There are so many risks for your home when your windows are old and damaged, and you're heating, and cooling expenses become alarming. A shocking 30 percent of heating and cooling bills could be because of poor-quality windows. If you know that you need new windows throughout your house, but you don't know where to start, or how much it's going to cost, there are some easy steps to follow.

You need to find the right window installation company, and to do this you need to choose the windows you want, get estimates, and then decide how you're financing the project. Here are some things to know as you start this process.

Get Estimates

The estimate you get from the window installation company shouldn't just have the cost for the windows. Some of the things you should expect to see include:

• Old window removal costs
• Price per new window
• Prep work for the new windows
• Labor hours for installation

If you need the old windows now just removed, but also taken away, inquire about additional costs for this service. The team may recommend you get a dumpster dropped off at the home for any construction materials and waste.

Choose Top Materials

If you want durable and highly efficient windows, but also want to stick to a budget, both vinyl and fiberglass windows are top options. Search for windows that have the following:

• Energy Star label of approval
• Impact resistance
• Manufacturer warranty
• Locking options

Once you have picked the windows you want for the home, you'll be able to get the complete details on the quotes and have a final total to look at.

Find Financing

Replacing the windows in your home can cost thousands, and if you don't have this readily available you can explore these possibilities for financing:

• Financing through the window installation company
• Home equity loan through refinancing
• Personal loan
• Credit card

You will have to see which option has the lowest interest rate, and the payment plan that is going to suit you the best.

If your windows are bad, and water and air or pests are coming through, you need to replace them right away. You don't want to end up with damage to your home, which is going to cost more than the window replacement, because you waited too long to have the windows replaced. Start calling around and start the replacement process.

Reach out to a window installation contractor to learn more.