It is often a wise decision to replace your home's windows. But the process of selecting the right windows for the replacement can be complicated. Nowadays, windows have advanced with different options, making the selection process more daunting. Today's smart homeowner is energy-conscious hence wants to reduce their home's heating and cooling costs. Whether undertaking a new project or replacing existing windows, the most important thing is to know the option that will give you value for money and meet your needs.

The following are seven things to consider when shopping for replacement windows.
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Glass
Traditional window glass was simple with a single pane and tempered glass. However, nowadays, you can have a glass package of two or more glass panes inserted between sealed gas chambers, forming a barrier to energy transfer, according to Brisbane based glass repair company Scope Glass. After that, add a Low-E coating to reflect UV rays from the sun and keep heat inside the home. Choose the best window glass that suits your budget. The most prominent single-window feature is the glass surface area; therefore, when considering replacement windows , you should invest in high-performance glass as it will give you a chance to lower energy costs and reduce energy loss.
2. Frame
Window frames are made from different materials. Available options are vinyl, composite mixtures, fibreglass, aluminium, or traditional wood. But, if you compare the cost against performance, durability, and looks, vinyl window frames are the best option. Vinyl as a frame material is easy to maintain, long-lasting, strong, and provides excellent thermal performance. You get all this at a cost that can be less than other frame options.
3. Colour
When you install wood windows, you can paint the frame in the colour your choice. However, you will have to endure the labour and expense of painting and scraping the edges every few years. But, with modern frame options, such as vinyl frames, you won't have to scrape and paint vinyl replacement windows. This is because vinyl window frames come in various colour options to match your home's decor. The original colour in a vinyl frame does not flake, chip, or fade.
4. Styles
In the past, windows had almost one standard design. But as glass and frame technology has advanced to create more efficient windows, the same has also happened in window design. We now have a wider variety of windows, including customised shapes, bay and bow windows, picture windows, garden windows, sliders, and casements. All these features add glamour to your home decor. Do not limit your options to traditional window styles.
5. Durability
When choosing replacement windows, you should also consider the material's durability. The most robust option for window material is fibreglass, as it is durable and resistant to extreme temperatures. You can reinforce vinyl windows with interlocking sashes, but wood windows have a limited lifetime warranty.
6. Energy Efficiency
Your chosen replacement window should be energy efficient. Vinyl windows have high energy efficiency as the vinyl's air chambers reduce sound transmission and heat loss. Wood and fibreglass windows are also energy efficient.
7. Maintenance
If you are not a fan of household chores and do not like spending time worrying about maintenance, look for a window with low maintenance. Fibreglass and vinyl replacement windows require little maintenance and endure all climates well. Wood windows need more care. To ease the maintenance process, you can install add-ons, such as tilt-in sashes. The tilt allows cleaning on the exterior side of the window while inside your home. Extra micro-screens and secure locks do an excellent job of preventing insects from accessing your home and still allow light into your home.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for replacement windows, do not forget about the price. If you are operating on a budget, vinyl windows are more affordable than the other options while still providing long-lasting performance. Second in affordability are fibreglass windows, while wood windows vary in price but are usually more expensive than fibreglass or vinyl replacement windows. When installing new replacement windows, choose the right window to do the job. Ask for referrals from friends or family members or search the internet for customer reviews on your chosen company before hiring them.