Vinyl Window Buying Guide
Air leaks from old windows can make your home feel drafty and lead to high utility bills. Replacing old windows with vinyl windows is a cost-effective way to preserve both your comfort and your home’s value. Learn what to look for in a vinyl window with our vinyl window buying guide.
Benefits of Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are a cost-efficient way to replace drafty windows and improve the value of your home, with a much lower price point than wood windows. Vinyl windows are maintenance-free once installed and they come in a wide range of colors.
Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows Features
Vinyl windows are also highly energy efficient. A few of the top desired energy efficient features include:
- Argon gas insertion – Filling the space between the panes of glass with argon gas, an inert substance, decreases air transfer between the panes of glass. This means more energy efficiency and more comfort in the home.
- Low-E glass – Low-E glass, which stands for low-emissivity, blocks UV rays without affecting light. Since the sun’s rays are reflected back into the atmosphere, your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Triple-pane glass – The more panes of glass in your window, the more energy-efficient. Replace old single-pane windows with double or triple-pane glass to start saving money every month.
The Energy Star designation indicates windows that have significant energy saving benefits. By choosing Energy Star windows, you can maximize the value and ROI of replacement windows.
Vinyl Windows Styles
You’ll find vinyl windows available in all the common window types, including:
- Double hung windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Single hung windows
- Awning windows
- Single & Double Glider (side slider) windows
- Tilt & Turn windows
- Fixed/Picture (non-operating)
Double-hung windows – Choose our double hung windows when ease of cleaning and air flow are your top priorities. The top and bottom sashes slide up and down and stay in position, providing increased air flow into your home. Both sashes also tilt in for quick and easy cleaning of the entire window. And because our double hung windows do not open outward, they’re an excellent choice for rooms that face decks, porches and walkways.
Bay and bow windows – can let in a great amount of light and call attention to your home. They work well for reading nooks, and other decorative features.
Casement windows – Our best performing windows against snow, wind and rain. Designed to keep harsh weather out, our casement windows are energy efficient, reliable and practical. They are a good idea for locations where it’s not easy to reach over and open the window, such as a laundry room or over the kitchen sink. They open out via dual or single-arm crank operators and are hinged at the side, making them a great choice for the main and upper levels of your home.
Single hung windows – single hung windows are easy to clean and take up no additional space when open. The bottom sash slides up to open, stays in place, and tilts in for quick and easy cleaning. Since our single hung windows do not open outward, they’re a great choice for rooms that face decks, porches and walkways. Enjoy reduced energy costs with our improved version of this classic window design.
Awning windows – An outstanding choice when air circulation and ease of use are paramount. Our awning windows are hinged at the side and swing out from the bottom, providing excellent ventilation even during light rain. They’re easy to use and built to withstand harsh weather. Pair awning windows with larger fixed windows on the main and upper floors of your home to enjoy both the view and air flow. Casement and Awning windows look and perform the same.
Single & Double Glider (side slider) windows – Our glider windows are easy to use and easy to clean. One sash slides side to side in our single glider, while our double glider allows both sashes to operate independently and easily for increased ventilation. Both options have sashes that tilt in and lift out of the frame for easy cleaning. Glider windows are often found in basements but are an outstanding choice for any room in your home.
Tilt & Turn windows – Our innovative tilt & turn windows offer unmatched versatility. Enjoy the best features of casement, fixed and tilting designs with our elegant and simple tilt & turn windows. They tilt inward from the top for draft-free ventilation even during rain or, with a simple turn of the handle, open inward just like a door for maximum ventilation and easy cleaning. When closed, our tilt & turn windows appear just as elegant as our fixed windows. They’re a fantastic choice for any room in the main and upper levels of your home.
Fixed/Picture (non-operating) windows – Add visual appeal to your home and let in more natural light with our fixed windows. Fixed windows do not open or operate in any way. Instead, they can dramatically improve the appearance of any room in your home, especially when paired with larger, functional windows or installed around doors. Fixed windows also allow you to explore unique shapes and sizes, providing nearly unlimited possibilities. Available with or without sash