Replacing the double hung windows on your home is a large investment. The average cost for double hung window replacement on a home is between $300 and $600 per unit. With such a large investment at stake, most replacement window manufacturers typically offer some type of warranty to help protect your purchase. But not every warranty is as helpful as another. It's important to read the fine print on any warranty to see what parts and situations might be excluded. Here are five exclusions you should try to avoid.

Non-Transferable

One major benefit of many window warranties is that they are typically transferable. Meaning that if you choose to move to a new home during the period of your warranty coverage, you can transfer that warranty coverage to the new owner. It's a great way to sweeten the deal for potential buyers. Make sure to choose a warranty that offers this option and avoid those that don't.

Limited vs. Full

Many manufacturers offer full warranties for a designated period of time. This is different from a limited warranty. A full warranty covers everything whereas a limited warranty may exclude certain parts of the window or certain situations where damage may occur. If your windows have a limited warranty you need to know exactly what causes limitations.

Labor Exclusions

If you're trying to save money by installing your windows yourself, you might unintentionally void your warranty. If your budgeting is contingent on saving money through your own installation, you should carefully read the fine print of your window warranty. Many warranties require professional installation by certified installers in order to keep the warranty valid so avoid this exclusion if you can't afford a professional installer.

Service Fees

Just because a manufacturer offers a warranty doesn't mean that the coverage is free. Some manufacturers may require a service fee in order to replace any broken parts covered in the warranty. Even though this fee is likely cheaper than a full replacement, it can still come as a surprise in the moment if you don't know about it.

Maintenance Requirement

Some warranties can be considered void if the owner doesn't keep up with regular window maintenance. If your window warranty has this exclusion, you need to ensure that all window maintenance is done regularly and that you make sure to save any documentation of the maintenance performed. Because this exclusion offers the manufacturer a loophole that's easy to exploit, it's best to try and avoid it if possible.

For more information on double hung windows with warranty, contact a company near you.