It is often best to replace windows when the weather is warm. You won't be letting in cold drafts that will cause your heating bill to sky rocket, especially if you are replacing multiple windows at once. Also, caulk adheres better in warmer weather than it does in freezing cold.

The initial focus when thinking about installing windows is often appearance and window frame construction. Do you go with wood, vinyl, wrapped wood, plastic, or aluminum?

Evaluate the A, B, C ratings.

A) Air Tightness - rated A1, A2, or A3 to reflect increasing levels of air tightness. Fixed windows tend to have higher ratings. Sliders tend to be "leakier" than casement windows.

B) Water Leakage - Ratings range from C1 to a high of C5. CMHC advises a minimum of a C2 rated window.

Also consider,

Glazing - Triple-glazed windows help reduce noise transfer from outside and tend to be better insulators than double-glazed windows.

Low-emissivity (Low-E) windows enhance energy efficiency. Low-E windows have a thin coating of metal oxide on the inside windowpane that filters UV rays & blocks interior heat from escaping through the glass.

Warranty is Important - For how long are the components of the window covered?

For how many years is the thermopane covered?

Check to see if there is a difference in coverage between a glass break and the formation of condensation between the panes of glass.

What is the company's labour warranty, and what EXACTLY does it cover?

If you see "limited lifetime warranty," what EXACTLY does the company mean?

Find out about available government grants & incentives for making energy-efficient home upgrades. Click on the link below for a great start to saving money on your investment .....

Canadian Government Home Renovation Grants & Rebates - Show Me the Green