Shopping for replacement windows can be a boring task and at times even a hair pulling task.  When you think about it windows are just a boring part of our homes that we don't really focus on.  They let air in during the summer months, keep most of the cold air out during the winter and cause us hours of painting every year.  Most people do not think of replacing their windows until they are rotten or they are feed up with the high heating bills.  In this article I hope to make your window shopping experience as pleasant as possible!

In my opinion adding plastic film to the inside of your windows creates an egress hazard in case of a fire.  Should your house ever catch on fire and your escape route is through a window, do you want some thing in your way on your way out?  The plastic film is strong enough that you would need a sharp object in order to cut through it so you can open your window and escape.  I would encourage you to try it on just one window and see how long it takes you and your family members to release the window film.  I give the product my thumbs down!

Yes, you can expect to save 0%-40% on your heating bills.  Your exact savings are dependant on a bunch of factors and for the most part window salespeople are not skilled in predicting your savings.  Examine your existing windows for the following issues;

1. Do your windows have weatherstripping on all of the edges including the bottom.

2. Is the weather stripping in good condition?

3. Do the windows have up and down play when they are latched?

4. Do the windows have in and out play when they are latched.

5. Are your windows single pane glass? (one layer of glass)

6. Can you feel cold air when the wind blows?

7. Are your windows cold to the touch?

By honestly answering the above questions you should get a feel for how good your existing windows are.  Now let's talk about your new window selection;

1. Are you buying double pane windows or energy efficient triple pane windows?

2. Are your new windows filled with Argon gas or Krypton gas? (Krypton gas is better)

3. What is the DP rating for your new windows? (the higher the number the better)

4.  What is the U-factor for your new windows? (the lower the number the better)

In order to understand your projected savings you must know how bad your existing windows are and how good your new windows are.  Some people blindly spend money on new windows under the assumption that they must be better.

Many people have heard of drilling holes in their windows so that they will stop fogging up.  While this sounds like an urban legend, it is actually a poor solution to window fogging.  Some companies charge a small fortune to drill a couple of holes in your windows to allow the inside and outside air to exchange in order to reduce window fogging.  Some brave homeowners are also trying it on their own with mixed results.

Since the purpose of a double pane or triple pane window is to stop air exchange, drilling holes is just defeating the purpose.  Once your windows loose their gas between the panes of glass they need to be replaced.  Energy codes require that the air between panes of glass to be filled with Argon or Krypton gas.

Say no to drilling! 

Replacement windows include a lock that secures the top and bottom sashes.  Some windows include one lock while others provide two locks.   Most people have a hard time deciding if they need one or two locks.  Two locks will provide you with the following benefits:

1.  Your replacement windows will be more secure.

2.  Your replacement windows will be less likely to sag where the sashes meet.

Will window tinting help us lower our air conditioning bills?

Window tinting will help to lower your air conditioning bills however it will void most window warranties