Replacement Windows Buying Guide

Purchasing new, replacement windows are an investment that can instantly improve the beauty, value and comfort of your home. When purchasing a windows replacement for your home, there are many factors to consider, such as the window construction, energy efficiency options, warranties and whether the window is custom-built for your home. Our team of Home Improvement Specialists will help you find the right windows replacement for your home and budget.

Find the right windows to fit your needs

New windows should be constructed of durable, high quality materials that allow for a long service
life. Consider some of the following factors when looking for new replacement windows.

window buying guide md

Constellation Home vinyl replacement windows are precision-engineered to bring you:
– Superior energy efficiency
– Reduced energy consumption
– A more comfortable living environment
– Customizations that add distinction to your home

Color Options

You have the option to select from a variety of colors and finishes that will add distinction and
individuality to every room in your home.
Your new windows can also have a different color for the interior and exterior of your home.
This level of customization helps ensure your windows complement your siding, trim, and
architectural style, creating a cohesive look from the inside out.
View our product pages for color options or speak with a comfort consultant today!

Glass Options

Select from a variety of glass options to complement any décor, from traditional to contemporary – all without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Grid Designs
Classic grids are available in complementary white or beige, with
Colonial, Diamond and Prairie patterns.
Contoured Colonial grids feature a modeled “cut wood” look and are
available in complementary colors and in matching wood grains. We
also offer narrow Colonial grids.

More Replacement Window Options

Construction of Replacement Windows

Fusion-Welded for Strength

Fusion-welded windows, or welded sashes and frame construction, is an advanced manufacturing method that helps create a durable, more secure window built for long-term performance. Less durable windows use staples, screws or caulk to bind the corners of their frames.

Low-Maintenance Vinyl

Windows constructed with rugged, low-maintenance vinyl are the ideal solution for long-lasting comfort and easy upkeep. Vinyl windows will never stick, corrode, pit or rot like wood or metal windows.

Frame Materials and Construction

The materials and construction techniques of a window frame play a key role in its overall performance, durability, and energy efficiency. Many modern replacement windows use vinyl frames paired with advanced construction methods, like welded corners and insulated components, to improve strength and help reduce heat transfer. These features work together with the glass options and weather-sealing systems to create a window that performs well over time.

Plus, most vinyl windows will be low- or virtually-maintenance free, meaning you’ll never have to scrape paint or stain the frame.

Weather Sealing and Insulation

Sealing systems, including weatherstripping, help prevent air leakage and drafts by creating a tighter seal when the window is closed. Insulated frame components and certain glass options slow down heat transfer.

Together, these features in modern windows improve your home’s comfort and supports overall energy efficiency, all year round.

Window Balance System

The balance system for a replacement window is essential to the smooth operation and operational longevity of the window. Different windows use different systems, each with trade-offs regarding their weight capacity, durability, and functionality.

Block and Tackle window block and tackle system

Spring and pulley combination
Low friction for a smooth and quiet balance system
Easy to replace; no adjustments required
Commonly used in modern and heavier windows
Reinforced synthetic fiber balance cord, for long-lasting durability

Constant Force window constant force balance

Tightly coiled springs that are housed in a small drum, creating consistent tension
Great for lighter residential vinyl windows
Reliable, smooth, and low maintenance

Spiral window spiral balance

Rotating rod turns to create tension with a spring inside a metal tube
Known for simple design and adjustability
Prone to long-term tension loss, will likely need maintenance

Custom-Built Windows

Energy Efficiency of Replacement Windows

Energy efficiency is a very important consideration when reviewing your replacement window options. Energy efficiency in windows refers to how well they keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer, which helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This reduces strain on your heating and cooling system and can help lower your home’s energy costs.

Below are some factors that affect the efficiency of new replacement windows:

Glass Coatings

A low-emittance (or “Low-E”) glass coating is a microscopically thin film applied to the glass. This coating keeps the heat inside in the winter and outside in summer. Selecting the proper Low-E coating is dependent upon climate zones. The rating is determined by the amount of heat from the sun that is allowed to penetrate through the glass.

Gas Filling

Filling the space between window panes with a more slow-moving gas minimizes the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside. Many energy efficient windows have Argon, Krypton, or other gases between the panes. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases provide better insulation and a lower U-Factor.

Warm Edge Spacers

Window spacers maintain the proper distance between the glazing layers of windows. Previously, aluminum spacers were used, but were discovered to cause significant heat loss and condensation buildup. Today’s warm edge spacers–made of steel, foam, fiberglass, or vinyl — lower the U-Factor and prevent condensation.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is a feature that has experienced significant improvements over the last 20 years. More durable, better performing plastic weather stripping is used for superior thermal performance. Heavy-duty weather stripping can help seal gaps and prevent air leakage. This leads to greater energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR^®

A significant portion of the average home’s annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling costs, making window efficiency an important factor in overall performance.

Every window featuring the ENERGY STAR label meets the specific energy efficient performance standards developed by the EPA and US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR certified windows are twice as efficient as windows purchased just ten years ago and more efficient than products required under most common national building codes. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

National Fenestration Rating Council

The NFRC label has been designed to help you determine how a particular window can be expected to perform. The NFRC provides consumers with a means for simple and accurate product comparison. Each label highlights the manufacturer, describes the window, and provides additional information, such as energy performance attributes. Visit www.nfrc.org for more information.