Replacement Window Buying Guide
When you’re considering buying replacement windows, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure you make the best choice for your home and needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Tevelde and Co. to help you navigate the window buying process.
All You Need to Know About Replacement Windows for Your Omaha Home
Is it time for new, energy-efficient windows that allow light to pour into your home and reduce the outside noise for a bright and peaceful living space? There are so many options when it comes to replacement windows that it can be overwhelming to even know where to start.
- – What windows are low maintenance and easy to clean?
- – When should your windows be replaced?
- – What style and material options do you have?
- – What will the window replacement process look like?
Windows are an essential part of your home. They can transform the look of your home’s exterior, they add value and curb appeal, they protect against the elements while still allowing the sun to shine in, and they even can make a big difference on your energy bill.
If you’re considering replacement windows for your home, there is a great deal of information to sift through and many decisions to make. As an Omaha homeowner, you need to know which options are best for your home.
Book A Window Replacement Consultation
Signs You Need Replacement Windows
Windows are a great way to keep moisture, heat and cold out of your home—until they aren’t. Improperly installed or old windows create vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior that need to be addressed right away. Even windows that aren’t very old can start to cause common problems like water damage and rot.
Omaha gets an average of 31 inches of snow each year with an average low temperature of 13 degrees Fahrenheit. You need windows that can withstand the snow, ice and frigid temperatures
The signs that you need replacement windows may not be as easy to see as major window damage, but chances are if you look closely, you can tell if it’s time for a window replacement. New windows can solve the majority of these problems. It’s time to take a close look and see if your windows are telling you it’s time for a window replacement. Here are the warning signs that you need to replace your old home windows with new ones:
- – There’s a draft near the window
- – You’ve noticed higher costs in energy bills
- – You have single-pane windows
- – You have dysfunctional windows that don’t open and close easily
- – The locks don’t work like they should
- – You frequently see condensation on your windows or moisture building up between the panes
- – The windows don’t do much to cancel out outdoor noise
- – The window frames show signs of moisture, mold, decay or rot
- – Your windows look outdated or don’t add to the beauty of your home
- – There are visible signs of weather and damage like cloudy or foggy-looking glass
The Biggest Advantages of High-Performance Replacement Windows
If your windows are starting to look like they are past their prime, it can be time for new windows. There are all kinds of advantages of new home windows to enjoy. Not only will you enjoy the appearance of your new windows, but you’ll also find the following replacement window benefits after your new window installation:
1) Higher Resale Value
See a major return on your investment.
2) Curb Appeal
Improve your home’s visual aesthetic.
3) Decrease Outdoor Noise
Make the inside of your home pleasant.
4) Low Maintenance
Clean your new windows with ease, and cut down on maintenance.
5) Energy Efficiency
Improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money.
6) Protect Your Home
Boost your home’s security.
7) Eco-Friendly
Lower the carbon footprint of your home.
Many windows today are designed to be environmentally friendly. You’ll cut down on heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the winter with double- or triple-pane windows that are engineered to improve your home’s heating and cooling efforts. Also, if you have especially outdated windows, you won’t believe how easily you can open, close and lock your new replacement windows on a beautiful Omaha spring day to let a fresh breeze in.
New windows are a great way to update an older home, and with the right windows, you’ll really enhance your home’s curb appeal for the best-looking home (and windows) on the block.
Contact a Professional for a Trusted Inspection
Our team of window experts knows windows inside and out. We’ll come in, take a close look at your current windows, and figure out what’s really going on—whether it’s drafts, foggy glass, broken seals, or something else. Then we’ll walk you through your options, plain and simple. If they can be fixed, we’ll let you know. But if it’s time for new windows, we’ll handle the whole job from start to finish, making sure everything fits right, works well, and looks great.
(402) 699-2670Save Money With Energy-Efficient Windows
What are the perks of choosing energy-efficient windows for your replacement windows? Heat gain and heat loss account for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy usage. Whether you’re looking to reduce your monthly energy bill or you just want to implement more environmentally friendly elements in your home, you definitely can save money with energy-efficient windows.
Just what kind of changes will you see in your energy bill? If you are replacing single-pane windows, you can expect to save between $101 and $583 per year in energy costs, saving between 1,006 and 6,205 pounds of carbon dioxide. To replace your double-pane windows, you’ll likely save between $27 and $197 per year, or 246 to 2,001 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
How Energy-Efficient Windows Work (And What to Look For)
So how can you find energy-efficient windows? You always should look for the government-issued Energy Star rating on your window model, which will tell you how well the window keeps heat from escaping, how well the window prevents against solar heat gain, and how well the window will effectively light your home. You want to choose windows with high ratings for letting light into your home and low numbers for heat loss and heat gain.
There are a few factors at play in making energy-efficient windows, and they’re all based on what these windows are made from and how they are put together. Here’s how these windows prevent heat loss and heat gain, saving you money in the long run:
- – Multiple panes of glass: Energy-efficient windows are made up of two or three panes of glass. They are “sandwiched” together with spacers to prevent heat transfer, creating air pockets between the panes of glass. These pockets are sealed shut and filled with gases to insulate and boost energy efficiency.
- – Better window frame materials: Aluminum window frames are notorious for energy leaks. Energy-efficient window frames are made from more energy-efficient materials like wood, clad wood, composite, vinyl or fiberglass EnerLux windows for better insulation.
- – Low-e coatings: Low-emissivity, or low-e, glass coatings coat window panes so that the heat from the sun cannot pass through the window while still allowing light to pass through.
- – Gases: Gases like argon and krypton are pumped into the spaces between panes of glass to insulate your windows better. These gases are colorless, odorless and nontoxic.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Omaha Replacement Windows
Windows come in all shapes and sizes, but they also come in various materials. You should know about what differentiates between kinds of replacement window materials before choosing your replacement windows so you select the right kind of window for your home. What kind of maintenance do they need? How much do they cost? Is there a warranty?
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are an affordable option, which is why many homeowners choose vinyl for their window replacements. They don’t require much maintenance, but they can’t really be painted for color customization without chipping. Vinyl windows can last between 20 and 40 years. At Tevelde and Co, we offer ProVia among our window options. ProVia vinyl windows come with either a 20-year limited window warranty or a lifetime limited warranty depending on the style you choose.
Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows are eight times stronger than vinyl windows and provide better insulation against Omaha’s cold winters and easy maintenance. They can last as long as 50 years, around 38 percent longer than vinyl windows, and can be painted. Our EnerLux and Pella fiberglass windows come with a lifetime warranty on the frame. Fiberglass windows cost a bit more than vinyl windows—around 30 to 50 percent more.
Wood Windows
Wood windows require a lot of maintenance—regular painting, staining or sealing every three to four years. Without this maintenance, wooden windows can rot or cause moisture damage. They can be quite expensive, but they do provide a good amount of insulation and opportunities for painting and customizations.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are not very energy efficient unless they’ve been specially treated. They are slightly higher in price than vinyl windows and are strong, but they require yearly maintenance with a special cleaning product. They are not great in extreme heat or cold.
Transform Your Home with Our Services
Why We Use James Hardie Siding Products
Selecting Styles and Designs for Your Home Replacement Windows
Choosing the materials for your windows is only the first step. There are all kinds of replacement window styles and designs from which to choose, and you should be informed about the differences so you can make the right choice for your Omaha home.
Single-pane windows
Single-pane windows are just what they sound like: They are made with a single pane of glass. Compared to double-pane windows, they do not offer the same level of energy efficiency and aren’t a great fit for Omaha summers or winters.
Double-pane windows
Double-pane windows are a much better option for energy efficiency, reducing up to 24 percent of energy usage in the winter. They contain two panes of glass separated by spacers and insulating gases.
Casement windows
Casement windows are operated with the turning of a crank or handle. They open to the outside and can be hinged on the left or right to open outward. They are a great option for locations where you want to open your windows regularly with ease.
Awning windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top so that they open outward from the bottom. They are frequently installed above, below or alongside stationary windows. They are great for rooms that need ventilation like bathrooms, kitchens and sitting rooms, and they even can be opened slightly on a rainy day to allow fresh air inside, which is great since Omaha has an average of 101.2 rainy days every year.
Slider windows
As the name implies, slider windows slide open from left to right or right to left. Because they are so open, with a large expanse of glass, they’re a great option in rooms where you want to maximize your view. They also frequently are easier to operate than single- or double-hung windows, which some homeowners appreciate.
Single-hung windows
These windows are made with two separate sashes, but only the bottom sash is operable. They are more affordable than double-hung windows and have the same curb appeal, but they don’t offer the same level of air circulation as double-hung windows.
Double-hung windows
Double-hung windows are slightly higher in cost than single-hung windows, but both the top and bottom sashes slide vertically to open and close the window. Because the top and bottom sashes open, cool air can flow through the lower opening and warmer air can flow out at the top.
Estimating the Cost and Understanding the Installation Process for Your Home Windows
This is the question most homeowners dread asking, so at Tevelde and Co., we carefully walk our clients through the pricing process to ensure we always are working within your budget.
The answer to your question about the cost of home installation is as follows: It all depends.
Your costs can vary based on the style and materials of the windows you choose. For example, installation costs for fiberglass windows tend to be a little higher than the installation costs for vinyl windows because they are more rigid than flexible vinyl. Your costs also will vary based on the size of the window, the type of glass and the hardware involved.
All of our Tevelde and Co. windows come with a 10-year Workmanship Warranty, and our EnerLux windows offer all the market advantages you can imagine, including a lifetime limited warranty. These warranties can help offset the cost of your windows. Also, if you’re planning to sell your home at any point, replacement windows can return as much as 77.5 percent of your initial home window cost when you sell your home! There are three main reasons:
- – They increase curb appeal.
- – They add value.
- – They improve energy efficiency.
What does our window installation process look like?
At Tevelde and Co., we take a family approach to window replacements, which means your installation process is a fairly easy one. We take the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of your home, like removing all the old window trim and following manufacturer’s instructions to protect your warranty, like installing the proper flashing around your windows. We also clean up your entire yard at the end of each day. Here are the main steps:
- 1) Consult with us on everything from your budget to your style. We’ll take measurements and answer any questions you may have.
- 2) We’ll provide you with designs and an estimate and do a walk through before we purchase any materials.
- 3) You can enjoy a smooth installation process with our friendly, qualified, Omaha-local contractors.
EnerLux Installation Contractor
As a supporter of locally-manufactured products, we also install top-of-the-line EnerLux fiberglass windows.
Pella Preferred Contractor
We are a Pella Preferred Contractor and provide full installation including the pocket and sash. Pella windows come in fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum or wood clad.
Trusted by 100+ happy customers
Why Choose Tevelde and Co. for Your Home Replacement Windows
Your local replacement window contractor should be there to support you. At Tevelde and Co., we’re never about high-pressure sales. Instead, we want to do what’s right for you. We’re here to listen to you, answer your questions, and empower you to make the best decision for your home and budget. We believe your windows installer should keep the lines of communication open, which is why we provide daily updates, honest information and expert guidance.
Hiring a Replacement Window Contractor
When it’s time for new windows, the key to a successful installation is to find the right replacement window installer. Even the most skilled of DIYers shouldn’t attempt to install their own windows. It’s so easy for windows to be installed incorrectly and do a lot of damage, which is why you need to find a certified installer to do it for you.
You need a contractor who can uphold the standards and manufacturer recommendations for proper window removal and installation. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a voided warranty.
You always should hire an experienced contractor who has been in the business for more than a few years, someone who can provide referrals and proof of their workmanship. It’s also a great idea to hire a certified installer who is local to your area so they know the ins and outs of installing windows in your region. Homes expand and contract with the weather. Does your contractor understand the weather conditions in Omaha?
