Buying new vinyl windows is an investment - affecting looks, comfort, value, and resale of your home. These tips will show you what to watch for in vinyl clad window quality, as well as in sales personnel!

Aluminum and vinyl windows were certified under ANSI-AAMA standards into the 90's, at which time, standards were changed. An additional quality factor was added, which narrowed certified manufacturers considerably. Standards of quality are now upheld by AAMA/NWWDA certification.

Wood windows need special handling or damage can result. Ventilate the storage area of your wood replacement windows and keep them covered to stay clean and dry. Avoid handling the windows without gloves to keep stains from botching the paint job later. These tips will detail some important wood window installation requirements.

If purchasing wood windows, sort through all the confusion with ease by buying only NWWDA certified windows. Look for the NWWDA labels certifying that your wood replacement windows meet those high standards...or keep shopping A list is included here for manufacturers who also provide an NWWDA certified water repellant wood preservative for their windows.

Your wood windows and doors should save you energy and provide comfort. To be sure you save money due to high performance over time, buy quality wood windows that are certified by the NWWDA. This list of NWWDA certified wood window manufacturers will get you on the right track.

There are over 1,000 NWWDA certified wood windows on the market. Some manufacturers only have some of their window lines certified. Here is a partial list of NWWDA Hallmark Certified wood windows to help you with your decision.

Each component of vinyl windows affects its performance. The quality of vinyl replacement windows varies by maker. Look for certified standard labels with AAMA, NWWDA, NFRC and/or Energy Star to assure you are buying vinyl windows of highest quality. NFRC or Energy Star certified windows reflect high caliber energy efficiency.

Window installation should be done by the company that sold them to you, by their employees -- not a sub-contractor. Whatever company you select for your windows, check insurance coverage and get all promises in writing.

Energy Star windows? AAMA-NWWDA? NFRC? What are all these letters about? Each signal significant quality in Energy Star vinyl windows. Energy Star and NFRC standards signify windows with high energy efficiency. AAMA and NWWDA certify quality materials. Any or a combo of these labels on your vinyl windows should give you great peace of mind.

Spend as much as you can on window glass that has the lowest U value. The insulating properties against heat loss/gain are best accomplished with invisible heat film.