(BPT) - Is your home drafty? Are your windows sticking or hard to open and close? Do you get fogging between the windowpanes? Energy bills creeping higher and higher? These are all signs your windows may need to be replaced. It's a major undertaking and can be a confusing one. You'll find a wide array of styles, materials and more out there. How should you go about choosing the best windows for your home? It's a combination of form and function, according to Kate Land, vice president - product and innovation at Cornerstone Building Brands - a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, including Simonton^® Windows & Doors.

"First and foremost, new windows need to be functional and easy to use," said Land. "Beyond that, it's about quality, durability and aesthetics. Getting it wrong can be a very expensive mistake."

That's why it's crucial to spend some time on the front end of the process thinking about exactly what you want and need from your home's new openings to the outside world. From functional differences to the overall look to energy efficiency and more, the pros representing Simonton recommend seven things to look for when choosing new windows.

Quality. The Good Housekeeping Seal has been the gold standard of product endorsements for 125 years. Consumers see that designation and can be assured they're buying the highest quality product they can buy. The Simonton 5500 and 6500 Double Hung, 6200 Sliding and DaylightMax^® Sliding windows have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for their superior quality, exceptional energy efficiency, and robust safety and security features. This endorsement isn't given out lightly. Products go through hundreds of hours of review and lab testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute to ensure they meet the strict, high standards necessary to earn the Seal. According to Good Housekeeping, Simonton windows earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for their stylish designs, exceptional performance and optimal energy efficiency, backed by a strong track record of reliability.

Window function. How do you want your windows to operate day-to-day? With double hung windows, the bottom and top sash open and tilt in for easy cleaning, making this style ideal for multi-story homes. Casement windows feature easy-to-reach handles that allow you to simply crank open the window. There are also single hung, sliding, awning, bay and bow, mulled and custom combination windows, each offering unique benefits.

Energy efficiency. Look for energy-efficient dual-pane windows, Low-E glass, argon gas and warm-edge spacers to improve your home's comfort and lower energy costs. Choose ENERGY STAR^® certified windows with advanced glass features for optimal efficiency, solar control and comfort in any climate. ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows showcase the top-performing certified products with select Simonton window styles with optional triple-pane glass recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2024.

Materials. Should you get wood, fiberglass, aluminum or vinyl windows? Which is best? Vinyl windows have several advantages, making them a standout choice. They're energy efficient, low maintenance, extremely durable, affordable and come in a variety of sizes, colors, finishes and hardware to match your home's aesthetic.

Weatherability. Given the unpredictable weather much of the country has been experiencing lately, you need to know your windows can take whatever Mother Nature dishes out. Look for windows with enhanced weather resistance and accelerated drainage like the Simonton 5500 Double Hung windows, which can help whisk water away from windows even in heavy rain. For coastal areas prone to hurricane-force winds, Simonton StormBreaker Plus impact-resistant windows help protect your home against high winds and flying debris.

Security. This usually isn't the first thing on homeowners' minds when choosing windows, and many people don't know options exist. Make sure your windows have passed forced entry resistance tests for added peace of mind. Some windows, including the Simonton DaylightMax and 6200 Sliding, include an AutoSense lock that self-latches when the window is closed. Also, choose impact-resistant laminated glass that helps protect against forced entry.

Curb appeal. Consider your home's architectural design and choose windows that match its aesthetic. A good place to start is to look at your current windows and choose replacements that mimic that style.

These seven must-haves will guide you to make the right decision about outfitting your home with new windows. Visit Simonton Windows & Doors for inspiration.