Is it drafty in here? Old windows may be letting your air conditioning or heating out through cracks in the window casings. Perhaps you are losing heat or cold through improperly fitting window seals. Some windows are metal framed and the outside temperature directly conducts into the inside, losing both heat and cold without you able to detect any drafts. Your house is losing energy, costing you money and comfort.

You may find yourself reflecting that you need replacement windows. However, replacement windows are something you do every day. We will discuss some things for you to think about and then help provide the best solution to your window replacement project.

You need to consider your light requirements, whether you want your windows to be able to open or be fixed shut, how much energy saving you wish them to do, to what degree they are noise blocking and what style window will let you clean them safely and easily.

Then there are different kinds of windows - bay, stained glass, window walls, arched, salvaged, ribbon, oval, transom, palladian, high, sidelight, entryway, wide, mosaic, garden , bay and skylight - to name a few of the more common terms and styles. Each kind of window has their uses, effects and expenses to consider. In older or dropping houses, you may need to modify your window installations in order to match the house in certain places. The windows might be plum and level but look off because the wall, ceiling or roof line is not level.

One kind of window that any professional would recommend are vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free. Other than cleaning, they do not require painting nor do they fade in the bright sunlight. But this is only part of the solution.

The biggest piece to the window replacement puzzle is to hire a professional window installer. As you can see above, the options are dizzying and new technologies can become available. Only a window installation professional will be qualified to help you choose the style and kinds of windows that will suit your needs AND make sure they are installed correctly.

To help ease any concerns you might have, many window installers offer a service warranty and window breakage warranty that you may be able to take advantage of. You may also want to ask your window professional if they can handle old window storage and removal as part of your window replacement project. And if you really want to cover your bases, ask them about their rain plan. What if it starts downpouring? Will they be prepared to cover the windows so the inside of your house doesn't get wet?

Don't be afraid to get a competent window replacement professional who will perform the installation with your needs in mind. If the result are lowered energy bills and windows you only have to clean for the next couple of decades, it will be money well invested.