Windows.

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Replacing windows in a brick home is not something a novice should attempt. Consider instead hiring a pro for this job.

For the most part, all vinyl replacement windows are the same despite the claims of sales reps or contractor installers.

The main considerations you need to concern yourself with when comparing windows is:

1) Energy Code Complinace
2) Warranty

For energy code complinace, you need to consult your local code office to determine what the energy values of your window must be. The energy value will be in the form of a "U factor". U-factor is the ability of a window as an overall unit to transmit energy through it. The lower the U factor the better. U factor maximums depend on region. They can be higher in the south but must be lower in the north. It does not matter how one achieves the desired U factor, whether with argon gas, low-e coatings, insulated frames or multiple panes of glass. U-factor takes all those things into consideration and boils them down to a single U-factor number.

The other energy related number you might need to be concerned with is the Solar Heat gain Coefficient of SHGC. The SHGC measures the windows ability to allow solar heat to be transitted through a window. Solar heat gain is usually only a concern in very hot climates where solar gain can increase energy cost of air conditioning. The highet the SHGC number the better.

Lastly, consider warranties. Many no-name windows have better warranties than some of the well known brands. Lifetime on construction and 20 years on glass is now pretty common.

Find the most energy effieicnt window with the best warranty.

The rest is optional.