Windows are usually understated when it comes to making the exterior of your home beautiful. Windows not only affect the exterior of your home, but they also have a huge impact on making the interior beautiful. Though high-quality windows have a high initial cost, they are one of the best investments you can make to save your energy bills.

Replacing old windows with new ones can save you a lot of energy, resulting in savings in your utility bills. Energy-efficient windows not only make your home comfortable but also result in a reduction of cooling and heating costs.

While shopping for replacement windows, the one thing that you should look for sure is the energy star label and green certification, one of the most informative metrics that a homeowner can use to compare the energy efficiency offered by the windows.

Materials to consider when replacing windows
Various materials can be used for window replacement. These materials play a great role in determining physical characteristics like durability, thickness, weight, etc. Here are some of the most popular materials used:

Wood windows are costly, and it comes in different shape and size. They can be of long life and can offer high R-value if they are properly maintained.

Wood windows need a lot of care; on the other hand, vinyl or aluminum-clad windows don't need a lot of maintenance and offer great aesthetics and weather resistance to the window.

Aluminum windows are lightweight, strong, and durable. They are also considerably less expensive than wooden windows. However, the downside of aluminum windows is that it is prone to condensation, resulting in mold. Vinyl windows are long-lasting and need low maintenance. These windows cost less than wood and are available in a wide range of colors and hues.

Fiberglass windows are another option that homeowners can pick if they want to give a wooden appearance to their windows. These windows are best for extreme conditions as they neither wrap in heat nor shrink in cold conditions.

Composite windows are made by mixing plastic with organic materials. Such windows are strong and energy-efficient. You can also get custom windows made from composite if none of the available colors strike your fantasy.

Replacement window designs
Different windows have different structures and among all, the most common ones are:

Casement windows are hung like a door that opens from the side, but other casement windows open from the top.

The double-hung window has two sashes that slide up and down. There is also a single-hung window in which only one sash slides up and down.

Sliding windows open horizontally and move on a metal or plastic track. There are two sashes, either of which or both can be opened or closed.

The awning window has a top hinge, and it opens outwards. It appears in combination with other window styles.

Rotating windows have uninterrupted glass panels that pivot from a central axis.

A bow window has several similar-sized glass panels. The window projects outward from the wall.

Bay window has two sides of angled windows along with one large central window.

Glazing types
Choosing the glazing is one of the biggest decisions to make while selecting the window. The light transmission and the energy efficiency both depend on the glazing type. windows and doors Calgary experts say that a single pane window offers the minimum insulation, and two and three-pane windows offer the highest insulation. Besides, there are window glasses that feature a low emissivity coating, decreasing the light from direct sun by 13%. This also reduces your utility bills as it doesn't gain heat in summer and contains heat in the winter.

Experts from vinyl windows Calgary suggest that as in the multi-pane window, inert gas is used to fill the space between the two panes; their insulation is a notch higher. The windows having better insulation are a little costlier, but they cut down the expenses of utility bills in the long run.

How to select a replacement window
While selecting a window for your home, you should keep the architecture of your home in mind and choose the one having the right proportion to suit your home. A bad window selection will result in ugly-looking exteriors that will not only haunt you for years but will also reduce the value of your property. You should take help from the professionals in making window selection decisions keeping your individual style, project budget, and home architecture in mind.

Experts from window manufacturers Calgary believe that if you have a good budget, you can also go for a custom design of windows. You can select standard windows throughout, keeping only one or two standout designs for the more prominent or visible windows from the outside.