Are your windows standing the test of time? When they are well-constructed, made of high-quality materials, and properly maintained, your windows could last 20 years or more.

If this doesn’t sound like your windows, you may be planning to have them replaced. A recent survey showed that nearly 2/3 of homeowners are planning a variety of renovation projects. The National Association of Homebuilders’ “Remodeling Market Index” for 2012 stated that 44% of that year’s renovation jobs consisted of window or door replacements.

When renovating your house prior to putting it on the market, you might be interested to know that replacing windows is a sound investment. The average cost of window replacement is between $300 and $700 for each window, and the National Association of Realtors reports that you should be able to recoup 80% of this investment when you sell.

Are you familiar with vinyl replacement windows? These are a popular choice for replacing residential windows. If your windows are drafty, you’re probably paying 10% to 25% more than you need to heat and/ or cool your home. Vinyl is a sturdy building material, and replacement windows are available in a variety of styles.

When you contact and consult with a window company, they may recommend dual-paned vinyl replacement windows. These windows are considered to be twice as effective as single-paned ones for retaining heat and/or cool air.

Efficient Windows Collaborative states that you may be able to save up to 15% on your annual energy bill when you have your old windows replaced with energy-efficient ones. You can improve your energy efficiency even more by purchasing windows with low-emissivity coatings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver resource guide, low-emissivity, or low-e, coatings, provide a layer of insulation that controls heat being transferred through the windows. While these types of windows usually cost 10% to 15% more than regular windows, your energy loss can be reduced by 30% to 50%.

In order to make your home as energy efficient as possible, you want to have the best windows possible installed. Choosing double-paned vinyl replacement windows can make a difference in creating a comfortable environment within your home while saving on energy costs. If your wood doors are letting in drafts, then you may want to have these replaced with vinyl ones as well.