph at outdoor temperatures of 0 F and 70 F.

Replacing windows involves many decisions. If you want new windows, well help you choose the best ones for your home. Heres what you need to know.

Among double-hung clad wood windows, a pricey and bottom-rated window from Andersen, $500, wasnt good at keeping out cold air and was so-so at keeping out rain. A $450 Kolbe vinyl double-hung was impressive, but a top-rated $260 Simonton was even better. All of the casement windows aced all tests. Prices varied by frame material; the top-scoring American Craftsman vinyl window, $260, is the least expensive casement. All prices are for a 3x5-foot window.

Look at the overall scores in our window Ratings, then zero in on test results that apply to where you live. If your home is exposed to high winds and cold temperatures, look for windows that were excellent at low-temperature wind resistance.

Upgrades can easily add 50 percent or more to the base cost of a window. Focus on features that add value. Low-E coatings improve efficiency, but triple glazing probably isnt necessary unless you live in an extremely cold climate. Double-hung window sashes that tilt in make cleaning easier, and full screens allow optimum airflow when the top window is lowered and bottom window raised. Finer meshed screens let more light through and do not obscure the view as much as standard screens.

1. Frame provides structure.

2. Cladding protects the exterior of a wood or composite window and is made of vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, eliminating painting.

3. Sash is the moving part of the window; it can be tilted in for easy cleaning.

4. Insulated glass Double-glazed windows have a sealed space between two panes of glass filled with air or another gas that insulates better than air. Argon gas is standard on many windows, but the energy savings wont justify paying extra for it.

5. Low-E coating is transparent and improves the efficiency of the glass by reflecting heat yet letting light in. The coating is applied to the outside of glass in warmer climates to reflect the suns heat out; in colder areas, its applied to the inside glass to keep heat in.

6. Grilles are decorative and are available in different patterns to match architectural styles.

Youll see these numbers on Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council window labels:

U-factor, or U-value, usually ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better the window is at keeping heat in.

Solar heat gain coefficient is between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat from the sun. In warm climates, youll want the lowest number you can find; in cold areas a higher number is better.

Visible transmittance indicates how much visible light a window lets in and is between 0 and 1. As the number increases, so does the light.

Even if you choose budget-friendly windows, upgrades can easily add 50 percent or more to their cost. Heres a look at upgrades and starting prices for a 3x5-foot double-hung window, according to experts at Pella.

The factory adds depth to the window frame when the frame isnt as thick as the wall.

Some manufacturers dont recommend ammonia-based cleaners, such as some Windex products, for cleaning new windows. So check before you spritz.

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How to Choose Replacement Windows - Consumer Reports Magazine