Owning a home is more than just having a place to live. A home becomes an integral part of your life. It's where you raise your family. It's where memories are born. It's where you'll celebrate birthdays, Fourth of Julys, the holidays and everything in between. When your neighbors see your home, they don't see a structure made of brick or wood, they see the Smith's home or the Johnson's or whoever may live there. Your home is a defining part of you and your family. With that in mind, why would you ever highlight a part of it that you're not proud of?

Windows are a focal point of almost every home, yet often they are forgotten about. They're thought of as a pane of glass that gives you a view of the outdoors. Windows, though, have as much to do with the aesthetics of your home as the paint or front door. They're one of the first things people notice when they walk by a house. When your windows are ready to be replaced, do you know what kind of window to replace them with?

Following are five things to keep in mind when choosing a replacement window style to enhance your home…

1) Choose a Window That Belongs on Your Home

Whether you live in a ranch-style house, a mid-century, a Tudor-style house, or a bungalow there's a style of window that will enhance its beauty. If you're lucky to live in a house that was preserved properly, your replacement window might be an upgrade to what is existing. If your home is like so many, that have been updated without the home's character in mind, then the window style you choose might bring it back to the way it is supposed to look.

If you live in an HOA or a historical neighborhood your options might be limited to a certain style of window. Make sure to research that before investing in the wrong windows.

2) Which Room Will the Window Be In

Which room a window is in, it's exposure to the sun, whether it faces the front yard or the backyard are all things to keep in mind when choosing replacement windows. For example, you might want a big bay window in the kitchen to make it as sunny and homey as possible, but in the formal dining room that faces toward the west and boasts views of the sunset you might want something that accentuates like an the view such as a casement window.

3) Always Consider Function

Is the window a primary fire escape? Is it in the basement? Is it used as ventilation in a bathroom? Is it on the second floor and would be more of a danger if it is opened than closed? Windows in different rooms do serve different functions. Some don't need to be opened while others need to be able to let in a breeze. It's important to consider what the window will be used for other than letting light in when deciding on your replacement window.

4) Consider Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important consideration because it will have a direct impact on your utility bills. Since North Georgia homeowners rely heavily on air conditioning, the most energy efficient windows will have a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). That means that the windows are more capable of blocking heat from the sun. On the same note, the windows will also keep the cold air where it belongs in the winter time and help to reduce your heating bill.

5) Easy Maintenance

The good news is; easy maintenance is a good reason to replace your windows but not a concern after your windows have been replaced. No matter the type of window you choose and the style, North Georgia Replacement Windows utilizes the most state-of-the-art and maintenance free windows available.

North Georgia Replacement Windows replaces windows for life. If you're looking to replace your windows, we'll help you decide which is the right type of window for you. Whether you're replacing your windows for aesthetics, energy efficiency or your current windows just aren't functional anymore, NG Windows has your solution. Visit us at our showroom to start getting a feel for what is right for you.