Windows are your connection to the outdoors. They let in light, provide a view of the outside and bring in fresh air while letting out stale air. A right style window will enhance the look and transform the ambience of your home. Unfortunately windows are also a source of drafts, heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer increasing your heating and cooling bills. Airtight windows thus become vital to have an energy efficient, comfortable home.

If your windows are too old, have become drafty, show condensation and you observe that your energy bills are shooting up, its time you did something about your windows. You can either repair them by painting them and them sealing them with caulking and weather stripping or replace them. Repairing may help in some cases but can prove to be a temporary fix in most cases. Replacing the windows is the best option then.

Replacing windows can be done in two ways. If the frame of your old window is in good shape, you can install a replacement window which fits into the original opening. Only the sashes, side jambs and trims are replaced in this case. The glass area of this window will be smaller than your original window.
If however the frame of the old window has rotted and gone out of shape, a new construction window has to be installed. New construction windows cost a lot more than replacement windows and take more time for installation.

Replacing windows is an expensive project and hence it is best to get your windows inspected by a window installer or a contractor. Even better idea is to get a home energy audit done by a certified inspector to evaluate your home for all leaky spots and improper insulation before installing your replacement windows.

Replacement windows are available in various materials- wood, vinyl, aluminum clad wood, vinyl clad wood, fiberglass and other composite materials. They are double or triple pane, argon enhanced to increase their insulating properties. The glass is high performance with low e coating or special selective coating to keep the heat out in summer and heat in during winter. It also eliminates harmful UV rays which cause fading of the interior furnishings.
Replacement windows are also available in all styles, casement, double hung, single hung, bay or bow to complement your home.

Energy efficiency is the most important factor to be taken into account and hence replacement windows are rated according to four climate zones decided by Energy Star. The Northern region is the heating zone and the Southern cooling zone, while the central regions need both heating and cooling.
The U factor measuring heat loss and SHGC( Solar heat Gain Coefficient) measuring heat gain are the two most important factors be considered for windows. The U factor should be low for all windows, while the SHGC should be low for hot climates and high for cooler climates. The window should also bring in maximum light and give a clear view out, which is indicated by the factor VT (visual transmittance).
Buy Energy Star rated windows with the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) rating sticker to be sure of the best performance from the windows.

A best quality window if installed improperly is however a waste of money.So it is best to buy windows from those who will install it for you. Champion Window manufactures stylish windows in various sizes and styles with Energy Star rating and NFRC label and also installs the windows for you. You can read reviews of Champion Window for customer feedback and also check out their website for any information.

Call them for a free consultation and order your replacement windows. You may even get a discount if you order multiple windows from them.