Five things to look for when replacing your home's windows

Unlike some home improvements, window upgrades are complex, involving many moving parts. If you are in the market for an upgrade, don’t rush into a decision until doing some research and evaluating what will work best on your home.

Here are five things to consider when replacing your home’s windows, according to the experts at ProVia:

• An energy efficient glass package: The right windows will protect your home and keep you comfortable all year long, limiting the sun’s rays from coming through and fading your carpet and upholstery, as well as preventing cold air from entering your home in the colder months.

“Test your current windows by touching them. If you feel the outside chill and air coming through, it may be time for a change,” says Wanda Angel, Brand Manager for Doors and Windows at ProVia.

Seek ENERGY STAR Certified high-performance windows, ideal for the weather extremes particular to your region. They should have multiple panes and feature technologies, such as the ComforTech Warm Edge Glazing System, which offers reduced heat loss, warmer glass temperature and reduced interior condensation.

• Warranty: Windows can cost thousands of dollars. Protect your investment by opting for windows that come with a lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage and seal failure. A comprehensive warranty should also be transferrable to the next homeowner, such as those from ProVia. This feature can potentially increase your home’s value when you put it on the market.

• Weather stripping: Prevent air infiltration through your windows with proper weather stripping. A bulb seal at the bottom of the window, which is a rubberized seal that compresses to the sill, combined with fin weather stripping on verticals and horizontals, will give you triple weather stripping that acts as a true barrier against drafts, keeping you comfortable and helping reduce utility bills.

• Beauty: Your windows, like any exterior element on your home, should complement its architecture and add beauty to your house. While certain architectural styles, such as Colonial, once reigned, there’s a new trend toward American Craftsman homes. Forward-thinking window manufacturers are responding to the call by offering grid patterns, stain and paint finishes suitable for this growing need.

Interestingly, a new window program at ProVia offers three new series of windows at a range of price points. The series includes ecoLite, Aspect, as well as Endure windows which come with top level innovations in window performance. To learn more, and to find resources on identifying the right windows for your home, visit www.proviaproducts.com.

Make an investment in your home with lasting impact. Seek windows that offer comfort, functionality and beauty for years to come.