Kitchen remodels are undeniably high stakes. And when you’ve been scouring Pinterest for months searching for dreamy kitchen renovation inspiration, it can be nearly impossible to settle on just one design. You may have chosen the perfect stain for your cabinets months ago, but there’s one renovation choice that will make all the difference to the way your kitchen looks and feels.

We’re (of course) talking about your windows.

Windows in any room have an enormous influence on the lighting, openness, and general feel of a space. But kitchens are unique—and their windows need to be both functional and beautiful. So before you make your final decision, let’s explore the most popular kitchen window styles, and why they are uniquely suited to the culinary heart of your home.

Garden Style Awning

Garden windows are a classic in the kitchen for a reason. This style of window juts out past the walls of your home, creating a little mini-greenhouse for small plants. In a charming little box made of glass, you’ll have plenty of space to grow fresh herbs or flowers while providing them (and you) more sunlight than you would normally be able to.

Even for those without a green thumb, garden-style windows are both beautiful and functional. Installed behind the sink, they create extra space to display knick-knacks or decorative pottery. And since awning windows hinge open at the top of the frame and swing outward, they create easy ventilation in the kitchen in the unlikely event somebody burns dinner. 

This is a style that is lovely for kitchens, and it works wonderfully with traditional homes.

Slider Windows

Slider windows function as double-hung windows turned on their sides, so if you’re looking for ease of opening, these take the cake. They’re especially handy when you have one hand covered in cookie dough and want to let in some fresh air! 

Slider windows allow you to maximize the view from your kitchen—whether that’s out into a green backyard or overlooking a city vista. These windows provide uninterrupted landscapes, unimpeded by muntin bars. 

If you have a window opening that’s wider than it is tall, slider windows are natural contenders. Plus, they work well with all different styles of architecture—especially more modern looks.

Casement Windows

For an open look with even more ventilation, you may consider opting for casement windows. Casements are perennially popular in the kitchen because they are easy to open and close, even in tight or awkward spaces (like above the kitchen sink). 

Casement windows allow you to enjoy that wide view of the backyard, but instead of requiring brute force to open and close, they use a small crank. Your glass will open into the backyard at an angle, allowing you to funnel fresh breezes quickly into the kitchen. These are a sleek, timeless, beautiful option for your new kitchen. 

Double Hung Windows

Ah, the classics. Double-hung windows are one of the most popular windows on the market. Chances are, you already have this style in other rooms in your home. You can open a double-hung window from either the bottom or the top. Traditionally, they feature a white checkerboard of panes of glass on both the bottom and the top, but you can play around with the panes or the sash material. 

These popular windows are nearly fool-proof. If you have them throughout your home, they may tie the whole space together.  However, if your new kitchen features deep counters, these might not be right for you. Double-hung windows need two hands to open, and can be a challenge to maneuver when reaching across your sink, especially if you keep your windows locked at the center. 

If you want to picture these options in more detail, head on over to Window Nation’s Home Improvement Visualizer. You can upload pictures of your kitchen and get an idea for how each window style will work. When you’ve made up your mind, request a free quote from Window Nation to turn your dream kitchen into reality.

One of the biggest selling points of brand-new windows? Energy efficiency.

You’ve probably heard the claims, “Lower your monthly energy bills and help Mother Earth!” or, “Windows have an unbeatable return on investment!”

Let’s look at the hard science for a minute here. Your windows act as shields for your home. In the winter they keep the cold out, and in the summer, they keep the cold in. But how do they do it? And why might one type of window be better at regulating your indoor temperature than another?

Let’s talk about heat transfer.

You may have fallen asleep in science class the day thermodynamics came up, but we all know that our hot coffee is eventually going to drop to room temperature. This phenomenon is called heat transfer.

A well-made window acts like a thermos. It keeps the heat exactly where it’s supposed to be by cutting down on heat transfer from the outside to the inside of your home.

Windows have two important parts— the glass and the frame. Since the glass takes up most of the space, it has a big role to play in heat transfer.

Scientists have been hard at work on window glass. A simple single-pane glass window allows 85%-90% of the heat to pass through it in either direction. If we double up on the glass, only 67%-73% of heat passes through. Triple it up and you’re down to 57-65%. Beyond that, however, the window gets too heavy to be manageable. Triple-pane glass is the most that most companies will offer. So then how to reduce heat transfer even more?

The glass itself can be engineered to be more reflective. Glass with a small amount of tin or silver oxide baked in will keep your home more comfortable since metal reflects solar energy. At the high end, if you get triple silver Low-E reflective coating, you only let 2-5% of the heat pass through. That is truly impressive.

But glass isn’t the only factor.

Your frame and sash material matter.

How about the material that holds the glass in place?

If you have the choice between sitting on a wooden bench or a metal bench on a hot day, the answer is clear. Metal conducts more heat, making the wooden bench a safer option. Likewise, metal makes for a poor choice for window sash material. Wood window frames are about twelve times more energy-efficient.

But wood frames still aren’t the best material.

That superlative goes to vinyl. Insulated vinyl framing is about four times more efficient than wood. The weather-stripping can be built right into the vinyl, which means there’s no need to use adhesives that can break down over time.

The most energy-efficient windows use insulated vinyl frame material and glass with silver oxide-based low emissivity coatings to cut down on heat transfer.

Be an Energy Star.

The good news is that someone has already done the leg work on energy efficiency.

Energy Star is a program run by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy that researches energy efficiency. They run independent trials on dishwashers, refrigerators, and yes, windows. In 2019 alone, ENERGY STAR worked to help Americans save almost $39 billion dollars in energy costs.

If you check out their website, they’ll give you suggestions for windows for your region, and let you know how many panes of glass you’ll need to best insulate your home in your climate.

Don’t let your windows leak.

Remember that thermos keeping your coffee hot? Even the best thermos in the world won’t do you any good if the lid is loose. If you throw that thermos in a backpack, you shouldn’t be surprised when you open it up and there’s coffee everywhere.

In the same vein, the best window in the world can still leak without the right installation. So, partnering with a pro for installation is a must. Every window installation team at Window Nation is factory-trained. We specialize in window replacement, and we’ve installed over one million windows since 2006.

We’ll ensure the most energy-efficient windows are the windows proudly hanging in your home. Get a free quote from Window Nation today and see how much of a difference the right installation makes.

When it comes to home renovation, not all projects are created equal. Pink and lime green bedroom walls in a chevron pattern? No thanks. A new outdoor pool in Minnesota? Probably not smart. The financially-savvy homeowner, when considering remodels or renovations, is probably asking a few pointed questions:

• Will this renovation increase my home’s resale value?
• Will this renovation save me money in the short term?
• Will this renovation improve my quality of life?

If the answer to all three is a resounding yes, then you’ve probably hit upon the home renovation jackpot.

So how does home window replacement measure up? With more than a dozen things you could invest in around the house, is it a good financial move to replace your home windows?

When replacing windows, expect a handsome return on your investment.

According to Architectural Digest, that swoon-worthy magazine of celebrity house tours, replacing older windows with new ones (even if they’re not top of the line), can actually make you money. According to their calculations, you’ll get $1.15 back for every dollar you invest in this type of project.

And leading trade publication Remodeling Magazine agrees that home window replacement is one of the top return-on-investment projects in its 2021 trend report.

Window replacement follows the multi-year trend of exterior improvement projects. These curb appeal updates make the whole block look better, and raise the value of your home for potential buyers.

Replacing your windows gives your home a makeover that the whole neighborhood will notice. You’ll be sure to get a higher selling price if you decide to put your home on the market. New windows announce to the world that your home is handsome and well-maintained.

New windows will save you money every month.

Planning to stay put for a while? When you invest in home window replacement, you’ll see immense benefits in the short and long term. Think about the bills you get every month for your home energy usage. What if there was a coupon that gave you a discount every month?

Installing new windows can give you that price break on heating and cooling costs. Old windows are often drafty or leaky, meaning your heating efforts in the winter and cooling efforts in the summer are less effective. New windows come with tight seals, and you can even invest further by upgrading to double or triple-paned glass.

By making your home more energy-efficient, you’ll save money on utility bills every month and make your home more comfortable throughout the seasons. Home window replacement is good for the family budget and good for the environment.

Replacing old windows can transform your house into a home.

Can you really put a price on loving your home? If you’re stuck with leaky, unappealing single-pane windows from decades ago, window replacement will not only save you money — it can transform your living space.

Lacking morning light in your kitchen or a view from your living room? Consider switching from double-hung windows to a casement window for uninterrupted landscapes. How about that dark corner of the bedroom? Once you install a new specialty window, all you’ll need is a comfy chair and you have a new reading nook.

Not only that, but window replacement lets you bring your own style and personality to your space. Whether vast, open-concept picture-frame windows, or cute farmhouse-style crisscrossing white frames, replacing your windows makes your home yours.

We know there are always plenty of home renovation projects you could take on. But home window replacement checks all the boxes — it’s a great way to increase your home’s future selling price, it will lower your monthly home energy bills, and it can add life and pizzazz to your day-to-day enjoyment of your home.

You’ve got options when it comes to how your windows open and what material they are made of. Window Nation has a great online tool that allows you to upload pictures of your home and visualize this upgrade for yourself. The Home Visualizer Tool is a great way to daydream your way into a profitable and picturesque home renovation.

Request a free Window Nation quote today, and see for yourself how financially savvy home window replacement truly is.

How did vinyl become the most popular choice for replacement windows?

Vinyl windows have actually been with us since the late 1950s. When a post-war Germany was looking to rebuild, vinyl answered the call for reliable, inexpensive building material. State-side, vinyl windows caught on during the big housing boom of the 1990s. Now it’s one of the most popular options out there.

Here’s why:

#1 Vinyl replacement windows are durable.

Simply put, vinyl windows withstand the test of time and climate/weather better than other options. While wood windows can rot, aluminum windows can oxidize, and fiberglass tends to come apart in the corners, vinyl windows can endure all kinds of weather. It’s the clear winner — vinyl is heat, water, and UV resistant.

#2 Vinyl windows are energy efficient.

If you’ve got older windows, you could be losing as much as 40% of your annual heating and cooling costs to drafts. When you upgrade to vinyl, you’ll save money every month on your bills.

Vinyl is a terrific insulator and prevents extreme outdoor temperatures from affecting your indoor temperatures. If you go a step further and combine vinyl with Low-E coated double- or triple-pane glass options, you’re looking at windows that will keep your monthly energy bills low and your family comfortable year-round.

#3 Vinyl windows help with soundproofing.

Vinyl doesn’t just insulate temperature — it insulates sound. If you live in a loud neighborhood or along a major road, you’ll be thankful for the sound-reducing capabilities that vinyl offers. Reducing noise pollution indoors is often the key to real peace of mind and can significantly improve the tranquility of your home.

#4 Vinyl windows offer great options for customization.

Designers and architects love the flexibility that vinyl allows. You can leave your frame the traditional white or look at a wide range of color options. And if you absolutely love the look of wooden windows, consider texturized vinyl windows instead. They’re an excellent low-price dupe that offers greater durability than wood.

#5 Vinyl windows are cost-efficient.

If you’re a business-minded homeowner who’s eager to get out the calculator and crunch numbers on ROI, then you’ll quickly figure out that window replacement is one of the smartest home investments you can make. Because vinyl windows cost less to manufacture, they’re generally the most budget-friendly option as far as up-front costs go— not to mention those home energy savings in the long term!

#6 Vinyl windows are the low-maintenance option.

When you choose vinyl, you can basically forget about your windows for the next twenty years. Unlike other window materials, vinyl doesn’t require repainting. Additionally, since vinyl is the same color from surface to interior, it won’t show scratches and nicks. You’ve got enough to do around your house — go low maintenance with vinyl windows.

#7 Window Nation’s vinyl windows come with unbeatable warranties.

All Window Nation windows come with excellent warranties. Depending on the window you choose, we cover both the labor of installation and the window itself. Your warranty is also transferable if you sell the home, which is a great perk for buyers if you are thinking of putting your home on the market. Renovating your home is stressful enough — you deserve to partner with a company that’s got your back.

Request a free Window Nation quote today, and see what kind of benefits you’ll get from installing new vinyl windows.

While specific DIY projects add curb appeal, savvy Minneapolis homeowners know that the return on investment matters to more extensive and costly projects. Knowing which projects will pay off on the Minnesota resale market is always a significant consideration when prioritizing home improvements. But equally important are the shorter-term impacts of that home improvement. 

What Can Replacement Windows Do for Your Twin Cities Home?

Replacement windows can update the look of a home and improve curb appeal, but it’s all about energy efficiency in the Twin Cities. Replacing your windows will significantly impact home energy efficiency, in some cases reducing heating loss by 40%. Below-freezing temperatures characterize winter in Minnesota, so preventing heat loss is a significant consideration. 

From Low-E glass to UV and solar blockers, window technology continuously evolves to make homes look great while working hard to save on energy costs. 

Another feature of consideration is the Window material. For example, Vinyl windows are effortless to clean and can stand up to weather extremes, like those bone-chilling Minnesota winters. Come Spring, tilt in, do a quick wipe down, and boom, your interior, and exterior windows are sparkling.

And, let’s face it, windows are the light-bringers. Struggling through the harsh Minneapolis winter can be easier with ample natural light. Harness those lake views with a big bay window, get a full view of falling snow in your backyard with a bow window, add a garden-style window above your kitchen sink. The options and ability to customize and add light to your Twin City home with replacement windows are endless.   

Do Replacement Windows Add Value to Your Home?  

A resounding, yes. Replacing old windows boosts your Minneapolis home’s value tremendously.  

If you spend $15,000 to replace your home’s windows, your home could rise by roughly $11,000. That’s a 74% return on your investment…and enough for a new kayak to paddle the Boundary Waters!

If you’re thinking of selling your home in a few years, replacing the windows can help your home stand out in a crowded market. Minnesota buyers love houses that are not only move-in ready but updated with modern amenities. New windows can improve your home’s marketability and add instant curb appeal, which will help you command a higher selling price. 

Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home today, replacement windows can help save you money now. 

New windows and double-pane windows create a tighter seal with less heat leakage. Drafts are the primary cause of wasted energy during cold Minneapolis winters. 

Bottom line? When you eliminate leaks by replacing inefficient windows, you’ll spend less on heating and cooling your house. The only disappointing draft you’ll experience in your home is when the Vikings start their next season.

And you’ll save even more when you select Energy Star windows. For every single pane window you replace with an Energy Star window, you’ll save an estimated $101 to $583 per year. If you replace a double pane window with an Energy Star model, you’ll save anywhere from $27 to $197 per year. You’ll also do your part to protect the climate by curbing carbon dioxide emissions – anywhere from 26 to 6,205 pounds worth. That’ll help show St. Paul who’s the better twin, huh? 

Replacement Windows from Window Nation

It’s a no-brainer when you add in all the reasons that replacing your windows benefits your comfort, your wallet, and the environment. 

Now that you understand how replacement windows can add value to your Minneapolis home and quality of life, it’s time to take the next step. At Window Nation, we offer free estimates for replacement window installation. Find out how to cost-effectively upgrade your windows by requesting a free quote today!

Some 2.5 million burglaries occur every year in the United States—that’s about three home invasions every minute. And those are just the robberies that are reported to the police! These criminals walk away with jewelry, cash, electronics, and most importantly, they can steal your family’s sense of security. 

Though the majority of robbers walk right in through unlocked doors, nearly a quarter of break-ins happen through ground-floor windows.

So how can you ensure your windows won’t be a point of entry for a criminal? How can you keep your home and possessions safe? 

Follow our crucial tips below to keep your family secure and your home burglar-proof.

#1 Make sure your windows are in good working order

Keeping up on your home maintenance is always a smart move. Inspect your windows to see if the sashes are in good shape. A window frame that is cracked and worn out is not only costing you by increasing home energy bills: it could easily tempt a thief. Worn-out windows are easy to pry open with a crowbar. 

#2 Pay attention to the areas around your windows

Overgrown trees and shrubs provide an excellent hiding place for would-be thieves. Keep up on your home’s landscaping and cut back your bushes annually. You might even want to consider replanting with thorny shrubs.  

Motion sensor lights are another excellent first line of defense. Lots of folks only point them at driveways and front walks. Think like a thief—they won’t necessarily be taking the same path you do. Point those lights towards the backyard and the darker corners of your exterior. 

#3 Upgrade your window locks (and use them)

Home break-ins are often a crime of opportunity. Surprisingly, only 12% of home robberies are planned in advance. That downstairs window you cracked open the other day is now a flashing welcome sign to an intruder. 

Get into the practice of not only closing your windows but making sure they are locked. Are your locks in good working order? If not, it’s time to upgrade. 

#4 Make sure your windows talk to your security system

Only 17% percent of US homes have a security system. Can you guess which homes are the most vulnerable to home invasion? Bingo. 

Be a cautious homeowner, and prioritize protecting your assets. Prominently display your home security lawn sign and consider installing window sensors as a part of your system. Smart homes and integrated technology are becoming more and more common—with certain apps, windows can easily be wired to send an alert when they’re opened. 

#5 Invest in better glass

The best burglar-proof windows have one thing in common: they feature shatter-proof glass. The double- or triple-paned glass will not only prevent you from a smash and grab situation, but it will give your home a major energy-efficiency boost. It’s the smart choice. Invest in better glass to keep your interiors UV-free, lower your utility bills, and keep your home safe from a thief’s baseball bat. 

#6 Don’t overlook your basement windows

Basements deserve special attention. While you may only keep laundry and storage down there, basement windows are often dark enough and far enough away from bedrooms to obscure evidence of a break-in. Worn-out basement windows are a cinch to kick in, and you’d be surprised how small an opening a thief is willing to crawl through. With all this in mind, ensure basement windows are always sealed up tight and kept locked. 

You don’t have to install ugly metal bars over your windows to keep your family safe.  Window Nation features a wide range of options that provide curb appeal, energy efficiency, and safety for your home. Request a free quote today, and prioritize protecting your possessions and loved ones.

Think of that first lovely spring day. The birds are singing, the trees are budding, and we are all suddenly, inexplicably happy. It’s no surprise that the arrival of sunny spring weather often feels like turning a corner: the benefits of natural light are well documented. Sunlight helps ward off depression, alleviates anxiety, boosts vitamin D production, and improves sleep. We blossom in the sunlight. 

Natural light has other benefits as well. Homes that are suffused with a light feel more spacious and relaxing. Natural light deters mold and mildew growth and can reduce utility spending on electricity and heating. Homes with better lighting also tend to have better resale value.

So whether you’re getting ready to embrace the changing season, or hoping to spruce up your home to put on the market, here are our top eight tips for how to let more natural light into your home.

#8 Pick a light color palette 

A light color palette reflects 80–90% of natural light. Take a look at your ceilings — repainting this forgotten surface can make your space feel taller and brighter. Even the materials around your windows can help bounce light. Window Nation offers multiple options for sash materials on all of our windows. A brightly colored window sash welcomes in the light. 

#7 Deep clean your windows

Bust out the vinegar and newspaper — it’s time to give those windows a clean. You’ll be amazed to see the difference made when you clean your windows. Be sure to put this task on the regular rotation. While you’re there, make sure all your windows are in working order. 

#6 Decorate with reflective materials

When it’s time to decorate, bring out the bling. Strategically placed mirrors can double up the light in the room, tricking the eye and livening up the home. For kitchens, consider white or chrome appliances instead of black. A few well-placed reflective choices can significantly change the feel of your space. 

#5 Swap in lighter window treatments

Get rid of those heavy brocades and dense fabrics. Easy, breezy, and beautiful is the way to go with window treatments. Consider lightly colored linens, loosely woven sheers, or classic lace. As a bonus, lighter fabrics can cut down on the dust in your home — something to consider if you’re dealing with allergies. 

#4 Consider a sliding glass door

Why not turn that window into a door? Installing glass doors will not only bring more light into your space. It’ll encourage everyone to get outside. Enjoy your backyard, take your shoes off and put your feet in the grass. A sliding glass door (or a set of French doors) will help your family make the most of your home. You’ll get more light into the house, and you may even start hosting the neighborhood cookout. 

#3 Trim back shrubs and trees 

Give the shrubs and trees around your windows a haircut. Keeping your greenery trimmed will not only let in light but can also help cut down on the moisture in your home and keep your home’s foundation in good shape. If those trees and bushes get too big, they’ll be expensive to trim later and could damage your home in a storm. Overgrown landscaping could even pose a security risk! Trim them back, and let the sunshine in. 

#2 Buy the correct light bulbs

On cloudy days when natural sunshine isn’t available, turn on a light that mimics the effect of natural light. Be sure to seek out sources that feature the full spectrum of light. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and can give a warm glow. Even today’s compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are kinder to our eyes than the old blinking fluorescent tubes. Survey your lightbulbs and consider installing dimmers or smart bulbs for maximum control over your ambiance.

#1 Install larger windows 

The best way to flood your home with light is by installing new, larger replacement windows. New windows will increase your home’s curb appeal and make your interior feel spacious and relaxing. Plus, you can quickly reduce your home’s carbon footprint and lower your monthly energy bills by installing energy-efficient windows. A new bay window, a picture window, or even a specialty size can change your day-to-day experience in your home. 

Give Window Nation a call to get a free quote and explore new ways to increase your home value, save on utility bills, and transform your house into a refreshing, sunny oasis.

Windows are an incredibly important part of your home. Not only are they an aesthetic element that can significantly increase or reduce your home’s curb appeal, but they impact your energy bills and your safety as well. 

The bad news? Over time, there are lots of things that can go wrong with windows.

So how do you know when to upgrade those old windows with replacement windows, and who in Minneapolis do you trust to do it? 

8 Ways To Tell You Need Replacement Windows

Unlike your plumbing or your oven, windows aren’t an appliance that just stops working one day. Here are eight hints it may be time to replace them.

1. If you have to use your Minnesota Vikings helmet in the offseason to keep your window open.
2. If something hits your window and there’s a crack in it.
3. If you have a window that’s painted shut, and there’s just no way to get it open.
4. If you have a window that’s extremely hard to slide up, or only goes halfway before it sticks.
5. If you hold your hand up next to it in the winter and you can feel the icy breeze coming through (even Minneapolitans have their coldness limit!).
6. If the latches no longer line up on the top when you close the window.
7. If the frame’s breaking off like a layer of ice on your car when you need to get to work.
8. If you’ve had your windows for more than ten years. Technology has changed quite a bit in the last decade, and it’s not exactly something you can pick up on a trip to the Mall of America. (You could be losing a lot of heat out of those old windows.)

7 Reasons To Choose Window Nation For Your Replacement Windows

We think Window Nation is the best window replacement and installation company in the area: let us tell you why.

1. We are a family-owned and operated company. The Magden brothers are third-generation window replacement experts. 
2. We don’t just give free estimates — we do free in-home estimates. An exterior design consultant will evaluate and measure your windows in person and review the options that are specific to you, without taking away from your Caribou Coffee budget each month.
3. We have an incredible selection of over 1500 replacement windows styles and colors to ensure you get the custom look you want for your home.
4. We don’t just offer a warranty — we offer the best warranty. We offer a lifetime plus guarantee that will protect your investment for as long as you own your home.
5. Each of our installation teams has a lead installer who has installed more than 20,000 Windows & has over 16 Years of experience.
6. We have a reputation for doing a great job. Just ask all of our happy customers who have taken time out of their busy lives to leave us feedback online. We have a 96% customer satisfaction rating for clean-up and safety and, well over 10,000 positive online reviews. 
7. Window Nation was recently rated #1 by Forbes for Window Replacement

If you’re ready to lower your energy bills, give your home a facelift, improve your quality of life, and make an investment in your home that will last for years, we’re here to help. Window Nation is # 9 in the top 10 list of largest remodelers in the United States, and we’re right here in Minneapolis. 

When it comes to getting replacement windows, you can trust Window Nation. Contact us today and see how we can upgrade your home in the Twin Cities with high-quality replacement windows.