A recent survey showed that nearly 2/3 of homeowners in the United States are planning to renovate their houses. In some cases, these home improvements may consist of repairs, while in others they may be substantial upgrades.

Whether these homeowners are renovating to improve the quality of their homes or because they want to improve their chances of selling, home windows and doors are both excellent projects with which to begin.

The National Association of Home Builders 2012 Remodeling Market Index indicated that window and door replacements were a common choice for home improvements during that year. These projects comprised 44% of all requested renovation jobs.

When they are constructed of high-quality materials and properly-maintained, windows tend to last 20 years or longer. You may also be interested to know that dual-paned windows are roughly 2 times more effective than single-paned windows to retain home’s heat and cool air.

When you have dual-paned windows installed, your home’s energy efficiency can be increased significantly. Furthermore, you will also be able to reduce your annual heating and cooling bill. Since drafty windows allow air to escape, energy bills may be 10% to 25% higher as a result.

The best windows are energy-efficient with low-E coatings, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative. If you have a 2,600-square foot house, for example, you may be able to save up to 15% on your home energy costs with these types of windows.

If you’re curious how much it costs to replace windows, the average price is between $300.00 and $700.00 for each window. The total cost, of course, will depend on the style and number of windows that you are replacing. If you live in an area with frequent storms and other types of inclement weather, you definitely want to consider the benefits of having double-paned, Energy Star approved windows installed.

Are you also planning to have your home re-sided? If you’re looking to reduce your expenditures, vinyl siding is less expensive than wood or aluminum siding. Recent figures show that vinyl siding costs 11% less than cedar and 26% less than aluminum.

If you are planning to sell your house in the near future, the National Association of Realtors reported that when home windows are replaced with more efficient models, homeowners can usually receive an 80% return on their investment. Whether you’re planning to sell or continue living in your home for decades, it makes sense to stay focused on repairs and other home improvements.

When you need repairs taken care of, or new home windows, doors, or siding, it’s time to contact a window company to assist you. When you discuss replacement windows and other improvements with your contractor, they will be able to make additional recommendations so that your home is energy-efficient.