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Buying replacement
windows
Before you buy a window, we
recommend that you do your research. Browse our site for great
information
Before you purchase your windows, we
suggest that you do some research. Browse our site for vast amount of
information to assist you in your decision.
Windows may look simple, but in truth, they are complex devices, which
become more complicated when trying to decide which recommended window
is right for your climate.
Northern climates where keeping heat
inside of your home have different product recommendations than southern
climates where you want to keep the summer heat out of you home and the
cool air-conditioned air inside. Purchasing your windows does not have
to be a complicated procedure.
Step one: Educate yourself.
Find the windows that are right for your climate and your wallet.
Learn about the importance of the NFRC and ENERGY STARŪ labels. To do
this, visit their websites at: http://www.nfrc.org/ and
http://www.energystar.gov/ Then familiarize yourself with the Efficient
Windows Collaborative members in your area. You can visit their website
at http://www.efficientwindows.org/ Once there, visit their member web
sites, read the information listed, and learn about their products, and
materials. Make sure you write down all the questions you want answered.
Step two: You want to visit the retailers or distributors in your
area.
Examine the products you want within your
price range. If the retailers have working displays, open and close the
windows examine them. If you don't think the window is right for you in
the store, chances are it wont be right in your home. Ask questions. If
the sales staff doesn't know the answer to your question, doesn't
understand about the energy efficiency features of their products, or
cannot locate anyone to answer all your questions---GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
You want the salesperson to explain to you about the energy efficiency
features of the products, in a way that you completely understand. Make
sure you look for the ENERGY STARŪ, and NFRC label on the products you
are interested in. You want windows right for your climate and just as
important, your wallet.
Installation is an extremely important matter with windows. If you feel
more comfortable purchasing your windows from an individual contractor
than you do from a manufacture, make sure the contractor you chose can
describes the installation process to you, in a way that you understand.
You also want to ensure that he/she knows as much about the NFRC
labeling and ENERGY STARŪ products as you.
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