Shopping for vinyl replacement windows can be confusing. There are many styles to choose from, and you want to find the one that best suits your home and your personal taste. Today’s vinyl replacement windows almost all feature double paned glass and are much more energy efficient than windows from a generation ago.

Double hung vinyl replacement windows are the most popular style available. These are windows featuring two sashes that can both be pushed up or down to open the window. The freedom to adjust the size of the opening and whether you open the top or bottom of the window makes this ideal for a family with children. You can open the window at the top for added safety when youngsters are around, or at the bottom if you want the breeze at seating height.

Sliders are vinyl replacement windows with sashes opening from side to side rather than top to bottom. Some are single sliders, with only one side opening, while others are double sliders. Sliders are an elegant solution if you have a long and narrow window opening. Any time a window is wider than it is high, a slider is more economical. For particularly long windows, there may be a sliding sash at either end with a stationary sash in the middle.

Casement windows have two sashes side by side, with one or both cranking out instead of moving along the plain of the wall. Casements are a great way to get additional ventilation in a room. They are operated with a small, hand-crank mechanism on the interior of the window. Casement windows tend to seal better and let in fewer drafts than double hung or slider windows, but do need enough space outside the window for opening them without bumping into anything.

Picture windows are lovely, large windows featuring a single expanse of glass to let in lots of light and allow an unobstructed view of the outside. Many homeowners install a picture window with smaller, double hung windows on either side since a picture window is stationary and can’t be opened.

Awning windows can be used just about anywhere, but they are most popular for basement windows. Awning style vinyl replacement windows open out on a hinge at the top of the sash. They provide great ventilation and can even be left open when it is raining because the sash directs the flow of rain away from the window opening. It’s important to check for enough outside clearance before installing an awning window.

Take a look at the windows you’re considering replacing in your home and how you would like to use them to help you choose the right style of vinyl replacement windows.