(ARA) - Buying new carpet, splurging on hardwood floors or remodeling a basement is on a lot of people’s home improvement “wish lists.” But with rising energy costs taking a bigger bite out of the budget, today’s style and money-conscious consumers are moving replacement of worn out windows and doors to the top of their project list.

Thanks to improvements in energy-efficiency and design flexibility, new windows and doors can help reduce energy bills while dramatically improving the look and comfort of a room.

Today’s windows can become the defining centerpiece of any room, especially kitchens or bathrooms in need of a fresh new look, not to mention more natural light. Windows, doors with windows, or even a whole wall of windows add drama to the drabbest of interiors. Window updates to a kitchen or bath can result in a major improvement in terms of a fresh look and feel to a home. When making decisions about window upgrades it’s important to not only consider aesthetics but also practical issues such as ventilation, security and proper placement.

Today’s windows also can provide added peace and quiet for active homeowners, as modern multi-paned windows provide greater sound-proofing benefits, not to mention improved energy-efficiency, as compared with older single-pane windows.

Investing in home improvement not only reduces energy costs, but increases everyday comfort, both factors that can add value to a home at resale time. According to a Freddie Mac homebuyer’s guide, if a home has been well-maintained, it can command a much higher price than the same home with fair to poor maintenance. The guide states that an older home with modest construction features might have a remodeled kitchen, or new insulated glass replacement windows that would add to its value.

Experts at the Pella Window Store say for many people, the decision to replace a window is more than performance based, there’s value in how it looks, too:

• Is there peeling, chipping or deterioration on the inside or out?
• Is it easy to open, or is it painted or nailed shut or inoperable?
• Does it collect moisture in between the panes?
• Can you feel a breeze inside the home even when the window is closed?
• Is the style outdated?
• Is it poorly placed?
• Is the symmetry of the room off because of one window?

The ability to clean a window without much hassle is another major contributing factor in deciding if it’s time for replacement. Today’s time-pressed consumers enjoy the convenience of virtually maintenance-free aluminum-clad exteriors, durable fiberglass composite products and other pre-finished interior and exterior window options, which eliminate the need for painting and scraping windows and doors.

In addition to added beauty, energy-efficiency and convenience, other trends featured in window and door updates for kitchens and baths include:

Many people want bigger windows and better views from their kitchen sink. Today’s awning-style windows allow for an expanded view, without a post or column in the middle of the window. Another popular choice over the sink is a casement window that is easier to open and close than other styles, thanks to the convenience of a fold-away crank, providing an unobstructed view.

A popular evolution in windows is the shade-between-the-glass concept that offers a visually clean, clutter-free look for the window and shade. With this style, blinds and grilles are tucked away neatly between panes of glass, which means no dusting! This type of unit provides privacy when needed for kitchens and bathrooms, yet window fashions can be easily adjusted to allow in natural light when desired. Available for both windows and doors, the window fashions are protected between panes of glass, for ease of operation, and a sleek, clean design.

The latest accessory for these windows is a remote control. You can effortlessly position the tilt of the shade with the remote. This idea is perfect for kitchen windows or a bank of windows on a wall, such as in a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, living room, family room, or a commercial setting. For the ultimate in convenience, the remote is programmable so several blinds can be tilted at once.

Dark bathrooms with little natural light or ventilation are perfect candidates for new windows. Whirlpool bathtubs with a surround of windows are very popular. A simple accent above a tub is a circlehead window that resembles a half moon or wagon wheel. Adding glass block around an opening to the shower allows for natural light yet maintains privacy. Awning windows with shades that open from the bottom and are hinged at the top are also a good way to maintain privacy while still allowing some natural light, as well as an airy look and feel.

A great idea for the bathroom is a new cordless shade that can be raised, lowered or tilted. This is a variation of the shade-between-the-glass window that has appeal, especially when placed over a bathtub. It keeps the tub area free of clutter, gives the room a neater look and is easy to operate with a slide in the grove of the window.

Investing in a few minor home improvements each year, such as new windows, will add up over time to equal major changes and dramatic new views. And making incremental progress along the way will make your living experience even more enjoyable. As the saying goes, “A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul.”