There are plenty of reasons to focus your home"s attention on quality windows. They are your home's threshold to the outdoors, providing views, security, comfort, day lighting, ventilation and solar heating during the winter. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, inefficient windows and doors can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder. If you haven't had an energy audit yet, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. This can often be done for a small fee, but can reduce your energy bills dramatically if proper action is taken.

Shopping for new windows can be overwhelming because they come in so many styles and types. Windows are typically constructed out of Aluminum, Vinyl, Fiberglass, of Wood.

Aluminum windows are just that, Aluminum. This is a strong material and often the thinnest profile of the other window styles.

Vinyl windows are popular because they generally give you the best value for your dollar. They are durable and readily available in all shapes and sizes and an affordable alternative to wood.

Fiberglass windows have the best of both worlds, durability and aesthetics. Fiberglass windows also resemble wood windows more than Vinyl because they do not have a glossy finish.

Wood Windows are the most popular and sought after of window types. They typically come in a variety of shapes and their aesthetics often contain grills that are popular among homeowners. However, they require more maintenance than the other types and are not appropriate in all climates.

There are also some key terms you should know when looking to replace your windows"

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The SHGC measures how much solar heat is admitted/ transmitted through a window. SHGC is measured on a scale between 0 and 1. The lower a window"s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. This is the most important factor when choosing a window in a desert climate like Phoenix. When looking for a window you want to choose one with a SHGC less than or equal to 0.30

Visible Transmittance (VT)
The VT is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted through a window. VT is a whole window rating and includes the impact of the frame which does not transmit any visible light. The higher the VT the more visible light is transmitted.

Air Leakage (AL)
The Air Leakage measures how much air is able to pass through the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the assembly. AL is very important, as it allow to keep the warm or cool outside air from penetrating your home when trying to heat or cool your house, but not as important as U-factor and SHGC. AL is an optional rating on the NFRC label. Generally casement and awning type windows are the tightest windows meaning less air is able to pass through them. Sliding windows, Double and Single hung windows do not seal as tight thus have a higher AL.

Low-E Coating
Low-emittance (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow. These coatings reflect radiant infrared energy, thus tending to keep radiant heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. This often results in more efficient windows because: radiant heat originating from indoors is reflected back inside, thus keeping heat inside in the winter, and infrared radiation from the sun is reflected away, keeping it cooler inside in the summer. In our desert climate in order to keep the sun"s heat out of the house the Low-E coating should be applied to the outside pane of glass.

It's important not be overwhelmed by window lingo that may seem foreign. You can find home remodeling contractors that replace windows and doors all the time for their clients and are experts in the field that can help guide you on the right path for the perfect windows for your home!