Does Replacing Windows Increase Home Value? ROI, Curb Appeal, and Energy Efficiency

Modern windows offer direct financial returns through improved energy efficiency and higher resale value. They also make your home more attractive, secure, and comfortable.

If you’re a homeowner looking to replacing your windows for improved resale value, then this guide is for you. We’ll examine various elements of window replacement—from measurable ROI and energy savings to subtle benefits that enhance buyer appeal.

How New Windows Boost Your Home Value

Do new windows really increase home value? Absolutely—Plus, you’ll enjoy savings beyond the increase in home value.

Direct Financial ROI

According to the Journal of Light Construction, homeowners in the United States, on average, can expect to recoup anywhere from 63–67% of their replacement window cost. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home anytime soon, having two-thirds of your window replacement covered via increased resale value is a huge win.

Beyond resale value, homeowners can expect to see a direct impact on their utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows account for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce this energy loss. Energy Star estimates that, on average, replacing old windows can reduce household energy bills by 13%.

Elevate Appraisal and Resale Value

We’ve already seen the direct benefit of replacement windows on home value, but generally speaking, homes with updated windows often face fewer inspection issues. That leads to fewer repair credits during negotiations and firmer prices for sellers. All things considered, buyers are typically willing to pay more for homes featuring updated, efficient windows.

Transformed Curb Appeal & Aesthetics

Replacing windows can dramatically improve your home’s exterior. New windows provide a modern, clean look that boosts curb appeal and market desirability. A refreshed exterior indicates quality maintenance and contemporary design, making a strong first impression on buyers.

The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics finds that curb appeal accounts for up to 7% of a home’s sale price. An informal RE/MAX poll found that 46.2% of respondents agreed that a shabby exterior is their biggest turnoff when touring homes. While curb appeal encompasses more than windows, it certainly isn’t less than windows. Who knows if those energy-efficient replacement windows just might be the “it factor” that hooks interested buyers.

Better Functionality, Security, & Noise Control

Not all replacement window ROI can be measured in dollars. Sometimes, the value of new windows is measured in peace of mind.

• How much is greater security for your family worth?
• What dollar value would you assign to reducing the noise of cars driving by?

Enhanced locking mechanisms, durable frames, and double- or triple-pane glass ensure smooth operation, greater resistance to break-ins, and optimum noise reduction. The practical improvements of a safer, quieter, more comfortable home might not be easy to measure, but they’re certainly worth considering.

What to Consider Before Replacing Your Windows

If replacement windows sound increasingly appealing, here are a few things you should consider. If you want more help, feel free to reach out to us at Zen Windows. We make replacement windows simple and stress-free!

Assess Your Current Window Setup

Before you decide for or against replacement windows to improve your home value and quality of living, we recommend evaluating your home’s current windows.

Look for signs such as age, visible damage (e.g., cracked glass or failed seals), drafts, and operational issues like difficulty opening or closing. Repairs may not be worth the cost, especially if your windows are older and inefficient.

Select the Right Type of Windows

The window market can be rather confusing, so it’s important you work with a trusted company to get as much value as you can out of your new windows.

At Zen Windows, we recommend vinyl windows from manufacturers like ProVia as a great option in most situations. Not only are they relatively affordable, but they maximize energy efficiency and durability while minimizing maintenance. Vinyl windows also tend to come in countless design and finish options, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for.

Evaluate Market Conditions & Timing

If improving the resale value of your home is a major factor for you, it’s worth taking a look at the real estate market in your area.

In some areas, updated windows are essential for competitive home sales; in others, buyers may be more flexible regarding window age. In less competitive markets, you may be able to make your home stand out with newer windows, whereas in more competitive markets, location or other amenities may make replacement windows slightly less valuable.

Government Incentives & Rebates for Replacement Windows

Tax rebates can significantly improve the financial equation of window replacement. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, in effect until 2032, offers up to a $600 credit for exterior windows.

You may also be able to identify state-level or regional programs that assist with energy-efficient improvements.

For example, the WarmWise Home Savings Program for customers of Columbia Gas in Virginia offers rebates for energy-efficient windows. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency or inquiring with your utility companies about energy-efficiency rebates and incentives.

Maximize Home Value with Smart Window Upgrades

Replacing your windows can significantly enhance your home’s value through a combination of direct financial returns, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced curb appeal. The initial investment may seem considerable, but the long-term benefits—ranging from lower utility bills to increased buyer confidence—make window upgrades a wise choice for many homeowners.

Whether you plan to sell soon or hope to enjoy your new windows for years to come, Zen Windows is here to help you explore your options. With zero pushy salespeople, you can contact us without risking being chased down with phone calls and in-person sales consultations.

Window & Door Design Trends for 2022

Your home’s windows and doors have a greater impact on your day-to-day life than you probably realize. The age, style, and placement of these features affect your comfort level, ventilation options, energy bills, and curb appeal.

If you’re in the market for new windows and doors, make sure your upgrade is beautiful and functional by selecting up-to-date options. Here are the top window and door styles for 2022.

Black Window & Door Frames

While white window frames will never go out of fashion, black is the most stylish color in 2022. Requests for this window frame color have increased by 200% in the past few years. Black contrasts beautifully with minimalistic white walls and creates a dramatic look, inside and out.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows & Doors

The desire for more natural light continues to affect window and door trends in 2022. In this case, bigger is better, with expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that span entire walls. Homeowners often don’t install curtains and blinds on such window walls to avoid obstructing the fantastic view.

Full-height entry doors are another way to make a statement, creating a sleek, modern look that makes the room feel larger than it really is.

Box Bay Windows

Bay windows traditionally protrude from a home’s foundation at an obtuse angle. Box bay windows are a more modern take on this design, with sharp, 90-degree angles that widen the field of view even more. This design leaves plenty of room for a built-in window seat, a 2022 trend that offers cozy comfort, practical storage, and an eye-catching focal point.

Corner-Unit Windows

Say goodbye to dark corners or dim, shadowy alcoves. This modern window trend captures a panoramic view and lets light enter from multiple directions. The clean aesthetic and minimal visual disruption makes corner-unit windows visually pleasing from inside and out.

Sidelites

An easy way to make your entryway feel brighter and more welcoming is to install a sidelite on one or both sides of the front door. These vertical windows are traditionally fixed, meaning they don’t open, but modern versions can operate like casement windows.

Special Shape Windows

Do you want to let in more light while emphasizing a unique architectural feature of your home? Special shape windows do just that. The customization options are nearly endless, with shapes such as circles and half-circles, triangles and trapezoids, hexagons and octagons, and many others to choose from.

Easy-Slide Operation

The concept behind this trend, which applies to both windows and doors, is to reduce the frustration of trying to open a stubborn window. Advanced engineering allows modern sliding windows and doors to glide open with a touch of your fingertips. This ensures that struggling to open a window or door will never again add to the stress of daily life.

Three- and Four-Panel Sliding Glass Doors

Indoor/outdoor living is incredibly important to homeowners in 2022. Whether you use your outdoor space to rest and recuperate or eat and entertain, you can make the most of it with an expansive, three- or four-panel sliding glass door.

Some designs include a combination of operable and fixed panels, while others lift and slide completely out of the way to optimize indoor/outdoor living.

Replace Your Windows & Doors

Do any of these trends appeal to you? If you’re ready to replace your windows and doors, trust Zen Windows to make the process smooth and hassle-free. We bring decades of experience to the table, with no sales pressure and no money down, to get your project off to a good start.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to request your free quote!

Which Patio Door Style Is Right for You?

You Have Options, and the Choice Is Yours!

If it’s time to install new patio doors in your home — either for the first time as part of remodeling, or to replace your current outdated, worn-down, or inefficient patio doors — you’re going to quickly discover you have two major options to consider: Sliding glass patio doors and French-style patio doors.

Today, we’ll look closely at each style, what they are, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and when you might choose one over the other. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a complete picture of your options, and you’ll know the right style for your home!

Sliding Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are perhaps the most common patio door in North America. While you’re undoubtedly familiar, let’s cover the basics just in case.

Sliding glass doors are made of large panes of glass on a track, allowing one or more of the panels to slide aside so you can enter and exit.

You might also see the same type of construction, albeit at a different size, used for a bathtub or shower door or as a side-to-side sliding window.

Pros

• Require very little room
• Familiar, popular style
• Slightly less expensive
• Let in lots of light
• Cheaper installation
• Tight, reliable seals

Cons

• Privacy concerns without blinds or curtains
• Price can climb quickly with additional panels
• Doesn’t always match the aesthetic of traditional homes

Sliding glass doors make sense when space is at a premium in your home, a tight seal is a high priority, and you want to have a vast, uninterrupted view of your patio and beyond.

French Doors

French-style doors are less common but still popular. Unlike sliding glass doors, French patio doors use hinges and open in or out like a normal door from hinges on the side.

Most commonly installed as double doors, French doors are, like sliding-glass doors, primarily made of glass. If you want something more ornate or dislike dealing with a sliding glass door track, French doors are an excellent option.

Pros

• Versatile designs ranging from highly ornate to modern and functional
• Open very wide for ventilation
• Traditional aesthetic suitable for homes where sliding glass doors may not be appropriate
• Less maintenance than sliding glass

Cons

• Start more expensive
• Gaps between panels can be security and air infiltration weak points without care
• Require space to swing open
• Less popular with buyers

French doors make sense if you’d love to have a huge source of ventilation (or for moving things in and out of your home), you want something more ornate than your average sliding glass door without investing in multiple panels, and you have the room for them the open freely.

Trust Zen Windows for Patio Door Installation

Sliding glass and French-style doors both make an excellent addition to your home, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to choose one or the other as a “correct” choice for your home. The best door or window upgrade will always be the one that satisfies you the most and helps you meet your goals.

No matter which style you choose, you can trust Zen Windows to install a high-quality patio door you can rely on to be functional, efficient, and beautiful for years to come.

Contact us online or call to learn more about the patio door options available from Zen Windows in your area!

Choosing the Right Window Style for Your Home

The perfect window can bring the outdoors in and enhance your home’s exterior for added safety and security. But which window is perfect for you? Whether you are replacing old windows in an existing home for a more attractive view, choosing new windows for an addition, or starting a self-build, these four tips will help you select the style that looks most authentic and appealing for the architecture of your home.

1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture

One of the first things to consider when choosing the right window style for your home is your home’s specific architectural style. You want windows that will complement your home’s style, not fight it.

Window Styles for Modern Homes

If you have a modern-style home, consider the sleek lines of casement windows to increase ventilation in your home, which helps to decrease energy costs. Like casement windows, awning windows open using a hinge on the top or bottom instead of the side and are perfect for saving indoor space while providing light and ventilation. Picture windows, which are fixed instead of operable, have become increasingly popular, as they too offer natural light, can help reduce energy bills, and can be designed to match other window styles in your home. Special shape windows are also popular for contemporary homes.

Window Styles for Traditional Homes

If you have a more traditional home, you can’t go wrong with double-hung windows. Their timeless look makes them suitable for nearly any home style, which is why they’re by far the most popular window style. A double-hung window is contained in a single casement and features an upper and lower window sash that slides vertically past one another. With a large portion of the window’s area available for ventilation, double-hung windows are great for creating breezes. When they’re closed, they provide insulation for improved energy efficiency and UV protection, and they’re easy to clean because of their tilt-in feature. Bay and bow windows often blend well with vintage homes, and their three-dimensional shape adds interest both inside and out.

2. Decide What Functionality You Want From Your Windows

When choosing a window style, consider the room where it will be located. Do you want natural light, ventilation, or both? One of the most important purposes of a window is to allow air to move in and out of your rooms. Garden windows not only allow natural light and beauty to your home, but they also allow great insulation and distribution of air within your room.

Are you looking for a window that lets more light in? Slider and bay windows are perfect choices for brightening up your home. Slider windows are a good choice when you need to constantly open and close windows, and bay windows can serve as a visual centerpiece in large living rooms or family rooms.

Do you need windows that offer greater security? Casement windows tend to be relatively secure against intruders because the open space is narrow when the windows are open. Awning windows also have a small opening, providing an extra layer of security at an affordable price.

3. Evaluate How Much Ventilation You Want

Operable windows are the ideal choice when you want to catch and direct cool breezes into your home. The two openings on double-hung windows make them excellent for room ventilation, and they are typically easy to open and close because of their springs or weights. Bay and bow windows add immediate charm to any property, as they offer additional space inside the room and maximize the amount of light by the increased number of panes without compromising on security. Even better, their close-set panes create an effective cross-breeze.

If you want light but no ventilation, picture windows are your best bet. They’re fixed, meaning they’re designed not to open. With no openings, you’re guaranteed no air leakage.

4. Bring Color In through Zen Window Frames

Depending on the color and style of your home’s architecture, you may choose window frames that lend color to the exterior of your home. Vinyl windows are popular with Zen Windows customers because of their efficiency, affordability, and low maintenance. Some Zen locations also offer fiberglass windows. Whether you choose vinyl or fiberglass frames, our window manufacturers offer factory colors already infused into the frame material. We can help you choose the aesthetic features that best meet your needs, including decorative glass, colored frames, and advanced screens.

Enlist Zen Windows Pros to Help Choose Your Window Style

The best window style for your home depends on your needs and wants as a homeowner. At Zen Windows, our team can help you find the style of window that will best achieve your vision. If you’re unsure how to get started or feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with one of our team members, who will answer any questions you may have about a window style or project idea.

To schedule your free consultation today, give us a call to learn more about how we can help you. You can also find your nearest Zen Windows location and reach out directly.

Can You Mix Window Styles?

New window installation on your home can create instant curb appeal and transform its appearance. Whether you are replacing the windows in your home, building an addition, or starting a new construction project, there are many window options and styles to choose from. It can be hard to choose one, so you find yourself asking: Can I mix and match different window styles throughout my home? The short answer is yes – if you do it carefully.

Many homeowners don’t realize that they have a choice in window style variations because many homes are built with windows of the same style throughout the entire home. However, windows are the eyes of your home!  Not only do they add to your everyday enjoyment, but they also provide character and convey your personality and style.

To mix and match correctly requires a bit of knowledge about your home’s style, window trends, your likes, and your dislikes. So how do you mix window styles for your project? Before updating your windows, consider these guidelines on choosing the right window styles that will best complement your home.

Understand Your Home’s Style

Choosing a window style that suits your home’s architecture is an important element to keep in mind. Certain window styles are often associated with particular architectural styles. The theme is important to consider when mixing and matching window styles since it will keep your curb appeal seamless and appealing.

Window Styles for a Traditional Home

Traditional home styles like Victorian, Colonial, or Cape Cod fare better with a mix of double-hung, bay, or bow windows to help achieve a timeless look. These window styles come in different sizes and shapes that you can mix without making your home look unusual.

Window Styles for a Modern Home

Contemporary or modern home styles work best with windows that have clean lines and asymmetrical designs. If you have a modern home, you should ideally consider windows with a modern and sleek appearance. For example, casement windows are made from a large expanse of glass, provide a clear view of your surrounding property, and have a minimalist look. You could also consider slider windows, which are perfect if there is not enough room for casement windows to open correctly. They also have a sleek and stylish appearance as they slide open, therefore, saving space and adding ample light and ventilation to your home.

The main rule here is when you are choosing windows for your home, try and stick to an overall theme that matches the style of the property.

Window Trends for Your Home

According to Redfin’s top 8 home design trends in 2021, floor-to-ceiling windows become the focal point of any room. On-trend with indoor/outdoor living, garden windows allow light to pour into your space without the need to step foot outside.

Energy-efficiency replacement windows have become increasingly popular because they are designed to save you money on your heating and cooling bills while preventing drafts and reducing stress on your HVAC system.

Special shape windows are an excellent choice for any homeowner looking to add interesting and unique architectural styling to their home. Special shape windows accentuate other window styles and create a unique architectural style all their own. With design shapes like circles, half-circles, trapezoids, triangles, and virtually any other shape you can imagine, the design possibilities for your window project are nearly endless. In addition to the many shapes offered, our special shape windows come in several styles, finishing options, colors, and materials.

Express Your Style

Whether you are shopping for windows for new construction or replacing the windows in your existing home, one thing will immediately become crystal clear — there are many decisions to make! When installing new windows on your home, the general idea is to stick to a theme or style, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick to one specific type of window. If your house is a modern or traditional style, you can match the style of your home in your choice of windows. However, you don’t want to mix things up too much, as it could end up looking a bit odd. If you plan to mix and match window styles, staying within an overall theme will allow you to express yourself while boosting curb appeal.

Rather than be overwhelmed, you can always ask us for advice to help you make the right choices for your home and family. No matter how you want to mix and match your windows, Zen Windows can help you select the perfect window combination for your home.

Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you, or find your nearest Zen Windows location and reach out directly.

You Have So Many Options When Choosing Windows

Whether you’re looking at the interior or exterior, the aesthetic of any home is heavily shaped by the appearance of its windows. The right window in the right place can transform a room, draw the eye from the street, or add utility and comfort; the wrong windows can, conversely, leave a home with a lackluster, boring, or outright ugly appearance. It’s no surprise that homeowners can be overwhelmed by the idea of choosing windows in the right style, with the right customization, the right material, the right everything.

Today, we’ll walk you through the options you’ll consider — ideally, with the help of the Zen Windows team — as you choose and design windows for your home, so you can understand the decisions you’ll make and feel a little less intimidated. After all, shopping for windows shouldn’t be scary; it should be exciting and fun!

What Can Be Customized on a Window?

When you’re buying new windows, nearly every component can be customized to a greater or lesser degree, from something as major as the shape of the window and how it operates to the final coating on the finished installation.

Most homeowners start with a window style, such as casement, or picture windows, and work from there — but you can start from a brand, material, color, or glass if you have something specific you’re aiming for.

In most cases, your decisions for window design and customization will look include:

• Window style
• Window material
• Window color
• Grid type
• Glass type
• Hardware

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Window Style

There are countless window styles to start with, from simple single- or double-hung windows to elaborate bay and bow windows. How unique or attention-grabbing do you want your windows to be in the room or from the street? Do you want them to be operable? If so, do you have a preference as to whether they slide open, open like a door, open in or out, etc.?

This can be the hardest decision to make since it governs so much of the final effect — but you can just as easily choose simple double-hung windows or replace your windows with whatever style you currently have and move on immediately to other questions.

Window Material

When you think of windows, you probably think of glass, but of course, any window design is made up of much more than the panes themselves — you also need to consider window materials. If you want to enjoy flexibility in all other options, vinyl is a great choice — it’s Zen Windows’ best seller, and for good reason. Vinyl windows are durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.

Some Zen Windows locations also sell fiberglass windows, which are beloved for their variety of finishes.

Window Color

Once you’ve settled on a material, you’ll be able to explore your options for more than color, but the final aesthetic of your window isn’t just about the shade of white. Whether you want your window to resemble a slick modern plastic, rustic painted wood, or something else entirely, you must also consider the finish.

In some cases, you’ll choose multiple colors, as you can independently color the exterior materials, interior materials, and grid for many windows. Make sure to explore all the options available for a particular material, as you might be surprised by what you can do with color, paint, and coatings.

Grid Type

Grids or grilles can add a lot of character to any window. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a grid is a decorative insert fixed either outside of your window or between the panes; if you’ve seen wood or plastic that goes over the glass in a decorative pattern, that’s a grid.

If you truly want your windows to have character, you’re going to want to consider what — if any — grid you’re using. A bare unobstructed pane can be easier to clean and more practical for letting in light, but it may look unfinished in a larger frame.

Glass Type

Choosing glass can be quite an important part of the window design process. A window’s efficiency is largely determined by the nature of its glass — and you’re not just choosing the specific make of glass and its coatings for energy efficiency; you’ll also decide how many panes the window has.

A triple-paned window with the right low-emissivity glass and appropriate spacing can be impervious to the elements, more secure, and more reliable in a disaster. However, of course, premium windows like this will cost more.

Hardware and Other Accessories

You won’t always have hardware and accessories to think about, but some window designs will have handles, locks, screens, and other fittings you may be able to customize. You might choose the color or even the material — and these little bits of character can have a transformative effect on the final product.

You Don’t Need to Choose On Your Own

Hopefully, when it comes time to shop for replacement windows, this knowledge will help you fully explore your options and work with a design team to find the perfect fit for your home. Seeing the possibilities in our idea gallery or having an interesting option revealed to you when you request available patterns, materials, and colors from your local Zen Windows can result in something completely unexpected and beautiful.

If you’d like to learn more about customizing options or hear what Zen Windows could do for your home, reach out to our team!