Chicago Replacement Windows

Chicago Replacement Windows

Look at your old windows. Do you see condensation? Signs of carpenter ants or termites? Mold? Gaps that create drafts? Are they single pane? Just plain dilapidated? It's time to replace them. Here's how to start:

Chicago Windows Choices

• In Chicago, vinyl windows are one choice. Window assemblies made completely of vinyl are relatively inexpensive and are low maintenance. They'll outperform your drafty old single pane windows, but not as much as other choices. Use the colors offered--you can't paint or stain them.

• For Chicago, fiberglass windows or wood frames clad with vinyl or aluminum offer the best performance. Many of these carry an ENERGY STAR rating.

Windows Price Estimator

Curious about the cost of new windows?

Select Your Project Type?

Replacement Windows

Replace existing windows

New Construction

Construct new opening and install new windows

Select Your Budget

Economy Mid Range High End

Select Number of Windows

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Enter Zip Code

Why Is ENERGY STAR Important?

An ENERGY STAR label on replacement windows may earn you federal tax credits through 2010. Check out how such a tax credit can offset the $7,000 to $20,000 (or more) cost of Chicago window replacement at ENERGY STAR. Significantly lowered utility bills offer additional savings.

Now Decipher the Window Label's Ratings:

• U-factor is a biggie. This is the rate of transmission of heat and cold through the whole window assembly. Lower is better.for replacement windows in Chicago.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC.) This is the amount of solar heat transmitted through the glass itself. Chicago homes have much greater heating than cooling needs annually, so you may want to maximize solar gain.
• Visible Transmission (VT) measures the light transmitted through the whole window assembly.
• Other ratings not always on the label: AL means Air Leakage, and CR means Condensation Resistance. Both are important for Chicago windows.

Online Replacement Windows Help

Customize the choices for your Chicago window replacement by downloading RESFEN at the U.S. Department of Energy. Let those Chicago winds blow around your home, not through it!