If you’re wondering how replacement windows can transform your home, the short answer is: more than you’d expect. Your windows hold a special power to positively influence your home’s look, feel, and energy efficiency. Whether you need to replace damaged windows or simply want to upgrade, there are many options to consider.
When selecting replacement windows, prioritize those with an ENERGY STAR label — an independent certification confirming a window meets strict energy-efficiency standards for our climate zone. Most ENERGY STAR-qualified windows achieve this with two or more layers of glass and an insulating gas fill between the panes, which helps maintain your indoor temperature and lower your energy bills.
Choosing a Material
Vinyl. Vinyl windows are an economical, low-maintenance choice for many Murray, UT homes, and their strong energy efficiency can meaningfully reduce your power bills. Frames are constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which stands up well to Northern Utah’s climate — resisting UV rays, freezing wind, snow, and ice. They also come in a variety of frame colors, so you can match your home’s aesthetic without paying a premium. Ask your installer about the specific warranty coverage on your vinyl windows — browse our vinyl window options — since terms vary by manufacturer.
Wood. Windows do more than let in light — they shape a home’s comfort, character, and energy efficiency. Wood frames remain a traditional favorite because they can be customized to match nearly any architectural style, and clad-wood windows — with a wood interior and an aluminum or vinyl exterior — offer that classic look with less exterior upkeep.
Some homes benefit from mullion installation, which adds decorative vertical or horizontal bars between window units. When it comes to installation method, a retrofit (or insert) installation fits a new window into your existing frame and is the more affordable option — but it only works if that frame is still in good condition. If the existing frame is damaged or rotted, a full-frame installation is required instead.
Picking a Style
Craftsman. Craftsman-style windows are known for a grouped, multi-pane upper sash set above a single lower pane — a signature look from early-1900s bungalow homes. They pair naturally with wood or wood-look frames that complement a home’s existing woodwork and trim. A full-frame installation offers the tightest fit and best protection against leaks for this style, though it costs more than a retrofit installation. Either way, look for a warranty that covers both the frame and the sash, not just the glass.
Colonial. Colonial-style windows are defined by their divided-light grid pattern — think classic six-over-six double-hung windows. Double-pane glass with an insulating air or gas fill is a popular match for this style, offering better insulation than older single-pane originals while preserving the traditional grid look. A clad-wood window, with a wood interior and an aluminum or vinyl exterior, is a common way to get that classic Colonial grid pattern with less exterior maintenance — a detail many Murray homeowners appreciate.
Modern. Modern-style windows are defined by clean, minimal lines and large panes of glass with little to no grid pattern, letting in more natural light and opening up a view. They pair well with a range of operating styles — including double-hung, sliding, and crank-operated casement windows — so the style doesn’t limit your choice of how the window opens. Energy-efficient options include insulated vinyl or fiberglass frames with multiple panes of glass; adding a low-E coating or argon gas fill reduces heat transfer, helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Contemporary. Contemporary windows build on Modern’s clean lines but stay open to mixed materials and evolving trends — composite frames combining wood and vinyl are a popular choice, blending traditional and modern elements into a sleek, updated look for newer homes. Double- or triple-pane glass with an argon gas fill adds extra insulation to reduce energy bills; the odorless, colorless gas slows heat transfer between the panes, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to confirm a window meets strict efficiency guidelines for our climate.
See How Replacement Windows Can Transform Your Home
Whatever material or style fits your home best, Murray Window Replacement can help you find the right fit. It’s remarkable how much replacement windows can transform your home’s comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal all at once. Contact us or call (385) 786-6447 to schedule a consultation.