Installing new windows is a great way to improve the look of your home and also lower your heating bill in the process, if you life in a cold climate.  Another point to ponder is that in order to improve you homes energy consumption you need to install energy efficient replacement windows.

How to Install Replacement Windows

Here are some steps that should be good general guidelines for installing windows yourself.  Some replacements will have nailing flanges especially if they are new. If your installing used replacement windows they may have the nailing flages cut off.  This is usually not a problem.  You will need to nail or screw through the jamb, much like installing a door.

Step 1 – Double check your measurements to make sure the window you intend to replace is the same size.

Step 2 – Caulk the inside edge of the outside window stops, and along the windowsill. Just a thin bead of caulking will do.

Step 3 – Place the window in the rough opening after you have caulked the nailing flange. If there is no nailing flange simpley set the window in place. I’ve found it works good to set it on shims so there is an equal gap around the entire window.

Step 4 – You should save the trim from the old windows. You will need to refinish by installing the inside stops and trim.

Step 5 – Caulk where the trim meets the window fram both inside and out.

Step 6 – Go outside and examine your handiwork. The window should have a sloped frame that matches the slope of the sill. If not, it should come with an insert that can be used to cover the gap. If there’s a gap but you don’t have an insert, you can cover it with a piece of wood. Caulk the seams where the insert (or your piece of wood) goes against the frame.

Step 7 – Good Job!

Here is a video that shows the steps in replacing a window. Both taking out an old window and installing the new one.

DIY Video on Installing a Replacement Window.

Energy Star- Energy Efficient Window Seal.

I had to choose the best energy efficient replacement windows for home I’m building in a cold climate.  Choosing the best windows for energy efficiency and your budget can be difficult and with the new energy star ratings and tax incentives to replace you old windows, its a smart way to start improving your home.

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

The best energy efficient replacement windows use Low-e Glass and are typically dual paned and gas filled.

Low-E stands for low emissivity and is a  new advance in glass and window technology. Basically metallic coating—applied to a surface of glass—that reflects and re-radiates heat energy  into or out of a home depending on climate conditions. Using Low- Eis an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of a window. In fact, it’s so effective that every window with Low-E is ENERGY STAR® compliant in most regions of the U.S.

What is Energy Star?

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program.  The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. Windows and doors can carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.

Are Gas Filled Windows Efficient?

Air needs to be as still as possible to have insulating value because moving

Dual Pane Gas Filled Windows Improve R-Value

air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they are less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. By the way both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air you breathe and are completely harmless to humans.

Best Replacement Windows to Avoid.

In short if you plan on replacing the windows in your home and you want energy efficient replacement windows, don’t buy windows older than a few years, if you buying used.  Buying used window is Eco friendly way to improve the environment but they also need to be energy efficient if you care to make the improvement long term.

What is a Good U Factor for a Replacement Window?

U Factor numbers work from low to high.  A good U factor number for an efficient window would be .35 and lower.  A U Factor of .30 for instance is better than one with .35 and anything above .35 U factor is just not the best option for an energy efficient window.