Installing windows for home improvement

Installing windows in our house was necessary to upgrade and improve our home. We installed Milgard windows that are double pane and we reduced outside noise significantly.

The windows are also energy efficient, open and shut easily, and they’re pleasant to see. Installing the windows is a significant upgrade to our home and was a smart home improvement project to take on.

While we expect energy savings from our windows, that wasn’t the primary reason for doing it. We had a problem with our old windows.

It took me over a year to decide that buying new windows was a worthwhile expense for our home. The energy savings didn’t necessarily factor into my decision early on. The original aluminum windows in our late 1950s / early 1960s home were no longer functioning well. Hand cranks were beginning to break and we could not get them replaced. At first, it seemed like replacing them would be $ 90 to $ 120 for window parts and labor but a few different handymen tried but could not do it.

Our bedroom window – which is over six feet in length and about three feet wide – was no longer opening or shutting well. The aluminum frame seemed to no longer fit.

So we bought new windows for our living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen plus a garden window hanging outside the sink area.

Our total price for parts and labor was $ 9, 500 for Milgard windows. I chose to have minimal gridlines on the windows. Most homes have grids but I really didn’t want that look. To me, when I look out a window the view should be as unobstructed as possible.

Immediately, here are the differences we noticed:

- reduced outside noise

- fewer drafts – improved insulation

- nicer appearance

We did qualify for energy rebates as well.

If you’re looking for guidelines on energy efficient windows, then check the Efficient Windows Collaborative website. http://www.efficientwindows.org

The site has extensive information on tax credits, links to Energy Star ratings, and windows for upgrades and new homes. The site also allows users to select a city and find the energy efficiency and related costs.

In recent tests performed by Consumer's Digest, a significant difference was found in manufacturer quality. Among the windows that tested well were: Alside, and its window Excalibur; Andserson's Renewal brand; and Marvin's Infinity line of windows.

Here is honest input about window brands and Milgard windows which seem to get mixed reviews:

http://www.vinyl-replacement-windows.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=863

The Energy Star.gov website estimates a residential home can save anywhere from $146 to $501 per year in energy costs when replacing single pane windows. Our weather in Southern California is fairly temperate except for late August to mid-September when the heat really kicks in. so, on our window purchase of over $ 9, 000 it may take us about seven years to get back the costs in savings. Although, we will also have a tax rebate of $ 1,500, too.

Another way to compare products for home improvement is shopping online. Home Depot.com and Build.com are two leading home improvement sites where it’s also possible to get cash back on purchases.