6 Tips to Choose the Right Window Style for Your Home

Windows have a major influence on how your property looks and functions. By choosing the right window style, you can improve your home while letting in more natural light. The right window style will also boost energy efficiency, increase property value and keep you comfortable year-round. That’s a lot of value in one window!

Here are six tips to help you choose the right replacement window style for your New Jersey home.

1. Complement Your Home’s Architectural Style

First, you should choose a window style that matches the architectural tone of your home. For example, if you have a modern or contemporary exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows are a great pick. Sliding or casement windows work well in traditional homes. And picture windows are a great pick for energy-efficient dwellings.

2. Know the Function of Your Windows

What do you want your window to do? Do you want it to increase airflow? Provide a beautiful view of the outdoors? Also, where is the window going to be installed? Windows that overlook the water or are subject to wind will also need special consideration.

Defining the purpose and function of your windows will help you choose the best window style for your needs. Picture windows, for instance, do not provide airflow but they do offer scenic views.

3. Evaluate Your Frame Colors

You are not limited to white or wooden window frames. Today’s window options are plentiful and include shades of black, brown, gray, red and green. This way, you can pick frames that match your home’s exterior while adding a pop of color, if you choose. If you’re looking for a suggestion, bold, black windows are definitely trending!

4. Consider the Orientation of the Sun

Take note of how your home sits in relation to the sun rising and setting. This is important because you may not want too much late day sun in your family room when watching television. Or, you may not want too much morning sun coming into your bedroom while you’re sleeping. Consider selecting the correct glass option. Andersen windows design standard Low-E/Low-E4® glass offerings. Low-E ('low-emissive') glass reflects heat in the summer and helps keep heat inside in the winter, making this a good choice in climates where both heating and cooling costs are a concern.

Additional glass performance options include SmartSun™ glass that blocks 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and PassiveSun™ glass that brings the heat from sunlight into your home. The right window style will keep you comfortable as the sun rises and sets.

5. Select the Right Ventilation

One of the main purposes of a window is to provide ventilation. But you may not need this in every room. Casement windows, sliding windows and double-hung windows all provide excellent ventilation. They are also easy to open and close. If you don’t need this, however, you can choose floor-to-ceiling windows or picture windows.

6. Make Energy Efficiency a Priority

According to the US Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of your home’s heating and cooling costs. By upgrading your windows, you can make your home more efficient and reduce your energy bills. Talk to your window contractor about the most efficient windows. Typically, they’ll recommend a double-paned window with low-E glass.

By following these six tips, you can successfully choose the right window style for your home! Woodhaven is a Certified Contractor and Professional Dealer of Andersen Windows and now offers convenient financing options for qualifying projects. For recommendations on the best windows for your particular property, contact Woodhaven today!