If you live in an older house, you may have to replace the windows sooner or later. Old windows aren't energy efficient like new windows, and getting replacement windows might help your utility bills as well as increase your comfort level. Here are some tips for choosing your window replacements.

Consider the Orientation of Your House

Homes get the most sun on the south and west sides. If you have large picture windows on one of those sides, you might want the most energy-efficient windows you can afford in those areas.

The more efficient the windows, the more they can cost, so you might not want to spend money on the most expensive windows for every room in your home. Instead, you might want triple-pane tinted windows for the rooms that get the most sun. This protects against the sun's heat but helps keep costs manageable.

Think About Your Local Climate

If you live where hurricanes or tornadoes are a threat, you might want to invest in impact windows. Impact windows might also be a good choice if you want the best glass for home security concerns. Impact windows keep you safer in your home, and that could matter if you have a family you want to protect from flying glass in a storm.

Impact windows crumble but they don't fall out of the frame since the glass pieces are held together by a tough inner film.

Compare Frame, Glass, and Window Styles

If you want to save money on your window replacements, compare costs for different types of glass, styles of windows, and types of frames. You'll find a variety of prices for replacement windows. Vinyl frames are usually one of the most affordable options. While single-pane glass is the most affordable, you might want to pay more for double panes for the best climate control.

A replacement window professional can help you match your new windows to your climate, home, and budget so you get the right windows to keep you comfortable in both the summer and winter.

Think About Useful Features

If you have room in your budget to choose the windows you like best, then think about what's important to you. You probably want windows that are good at blocking heat transfer, but you can also choose windows based on how much light they allow in your home.

If you love natural lighting, then you may want windows with a high visible transmittance rating. However, if you want to reduce glare in your home office, you may want windows with a lower rating.

Also, consider convenience. Double-hung windows cost more, but you may appreciate windows that open from the top as well as the bottom or windows that tilt inside for easy cleaning.