Knowing how to choose replacement windows can make it easier to improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency and curb appeal. Homeowners are faced with different frame materials, glass packages, energy-efficiency ratings, window styles, warranties and installation options.
So, what should you actually look for when buying replacement windows?
For homeowners in Riverside and throughout the Inland Empire, the best replacement windows are the ones that fit your home’s needs, perform well in our climate and are installed correctly. Brand matters, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.
Here’s what to consider before choosing replacement windows for your home.
Start With the Frame Material
One of the first decisions you’ll make is what type of window frame you want. Common options include vinyl, fiberglass, wood and aluminum, and each has advantages depending on the home, climate and homeowner’s priorities.
For many Southern California homeowners, vinyl replacement windows are a practical choice because they’re durable, low maintenance and don’t require painting or staining. Vinyl can also provide good thermal performance when combined with the right glass package and construction.
The right frame isn’t simply about appearance. Consider maintenance, durability, energy performance and how well the material is suited to Southern California’s heat and sun.
Pay Attention to the Glass, Not Just the Frame
A window can have an attractive frame and still fall short if the glass package isn’t appropriate for your home.
Today’s energy-efficient replacement windows may include insulated glass, multiple panes, Low-E coatings and insulating gas between the panes. These features work together to help control heat transfer through the window.
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass uses a thin coating designed to reduce unwanted heat transfer while still allowing natural light into the home. In warmer climates, Low-E glass can be especially helpful in reducing the amount of solar heat entering the house.
This can be particularly important for windows that receive substantial direct or afternoon sunlight.
Learn Two Numbers: U-Factor and SHGC
You don’t need to become a window expert to compare energy performance, but there are two ratings worth knowing.
- U-factor measures how readily heat transfers through the entire window. In general, a lower U-factor indicates better insulating performance.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC, measures how much solar heat passes through a window. A lower SHGC means less solar heat enters the home.
For a warm, sunny climate such as Riverside and much of the Inland Empire, controlling solar heat gain can be an important consideration.
These ratings are typically displayed on the window’s NFRC label, which gives homeowners a standardized way to compare the energy performance of different windows.
Instead of simply asking whether a window is “energy efficient,” ask to see its actual performance ratings.
Choose a Window Style That Works for the Room
Window style affects more than appearance. It also determines how the window opens, how much ventilation it provides and how easy it is to use.
A horizontal sliding window, for example, can work well where homeowners want easy operation and ventilation. A picture window can be a good choice when natural light and an unobstructed view are priorities. Single-hung windows offer a more traditional appearance while allowing the lower sash to open.
Other styles may work better depending on the size and location of the opening, the architecture of the home and how the room is used.
Rather than selecting the same window style throughout the entire house, consider what makes the most sense for each space.
Don’t Choose Replacement Windows by Brand Name Alone
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “What window brand should I buy?”
It’s a reasonable question, but it can also oversimplify the decision.
Window manufacturers may offer several product lines with different construction, features, glass packages and performance levels. Two windows from the same manufacturer can perform differently, while products from different manufacturers may have very similar specifications.
Understanding how to choose replacement windows means comparing the actual window rather than relying entirely on the logo.
Look at the frame construction, glass package, U-factor, SHGC, hardware, warranty and how the window will be installed. Those details can tell you much more about what you’re buying than the brand name alone.
Installation Quality Is Just as Important as the Window
Even a high-quality replacement window won’t perform the way it should if it isn’t installed properly.
The window needs to fit the opening correctly and be properly sealed, insulated and finished. Poor installation can contribute to drafts, air leakage, water intrusion and reduced energy performance.
This is also why comparing window replacement projects based solely on the price of the window can be misleading. You’re not just buying a product. You’re paying for the product and the professional installation that allows it to perform properly.
When choosing a window replacement contractor, ask about their installation process, experience and licensing, as well as how they handle unexpected conditions discovered after the existing windows are removed.
Understand What’s Covered by the Warranty
Don’t assume that every “lifetime warranty” means the same thing.
Some warranties may cover the frame and glass but have different terms for hardware, seals or other components. Manufacturer warranties and contractor workmanship warranties may also provide different types of coverage.
Before choosing your windows, find out exactly what is covered, how long the coverage lasts and whether there are exclusions or service charges.
You may also want to ask whether the warranty is transferable if you sell your home in the future.
A good warranty should be clearly explained before you sign a contract.
Think About Your Home, Not Someone Else’s
The “best replacement window” for a homeowner in another part of the country may not necessarily be the best choice for a home in Riverside.
Homeowners throughout the Inland Empire — including Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga and Corona — should consider factors such as heat, direct sunlight, window orientation, air conditioning use and the amount of afternoon sun each part of the house receives.
For example, a west-facing bedroom that becomes hot every afternoon may have different performance priorities than a shaded window on the opposite side of the home.
Your goals matter too. Some homeowners are primarily concerned about energy efficiency, while others are looking to reduce outside noise, improve ventilation, increase natural light or update the appearance of their home.
Choosing replacement windows should involve looking at your home as a whole rather than simply selecting the same product configuration for every opening.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Replacement Windows
Knowing how to choose replacement windows also means knowing what questions to ask your window contractor. Before making your final decision, consider asking:
- What frame material do you recommend for my home, and why?
- What type of glass package is included?
- What are the window’s U-factor and SHGC?
- Does the window meet applicable California energy requirements?
- What type of installation will be performed?
- What happens if damage is found around the existing window opening?
- What does the manufacturer’s warranty cover?
- What workmanship warranty comes with the installation?
- Which window style makes the most sense for each room?
- What should I expect during the installation process?
A contractor should be able to explain these details clearly and help you understand why a particular window or configuration is being recommended.
Find the Right Replacement Windows for Your Riverside Home
There isn’t one replacement window that’s right for every homeowner. The best choice depends on your home, your priorities and the performance you expect from the finished project.
At Tenco Construction Company, we help homeowners in Riverside and throughout the Inland Empire select energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows that complement their homes and are suited to Southern California’s climate. Our team can walk you through your window options, explain the features that matter and professionally install your new windows.
If you’re considering replacement windows or are still unsure how to choose replacement windows for your home, Tenco Construction Company can help. Homeowners in Riverside, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona and other nearby Inland Empire communities can call (866) 272-1451 or request a free, no-obligation estimate online.