• Energy efficiency: Vinyl protects against the transfer of heat and cold, which keeps your home more comfortable and your power bills lower. Inside, a web of chambers traps air, boosting insulation.
• Maintenance: Because vinyl is the same color all the way through, and not painted, minor dings and scratches are nearly invisible. They also don't warp in rough weather, making them, except for the occasional cleaning, virtually maintenance free.
• Ease of installation: While Consumer Reports recommends (and so do most manufacturers) that you have your vinyl replacement windows professionally installed, they can be built to fit in any size sash opening, making installation much simpler.
• Durability: Vinyl used to get a bad rap for fitting poorly, cracking, and leaking. But recent advancements make vinyl tremendously durable, which is why many wood and aluminum windows are clad in vinyl for extra reinforcement.

Selecting the Right Vinyl Windows
Home improvement stores offer a myriad of options in vinyl window replacements, which can be confusing. Plus there are numerous, sometimes unnecessary, special features to choose from. Here's a breakdown of some standard features:

Energy Efficiency Ratings. Here are some of the standard ratings you'll see:

• U-Factor: The rate at which heat can escape through the window; the lower the rating, the better
• R-Value: The insulation quality; here, you're looking for a higher value
• SHGC: The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient tells you how well the window blocks heat from the sun, on a scale from zero (best) to 1 (worst)
• AL: The air leakage rating should, obviously, be low
• Low-E: The window has a special coating to maintain a low emittance of energy
• Energy Star: If you see this label, it means that the U.S. government has determined that it meets certain criteria for energy efficiency, including a low U-factor and SHGC

Design Features. You'll find a wide range of vinyl window features available--some important, some not.

• Construction: Look for uniform color throughout the frame. Joints that are heat-welded instead of screwed or fastened prevent leakage and enhance durability. Steer clear of any single-paned replacement window.
• Security: Look for secure, well-made locking systems and burglar-proof features; if security is a real priority for you, you might also look for security glass, which is very difficult to break.
• Bells and Whistles: Some manufacturers offer things like self-cleaning vinyl windows, which you probably won't need. You might, however, appreciate that some vinyl windows have tilt-in features, making cleaning a snap. You'll also find beveled glass or window grids, which are purely stylistic features that enhance curb appeal, but cost more.

Talking with a contractor can also help narrow down choices. Be sure to check references and ask around about contractors in your area--and make sure they're licensed.

• Measure Precisely. Start with a precision measurement of height and width for each window frame to be replaced; measure left, center and right, going with the smallest of the three for proper fit
• Install Methodically. If you're doing it yourself, you'll need a helper at several stages; follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid mistakes and injuries

Estimating Window Replacing Cost
It's important to keep in mind that materials and labor costs vary widely by location, but it is possible to arrive at educated estimates for window replacement projects to help guide your design strategy. Other options that may affect pricing include make and model, framing materials and glass treatments. That said, replacement windows will all of the bells and whistles can run as a high as $1,000 per window in some cases.
The DoItYourself.com blog offers these benchmarks with respect to pricing:

• Aluminum Window. Starting prices range from approximately $150 to $200
• Vinyl Window. Starting prices range from $165 to $200
• Wood Window. Starting prices range from $270 to $415

Hiring Contractors to Replace Windows
If you have basic home repair experience, you may be able to replace windows on your home. However, this project sits at the upper end of the do-it-yourself difficulty spectrum, so hiring a contractor is not outside of the norm. Before you do, consider these tips from the Old House Web for hiring a capable professional:

• Past Customers Advertise Best. If a window replacement contractor is really good, his or her former customers will let you know; therefore, ask for and check their referrals
• Specialist or Generalist? With a few exceptions, contractors that specialize in window replacing are preferable to general home improvement contractors
• Pricing Is the Litmus Test. While you always want a low price, fees set unreasonably low can be a red flag that the contractor is inexperienced

Because window replacement delivers such a respectable ROI, it should be at the top of your list of home improvements. Not only can it increase your enjoyment of the home, it also adds resale value when it's time to put your home on the market.

• You can feel a draft
• Your annual energy costs go up
• The mechanism jams and creaks
• Outside noise seems less dampened

When shopping around for replacements, determine the kind of frame that works best for your needs and budget. Vinyl or aluminum-clad frames may cost the most, but can offer great insulation. Vinyl is often the most affordable option. While wood is subject to mold and rot, it's also a great insulator and has that classic look to it. Aluminum is a poor insulator by itself, but innovations and hybrids have made these windows yet another great--and very durable--option. Be sure to research which windows best suit your climate and meet your upkeep requirements.

Energy Values and Installing New Windows
If you're looking for energy savings and protection from weather damage, evaluate replacements for the latest insulation technology. Your annual heating and cooling costs comprise up to 50 percent of your annual energy bills. All replacement windows come with a tag that lists their characteristics in terms of:

• R-value. The window resistance to heat flow. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency
• U-factor. The window's rate for heat transfer. Lower numbers mean greater efficiency
• Low-emissivity. Low-E coatings help retain indoor heat in winter, help repel outside heat in summer
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The lower the number means the greater the window's capacity to block heat gain from sunlight

Window installing costs vary dramatically by their energy efficiency, materials, and size. Single- and double-hung windows are among the easiest to maintain and most common, and they provide greater options for ventilation. Casement windows are often the best choice for a kitchen, where you may want to adjust ventilation with just a quick crank. Hopper and awning windows can be good choices for basement windows because the crank is near the bottom of the frame, allowing easier access to windows that are up high. They also have the advantage of opening completely for maximum ventilation, much like other casement windows, while blocking a good deal of precipitation.

Working with Window Installation Contractors
Choosing standard-sized windows and standard colors helps keep your window installation costs within reason. Custom or specialized shapes add to the total. Gather at least three bids before settling on a window installer. If you're choosing Energy Star windows for a tax break, be sure they qualify. Make sure each candidate bids on the same materials and models.

Do your homework. Ask contractors to show their proof of insurance and licensing. Ask for references and follow up with telephone contact. Is the homeowner satisfied? Was the job completed on time and within budget? Check with your Better Business Bureau or state licensing department for complaints against the window installer.

Be sure to compare quotes for the time frame for completing the project, as well as the cost for the same materials. Accept only quotes that are in writing and on company letterhead. When you're ready, accept only a written contract that stipulates all materials, labor costs, and warranties.