Window shopping
By Melanie Chambers • Bankrate.com

Shopping for new windows can be tough because they all look the same, even to window experts, says Terry Lee, president of Centennial Windows in London, Ont.

"Inside the windows, there are many components you don't see, and that's the difference."

But if your windows are more than 15 years old, it's time to start looking. Recent advances mean new windows could save you a lot of money in heating and cooling bills. Here are some guidelines of what to look for.

Be a label snob
There are two labels you should look for when buying a window. A Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification label means the manufacturer has had the window independently tested, and that the window meets all the claims the manufacturer makes about it. A CSA label also shows the results of tests for air filtration, moisture and wind resistance.

An ENERGY STAR label is optional but highly recommended by experts because it means the window has proven its energy efficiency to a host of organizations across North America, including Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.

An ENERGY STAR label also features one of four climate designations for which the window is best-suited. So, for example, Zone A is the minimum recommended for those who live in the mild climate of lower British Columbia, while you'd want something rated Zone D if you live in the colder territories.

ENERGY STAR windows can cost as much as 20 percent more than regular windows, but depending on your house, they can yield nine to 18 percent return on your heating costs.

Choose by style and price
Style may not seem like the most important consideration when buying a window, but it can add to the overall look of your home and save you money.

Sliding windows are one of the least expensive styles of windows. Horizontal sliders are best-suited to openings that are wider than they are tall, so they're great for basements, while vertical sliders are better-suited for showcasing large vertical spaces. Many models offer sashes (the movable pane) that pull or pivot out for easy cleaning.

Casement windows crank out, and awning windows open from the bottom upwards. Casements are the most popular window of the bunch today, as they adapt well to many styles of homes and are incredibly airtight. But they're also more expensive than sliders.

A vinyl casement bay window 48 inches high by 84 inches wide, for example, from Home Hardware, operable on both sides with a fixed middle window, costs in the neighbourhood of $995. A slider for the same space would cost $620.

Shoppers can also choose different types of glass and glazes, which also affect energy efficiency. Single-glazing is almost useless, while double is the standard and triple may be overkill.

When getting quotes, ask manufacturers for a window's overall energy rating, not the "centre of glass" R value or U value. Typically, a good double-glazed window has a rating of R2.

Lee suggests choosing a low-emissivity, or low-e, window. A thin metallic coating on the glass reflects light and warmth into the house in the winter and keeps the house cooler in the summer. You can gain even more energy efficiency by adding argon gas between the panes as an extra insulator.

Don't skimp on installation
"I've seen windows put in upside down by reputable contractors," says Lee. And although that may sound funny, it's a serious problem because shoddy installation can negate the effects of the most energy-efficient window.

So, when possible, it's advisable to buy directly from the manufacturer with its own installers, since few manufacturers will honour a warranty from third-party installers with whom they have no association. If that isn't an option, and your installer isn't associated with the manufacturer, make sure you ask for a warranty from his company as well.

You may not need to rip out the entire window from your wall. If the frame is in good condition, just replace the mechanisms inside the window. A full replacement can damage the wall and cost more to repair. A good installer can suggest which option is best for you.

"We never quote someone on installation until the installer sees it (window) on site," says Dave Kirk, manager of the Home Hardware Building Centre in London, Ontario. On average, one window costs $160 to install, but that varies depending on your home and the kind of window.

Choose lasting materials
Wood can rot and warp and requires ongoing maintenance. A vinyl-clad wood window, on the other hand, is more durable and doesn't have to be painted.

Vinyl is by far the most popular option when it comes to windows these days. It is the most economical, provides good air-tightness and is low maintenance. Because vinyl can contract and expand, choose the thickest option available. Be wary of aluminum-reinforced vinyl as it may decrease the window's insulation factor.

Fibreglass is strong, paintable and a great energy-saver. But it isn't as durable as a vinyl and is also the most expensive of all window materials.

Steer clear of metal-clad windows. Metals, such as aluminum, transmit cold, so they are not recommended for home window installations.

The bells and whistles will cost you
As a rule of thumb, you can spend as much as 15 percent more on options such as protective glass and grills. So, a custom-made vinyl window from a manufacturer might cost you $1,500, but add a few options, and you're up to $2,000. So, choose only the options you need the most.

And at the end of your window shopping journey, make sure the windows you choose are easy to clean. Most styles will snap out for easy cleaning, but be sure you ask about it. Because it's no good having a low-e, argon-gas-filled window with a Zone D rating if you can't see outside for dirt.

Melanie Chambers is a freelance writer based in London, Ontario.