There are plenty of things to love about Spring: the warmer weather, longer days, spending quality time with your family outdoors and having your friends around for lazy Sunday lunches in the backyard. However, summer is not far away and the summer sun can be stifling making it too hot to stay outdoors for any length of time, so you need your home to be as cool as possible. Of course, it is easy to turn on the air conditioner, but the cost of electronically cooling your house down can quickly add up. That is why it is a good idea to ensure the basic foundations of your house are doing some of the cooling for you. How? One of the most energy efficient and cost-effective ways to make sure the heat stays outside, where it belongs, is investing in good quality replacement windows. If you’re thinking about improving the quality of your windows before the summer heat arrives, you’ll find this guide on replacing windows in Maryland helpful. From knowing when it is time to replace your windows, to which windows are most energy efficient, you will learn all you need for replacing windows in Maryland before summer arrives.
There are quite a few tell-tale signs it is time to replace your windows. Below are just some of the signs:
Whether you are experiencing one, or a few of these signs, it is definitely time to consider replacing your windows.
The most popular window replacement materials are vinyl, composite, wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Of course, each come with pros and cons, as well as different price points. You can ask for advice from your contractor as to which material is best for your needs.
There are countless benefits to replacing your windows. In fact, it is one of the best investments you can make in your home. From increased comfort and style to long-term financial savings, here are few noteworthy benefits of replacing your windows.
There has never been a better time to secure the window finishing you desire. Modern window finishing’s are hugely versatile and can be altered to suit any style. From different frame sizes to custom colors and wood finishes, the choices are endless.
Windows do a lot for your home: they let in light, heat and ventilation. Yet did you know they also play a big part in the energy efficiency of your home? Windows – especially older single pane windows – are what transfer the outside weather into your home. This means that in summer, your home can get overly hot and in winter, overly cold. American homeowners spend $29 billion every year on air conditioning, so it is safe to say, ensuring your windows are double or even triple-paned, which prevent temperature transfer, will greatly reduce your utility bills today and into the future.
It may come as a surprise to some that replacement windows offer one of the biggest ROI of any home improvement project. According to Remodeling Magazine Cost vs Value Report 2017, the ROI for vinyl window replacements in the Maryland area is 77.8%. This means when you sell your house, it is likely you will see an increase in the value of almost the same amount as you spent on replacing the windows.
When you replace your home’s windows, you want to replace them with windows that are energy efficient. The cost this can save you in the long run is exceptional. Of course, it should be remembered that insulated wall materials will provide you the most optimal efficiency, however, windows are the next best option. The following replacement options will maximize your home’s energy efficiency while providing great savings on utility bills.
Double-paned glass that has been filled with inert gas will insulate your home nearly twice as well as single-pane glass. However, triple-paned glass will always offer the best insulation. Triple-paned glass increases the overall efficiency of the window and decreases the energy loss.
Low-Emissivity glass coatings are excellent at reflecting summer heat and retaining interior warmth in winter. Low-E coatings also block harmful UV rays from entering your home and ruining your soft furnishings.
If you are looking for something natural, argon filled glass panes are for you. Argon is a natural and non-toxic gas that is denser than air. When it is placed between panes of glass, argon provides increased insulation. It also further reduces the transfer of temperatures, which makes your home more energy efficient, and comfortable.
Knowing how much you should be paying for a quality window replacement in Maryland can be tricky. Different contractors will quote different prices, and of course the quality of the products, installation and the job are all very important factors. When it comes to a good quality replacement window, there are a few factors to consider. The quality of the material, the durability, reliability, your home budget, the ROI of the project as a whole, whether you want double-paned or triple-paned glass and the number of windows you replace will all affect the cost. Every project is unique, so it is important you speak to a professional for advice and project estimates.
Once you have found your perfect window replacement, you will need to find the right contractor. Not all contractors are the same, and if you want the job done well, the first time, it is important you do your homework. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing a good home improvement contractor: