Shopping window companies and their products can seem like a daunting task.  Preparation is key when buying replacement windows.  Doing your research before you talk to a window professional goes a long way.  Below are a few things you should consider before your window estimate:

1. Learn the window lingo!  Study up on your window vocabulary.  Do you know the difference between an awning and a hopper window?  A window sash and a window pane?  
2. Learn the window science!  You don’t have to be an expert, but studying up on energy efficiency ratings will help you understand a lot more about modern replacement windows.  Below are a few terms to study, our you can download our Window Ratings Guide from Windows Plus to learn more.
   1. U-Factors & R-Values
   2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
   3. Condensation Resistance
   4. Design Pressure (DP)
   5. Air Infiltration
3. Check out company ratings!  You should be able to find reviews from any window company.  If you can’t find many reviews, then chances are the company hasn’t been around long enough to trust.  Below are a few review sites:
   1. Angie’s List
   2. BBB
   3. Google
   4. Yelp

Preparation is key.  Take the time to learn a few things about replacement windows before you schedule your estimate.  This will help you from feeling overwhelmed with the flood of information you may receive.  Remember, an informed shopper is a smart shopper!

For more information check out Windows Plus of Cincinnati or our new Windows Plus of Dayton website to find out more.