There are a lot of factors that one should consider when it comes to replacing the old windows in your house. These factors can be organized and broken down into two main categories: economic factors and aesthetic factors. When it comes to the economic factors, it’s important to consider the possibility that your current windows might actually be causing you to lose money in the long term in more ways than one. For example, if your windows haven’t been replaced in the last decade or so, you could be missing out on lower heating and air conditioning costs. Also, if you are planning on selling your home, having old, outdated windows could actually be a factor that could lead to buyers asking for a lower price, as most buyers will factor in the cost of having to replace them when they consider buying a home.

Here in San Diego, most of us use our air conditioning quite frequently. Replacing your windows with newer, modern windows that are much more efficient in terms of insulation will practically pay for itself in the long term when you consider the money that you’ll end up saving on air conditioning bills. Therefore, our advice is fairly straightforward: if your windows are old and outdated, replacing them is a good idea, as it will save you money. However, when it comes to a home remodeling project, it’s important to consider the aesthetic factors that windows contribute to a living space, even if your current windows are perfectly efficient. There are many different kinds of windows that you should be aware of that can greatly influence the aesthetic properties of a living space. If you’re planning on embarking on a home remodeling project, check out the different types of windows we’ve outlined below and consider how they might enhance the part of the house you’re planning on renovating.

Window Styles

Vertical Single Vs. Double Hung Windows

Single and double hung windows are designed so that a given window space is covered by two separate window panes. With single hung windows, only the bottom window pane slides up and down to open or close the window space. With double hung windows, both window panes have the ability to move up or down to open the window space. On the visual level, both types look nearly identical. However, when it comes to regulating air temperature, double hung windows allow for much greater manipulation of the environmental conditions in your home. With single hung windows, cool air from outside is able to come in, but the hot air that rises to the ceiling in your home has no way of escaping. With double hung windows, you can open the lower window pane to allow cool air to come in, and also open the upper window pane to allow the warm air in your home to escape.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

These open and close by operating on a track that allows you to slide the window horizontally. These are a great option for those of us who might be vertically challenged and don’t want to stand on our tip toes or get a chair to open or close single/double hung windows. One of the great things about horizontal sliding windows is that no matter how heavy or how large your windows are, if they are on a horizontal sliding system, they will be nearly effortless to open.

Hand Crank Windows

Hand crank windows, also known as casement windows, open and close by using a hand crank. There are two types of casement windows that are distinguished by whether or not the window pane is hinged on either the right or left vertical side, or if it is hinged horizontally along the top of the window. The hand crank mechanism makes these types of windows very easy to open and close, and also ensures that your window is completely sealed shut whenever you close it.

Fixed Windows

While fixed windows are not intended to allow manipulation of air flow, they are the most efficient type of window when it comes to insulation properties. Apart from their superior insular properties, fixed windows also offer the unique opportunity for the installation of windows that aren’t conformed to traditional square or rectangular shapes. This opens the possibility have having really beautifully windows that can come in the shape of octagons, circles, or ovals. Fixed windows are also a great opportunity to utilize stained glass.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize both the amount of light that comes into your home as well as the total view of the surrounding landscape of your home. These windows add a very elegant and aesthetically pleasing style to any room that they occupy. These types of windows can also function as doors if installed in the horizontal sliding operating style described above. As far as utilizing air flow with floor-to-ceiling windows, most can either be installed with a hand crank system or a horizontal sliding system, but they are usually a bit too large to be convenient in either the single or double hung style.

Bay Windows

Bay windows typically consist of three window panes, each of which can be positioned at 90-140 degree angles from one another, that extend outwards away from the walls of the house. These types of windows add a really beautiful touch to whatever room they are in, and are especially enjoyable when installed on the second floor or higher of a home. Not only do these types of windows increase the overall amount of space in any given room, but they also increase the total view of the outdoors.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to replacing your windows, and that you’ve been able to find inspiration for any and all of your home remodeling ideas. If you think it’s time to have your windows replaced, please get in touch with us today! We offer free estimates for all of the services we provide. We look forward to hearing from you!