3 money-saving tips for window and door replacement

Whether a cold front is on the horizon, you live in an older home, or you are just ready for an update, replacing your windows or doors can be crucial to your comfort--and your wallet. You may be wondering how you can save money buying new windows and doors. Prices may not be getting any cheaper, but energy efficiency has improved. You save money by conserving energy, and you add the value of lowered utility bills to your home--for yourself or for potential buyers.

When to replace your windows

Your windows likely need to be replaced if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

• Excessive condensation or frost
• Cold/warm air coming through in the winter/summer
• Trouble opening or closing a window, or getting the sash to stay up
• Utility bills that seem unreasonably high in extreme weather

Any of these problems could indicate that your windows and doors are poor insulators, your weather stripping needs to be replaced, or you could use a boost in energy efficiency.

3 money-saving tips

If you want to save money on your doors and windows, it's important to get the installation done right the first time. Of course, when planning a budget for new windows and doors, prices matter. But there are other considerations that can have an impact on your overall spending. Here are some tips for keeping your overall costs down:

1. Hire a professional contractor. Though it can be tempting to go the DIY route and install windows yourself, it's actually a more complicated project than you might expect. By hiring a professional contractor, you're ensuring that your new windows will be installed properly. Most contractors can help you choose the products that are right for your home, and may even be able to help you negotiate the price of materials.
2. Choose energy-efficient products. Maximizing your energy efficiency can seriously impact your utility bills, saving you money over time. In fact, according to the government's Energy Star website, you could save up to $501 a year on your energy bills by replacing your existing windows with ones that are more energy-efficient. When selecting your windows, look for Energy Star certification.
3. Do your homework. You wouldn't (or shouldn't) go to the grocery store when you're hungry, so make sure you're well prepared before you go window shopping. Know what materials, brands and sizes are on the market so you already have a good idea of what might be right for you. Consumer Reports is a great resource for information about window brands, materials and styles that are available.

Replacing your windows is a home improvement project with major impact, saving you money while you save the planet.