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Have you ever heard the term, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water"? That's exactly what many home owners do when it comes to replacing their windows.

Before you have one of those "replacement window" firms visit your house and make you an offer you don't realize you should refuse, before you head down to the home center and ask for new windows, there are a few things you need to know, terms and definitions to understand, which will help you make an informed (and usually more affordable) decision.

There are several different types of windows based on the material from which they are built from, the type of glass or insulated glass in the window, their function and the manner in which they are installed.

The most common materials used in window construction today include wood, wood covered with vinyl, all aluminum and all vinyl. While most of the windows installed in homes up until the mid 1970s were "single pane" windows, most windows installed since have been one of a variety of "insulated" or multi-paned windows.

A window is generally constructed of the jamb, or the "frame" of the window, a moveable part or parts called "sashes", and miscellaneous types of hardware ranging from sash locks and/or balances on single hung or double hung windows to hinges or pivots on casement windows.

Casement windows are those type that "crank out" one side to the other, and operate similar to a door; awning windows crank out too, but the "hinge" is on the top and the sash cranks out from the bottom up and out.

Single hung windows (typically made of aluminum or vinyl) have a fixed, inoperable sash at the top and the bottom sash moves up and down - and frequently tilts in for easy cleaning. Double hung windows have both sashes operable, and you can either move the top sash up and down or the bottom sash up and down, and typically (in aluminum and vinyl) these also tilt in for easy cleaning.

For homes that have that certain aesthetic appeal, many folks disdain using the all-vinyl window and opt for "vinyl clad" wood windows from companies such as Andersen Windows (http://www.andersenwindows.co m). This offers a "low maintenance" exterior and the option to paint or stain the interior of the window any color to match any decor; a feat impossible with the all vinyl windows.

When considering whether or not to replace your existing windows, do this quick assessment first. Detail "what's wrong" with the windows.

Is the window jamb (the frame) in good, sound shape? Is there any wood

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