How to choose windows that work Today's windows can save you money, keep your home comfortable and be easy to clean. There's more to windows than the way they look - or the way you look through them. To educate homeowners on what they should know before buying windows for a new or existing home, here are some helpful tips from the experts: Look for vinyl. Over the years, builders and homeowners have come to understand the inherent advantages of vinyl, which delivers quality at an economical price. With a lifetime, limited warranty, vinyl windows, such as CertainTeed's New CastleXT new construction line, do not need to be scraped or painted. Match the style of your home. Designed for classic beauty, today's windows offer details such as a beveled exterior edge and a true-sloped sill that reflect the look of traditional wood craftsmanship. In CertainTeed's Bryn Mawr II replacement windows, homeowners can choose from a complete range of styles and shapes, including double-hung, casement, slider, picture, bay and bow, and geometric shapes. Every window is custom-made to fit exact measurements. Look for easy maintenance products. Some vinyl windows are designed and built for low cost, not for value. The best vinyl windows are maintenance free - no painting, puttying, staining or glazing. Ask about windows that tilt in for easy cleaning inside the home. Look for high efficiency windows for energy savings. Choose windows glazed with Thermaflect Low "E" glazing system. A proprietary Low "E" coating means the glass admits the most visible wavelengths of light, while blocking the others. Low conductance spacers reduce the loss of heat through the edges of the unit. Make sure the thermal efficiency of your new windows meets Energy Star guidelines. Look for easy operation. Both the balance system and the tilt-in mechanism should be tested to guarantee decades of worry-free operation. Ask about the warranty. Not all products offer the assurance that they will be trouble-free as long as you own your home. CertainTeed vinyl windows, for example, are backed by a lifetime limited warranty - one of the strongest warranties in the industry. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/cwindows.