Looking for the best replacement windows for your home? Start is by choosing a replacement window that will pay you back by reducing your energy bills.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when properly selected and installed, energy-efficient replacement windows can help you reduce your heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Here are some tips for choosing energy-efficient replacement windows for your home.

Which Replacement Window is Best? It Depends!

It may surprise you to learn that the best replacement window is not determined just by where you live, but where in your home the window is located, as well as how that particular window is designed.

Climate Zone and Your Replacement Windows

To choose the best replacement window for where you live, you'll first want to find out which Energy Star Climate Zone you live in and narrow down your window choices accordingly. A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star has divided up the United States into four climate zones: Northern, or mostly cooling; North/Central, heating and cooling; South/Central, cooling and heating; and finally, Southern, mostly cooling.

Replacement Window Location and Design

In addition to looking for windows that match your climate zone, you'll want to choose your replacement windows based upon your home's design. For example, in heat-dominated climates, by having major glazing areas facing south, you can collect solar heat in the winter then shade the windows with an awning to prevent excessive heat gain in the summer.

Replacement Window Installation

Finally, in addition to choosing the right window for your location and home's design, the D.O.E. suggests having them professionally installed to ensure a proper fit and to make sure that your replacement windows perform at their best.

Sources

• Passive Solar Window Design, EERE Consumer's Guide, Department of Energy
• Types of Window Glazing or Glass, EERE Consumer's Guide, Department of Energy

About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.