The windows in your home are more important than you may think.  As a potential home improvement project, window replacements should take more than a few minutes of consideration.  Windows let light into your home and help you heat and cool your living spaces efficiently.  Poor quality windows or an unprofessional installation can turn your home into a blistering summertime sauna that heats you to the max and a wintertime refrigerator that chills you to the bone. In addition, a poor choice of windows may not provide for a secure home.

There are many reasons why it may be time to consider replacing the windows in your home.  If heated or cooled air is traveling through your windows to the outside, you are unnecessarily losing energy.  If the window frame and sash do not fit properly, there are most likely small gaps around your window, costing big money in your energy bills.  Even a gap as small as 1/16^th of an inch around the window is equal to a hole in your wall that is the size of a brick.  If you have noticed condensation on your glass panes, it is a sure sign that it is time to replace the windows.  The moisture supports the growth of mold and bacteria, causing potentially unhealthy conditions.

When choosing window replacements for your home, you will want to consider a few important issues, such as:

• Daylighting – maximizing natural daylight both for energy savings (less daytime use of electric lighting) and for improved mental and physical health. Research conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy laboratories has shown that natural light in the home and in offices is beneficial for humans; it helps us stay healthy and can even help cure some medical problems.

• Temperature control inside your house – make sure to choose windows that are rated as energy efficient, to reduce heat loss in winter and maintain air-conditioned cool air in the summer.

• Security – Make certain the windows are secure and not easy to break into.  Depending on where you live, it might be wise to look into highly secure window locks or other security solutions for your windows, before your new windows are installed.

Another important consideration relates to the installation of the replacement windows.  You may contemplate window installation as a do-it-yourself project, hoping to lower the cost and save some cash.  When it comes to replacing home windows, however, you should definitely think about leaving the job to experienced professionals.  If you do the installation yourself, you are taking the risk of making measurement mistakes and possibly even damaging your walls, especially if you use the wrong tools.  Hiring a professional window installer can ensure that your windows are installed properly for maximum energy efficiency gains.

Replacing windows can be one of the single biggest value-added improvements a home owner can make.  Allied Siding and Windows, serving the Houston, Dallas and Austin areas, uses only top name industry-leading windows.  Using only high quality products in conjunction with their stringent construction and production practices, ensures an optimum level of performance, results, and satisfaction for every customer.  Call Allied Siding and Windows today for additional information.