Vinyl replacement windows are very popular for their affordability, durability and thermal properties. Vinyl windows are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is a very versatile plastic with good insulating value. Because of vinyl windows’ popularity they are available in a variety of colors, sizes and styles and can deals are often available.
You buy vinyl replacement sashes (sometimes referred to as ‘inserts’) which is just a matter of putting new windows into the existing frame or you can install new frames and sashes. Replacing just the sashes is cheaper because there is less materials and much less labor to install them. 
Replacing just the sashes is a potential option if your current windows are a similar style, are fairly new and are in good condition.
Replacing the entire window and frame ensures the best fit which means a window will be more water and wind proof, let in less dust and let in less outside noise. Depending on what type of construction your home uses and how the old windows were installed there could be quite a bit of work to install the new windows.
Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows
The energy efficiency of a window is dictated by a number of factors including the glass (# of panes, glass coatings like Low E, gas filled like Argon and Krypton), the window frame, how good the seal is and how well they were installed. The energy efficiency ratings of a window only take into account the glass and frame.
Vinyl window frames do not conduct temperature very well and they are hollow so additional insulating material can be added to increase their energy efficiency. Vinyl windows generally receive excellent energy star ratings.
Maintenance Free
Vinyl windows are often referred to as “maintenance free”. This is one of the biggest reasons people choose vinyl windows but it is a bit misleading in that all windows require some maintenance. The maintenance free component of vinyl windows refers to the fact that they never need painting. The vinyl is a solid color so even if the surface color fades slightly you won’t be left with a window that is a different color. Vinyl windows will never peel or flake off or require sanding, painting or sealing. However, the glass still needs to be cleaned and the frame needs to be cleaned and the tracks and mechanical parts lubricated to keep it operating properly.
Recent Advances in Vinyl Windows
Some home owners have reported issues of vinyl windows degrading and warping as result of exposure to sunlight and temperature extremes. However, newer technologies have greatly reduced these concerns and vinyl windows are a better replacement window option than ever. Cheaper vinyl windows tend to have more problems with expanding and contracting when exposed to extreme heat and cold so keep this in mind if you live in a region with either extreme hot or cold weather.
Vinyl windows have hollow chambers within the frame which improves the insulation performance. Insulated vinyl windows have insulating material added to the hollow chambers which give them far greater insulating performance compared to standard vinyl windows or wood replacement windows.
Some manufacturers add wood veneers to the interior of vinyl windows which are paintable or stainable. This improves their appearance and greatly increase the color options and appearance while retaining the advantages of vinyl.
Advantages of Vinyl Windows
- Less expensive
- Maintenance free – don’t need to be painted
- Insulated vinyl windows have superior thermal performance
Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows
- Less attractive than wood windows
- Can’t be painted or stained (except for wood veneer windows)
- Leak more air, particularly in cold climates
- Darker colors may fade
- Susceptible to warping making them difficult to open and close
Best Vinyl Replacement Windows
There is no such thing as the “best vinyl window”. The best window depends on the circumstances such as where you live and how much sun a window will receive.While the window with the highest energy efficiency rating will definitely cost more, if it is installed in a location that does not get direct sun or a lot of wind or rain, it will not perform any better than a less expensive window.
Read some vinyl replacement window reviews and ratings to educate yourself on which features are most important in your particular situation. Then check the cost of vinyl replacement windows to determine what your budget can afford. No use looking for windows with a certain feature if you can’t afford that feature. Home Depot has a great selection of vinyl replacement windows and is a great place to check prices.
Working with a knowledgeable window installment contractor (or sales person if you are installing the windows yourself) can help you choose the right window for your particular application and budget.
Vinyl Window Manufacturers
Below are some of the more popular vinyl window manufactures. These are the top manufactures and they all make great windows so if you can find windows from any of them on sale you can’t go wrong.
- Anderson
- Milgaard
- Pella
Notes on Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are the most popular type of replacement windows which means there is tons of windows to choose from in all styles (single hung, double hung, picture, bay, etc.), colors and levels of energy efficiency (double pane, triple pane, low-e, argon and krypton gas filled). Vinyl windows are also available for mobile homes.
Whether you hire a contractor or install vinyl replacement windows yourself, you should notice a considerable improvement in the temperature regulation of your home, less noise and lower utility bills.
Fiberglass Replacement Windows
Fiberglass windows are also polymer based (i.e., plastic) and have hollow cavities similar to vinyl windows. Fiberglass is stronger than vinyl which allows for smaller frames which many people find more visually appealing.