If you're planning to renovate your home to improve its appearance and energy-efficiency, consider replacing the windows too. New windows can transform the appearance of your home, and they may even help lower your power bills. Here are some other benefits of having new windows installed and a look at your choices.

Reasons To Get New Windows

New windows could be much easier to care for. For example, you can buy Anderson windows with wood on one side so the interior of your home has a classic look of wood windows, but the outside is vinyl or aluminum. By choosing vinyl or aluminum for the exterior side of your new windows, you'll have less maintenance to do, and the windows will stay attractive for years.

You may find new windows are easier to clean too, especially if you switch to double-hung windows that tilt on the inside so you can wash both sides of the glass easily. This makes it easier to keep the glass spotless and prevent etching and cloudiness.

New, modern windows could also be more secure. They're made with secure locking mechanisms for improved home security, and some brands, such as Anderson windows, even offer smart technology built-in so your home's smart system monitors the windows at all times so you know if one is unlocked or if an intruder tries to break-in. Since the security feature is built-in, you won't have to add one later and ruin the appearance of the windows or void the warranty.

Options In Replacement Windows

You have many choices in replacement windows, so visit a showroom and look over the variety of styles available. If you want replacement windows, choose new ones of the same size so they fit in the openings already present. However, you can change the shape of the windows. For example, you could put a new bow or bay window in place of an old picture window.

Consider the look you want for your home. You may want vinyl, wood, or aluminum windows. If you want wood, you can choose from stained wood or wood painted in a variety of colors. You also choose the glass for the new windows. You may want coated glass that reflects the sun or security glass that resists impacts. You can also buy windows with more than one pane of glass for optimum energy-efficiency.

Grilles give your windows character and interesting visual appeal. You may prefer having no grilles, but if you want them added, you can choose from grilles for the top sash only or for both the top and bottom glass. Grilles can give your home a colonial look by sectioning the glass into smaller squares, and you can also have custom grille patterns made if you choose.