Replacement Window Buying Guide

All You Need to Know About Replacement Windows for Your Omaha Home

Is it time for new, energy-efficient windows that allow light to pour into your home and reduce the outside noise for a bright and peaceful living space? There are so many options when it comes to replacement windows that it can be overwhelming to even know where to start.

• What windows are low maintenance and easy to clean?
• When should your windows be replaced?
• What style and material options do you have?
• What will the window replacement process look like?

Windows are an essential part of your home. They can transform the look of your home’s exterior, they add value and curb appeal, they protect against the elements while still allowing the sun to shine in, and they even can make a big difference on your energy bill.

If you’re considering replacement windows for your home, there is a great deal of information to sift through and many decisions to make. As an Omaha homeowner, you need to know which options are best for your home.

Here’s the complete guide to what you need to know about window replacements to feel confident in your decision.

Guide Chapters

Signs You Need Replacement Windows

Windows are a great way to keep moisture, heat and cold out of your home—until they aren’t. Improperly installed or old windows create vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior that need to be addressed right away. Even windows that aren’t very old can start to cause common problems like water damage and rot.

Omaha gets an average of 31 inches of snow each year with an average low temperature of 13 degrees Fahrenheit. You need windows that can withstand the snow, ice and frigid temperatures

The signs that you need replacement windows may not be as easy to see as major window damage, but chances are if you look closely, you can tell if it’s time for a window replacement.

Here are the warning signs that you need to replace your old home windows with new ones:

• There’s a draft near the window
• You’ve noticed higher costs in energy bills
• You have single-pane windows
• You have dysfunctional windows that don’t open and close easily
• The locks don’t work like they should
• You frequently see condensation on your windows or moisture building up between the panes
• The windows don’t do much to cancel out outdoor noise
• The window frames show signs of moisture, mold, decay or rot
• Your windows look outdated or don’t add to the beauty of your home
• There are visible signs of weather and damage like cloudy or foggy-looking glass

New windows can solve the majority of these problems. It’s time to take a close look and see if your windows are telling you it’s time for a window replacement.

Save Money With Energy-Efficient Windows

Heat gain and heat loss account for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy usage. Whether you’re looking to reduce your monthly energy bill or you just want to implement more environmentally friendly elements in your home, you definitely can save money with energy-efficient windows.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

What are the perks of choosing energy-efficient windows for your replacement windows?

• Save money on energy bills.
• Use less energy, and limit your greenhouse gas emissions.
• Limit drafts and overheated spaces.
• Reduce ultraviolet (UV) sun damage to floors, furniture, carpets and belongings.

Just what kind of changes will you see in your energy bill? If you are replacing single-pane windows, you can expect to save between $101 and $583 per year in energy costs, saving between 1,006 and 6,205 pounds of carbon dioxide. To replace your double-pane windows, you’ll likely save between $27 and $197 per year, or 246 to 2,001 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Work (And What to Look For)

There are a few factors at play in making energy-efficient windows, and they’re all based on what these windows are made from and how they are put together.

Here’s how these windows prevent heat loss and heat gain, saving you money in the long run:

• Multiple panes of glass: Energy-efficient windows are made up of two or three panes of glass. They are “sandwiched” together with spacers to prevent heat transfer, creating air pockets between the panes of glass. These pockets are sealed shut and filled with gases to insulate and boost energy efficiency.
• Better window frame materials: Aluminum window frames are notorious for energy leaks. Energy-efficient window frames are made from more energy-efficient materials like wood, clad wood, composite, vinyl or fiberglass EnerLux windows for better insulation.
• Low-e coatings: Low-emissivity, or low-e, glass coatings coat window panes so that the heat from the sun cannot pass through the window while still allowing light to pass through.
• Gases: Gases like argon and krypton are pumped into the spaces between panes of glass to insulate your windows better. These gases are colorless, odorless and nontoxic.

So how can you find energy-efficient windows? You always should look for the government-issued Energy Star rating on your window model, which will tell you how well the window keeps heat from escaping, how well the window prevents against solar heat gain, and how well the window will effectively light your home. You want to choose windows with high ratings for letting light into your home and low numbers for heat loss and heat gain.

Selecting Styles and Designs for Your Home Replacement Windows

Choosing the materials for your windows is only the first step. There are all kinds of replacement window styles and designs from which to choose, and you should be informed about the differences so you can make the right choice for your Omaha home.

Hiring a Replacement Window Contractor

When it’s time for new windows, the key to a successful installation is to find the right replacement window installer. Even the most skilled of DIYers shouldn’t attempt to install their own windows. It’s so easy for windows to be installed incorrectly and do a lot of damage, which is why you need to find a certified installer to do it for you.

You need a contractor who can uphold the standards and manufacturer recommendations for proper window removal and installation. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a voided warranty.

You always should hire an experienced contractor who has been in the business for more than a few years, someone who can provide referrals and proof of their workmanship. It’s also a great idea to hire a certified installer who is local to your area so they know the ins and outs of installing windows in your region. Homes expand and contract with the weather. Does your contractor understand the weather conditions in Omaha?