Are you a new homeowner andcurious about the mechanics of the windows in your house? Or maybe you've ownedyour home for quite a while and are looking to swap out your outdated windowstyle for something a little more modern. Whatever stage of home ownershipyou're in, it's always good to know about the windows in your home and how to carefor them.

Double hung windows are designedto make cleaning easier and are the most popular style of window amongst homeownersfor just that reason. But, if you're having difficulty knowing the differencebetween single and double hung replacement windows and how to clean them,you're not alone. Many homeowners need a tip or two (or three) on how to removedouble hung windows for cleaning. The good news is that this style of windowmakes it easy to remove and clean them from one vantage point inside your home,rather than having to step outside and get a ladder to give them a good onceover. Learning how to remove a window sash, double hung or not, can bedaunting, but have no fear: learn more about the basics of various types of windows, and follow the step-by-byinstructions below on how to remove and clean your ""tilt"" windowssafely and easily.

Unlock the Latches on theBottom Sash

You're going to want to start byremoving the screens from the windows and then feeling across the bottom windowsash for two locked latches. Simply glide your hand along the sash until youhit the raised locks and you're in business. Unlocking these will allow you toslide your bottom window sash up six to eight inches, giving you the room youneed to swing the window inward and away from the frame.

Pull the Sash Inward

Next, you'll need to push on thelocking tabs (aka sash releases) located on the left and right of the sash,while pulling the bottom window out and inward toward you. Let the lower windowrest on the lower sash but be careful not to pull the sash too far; if you hita 90-degree angle you may accidentally remove it from the frame completely. Thegoal is to swing the window panel out just far enough to be able to clean it,but not to have it come off the rails. Once the bottom sash is leaning outwardat an open angle, you're ready to clean.

Repeat These Steps for theTop Sash

Move to your top sash and repeatthese same key steps, unlocking the top latches and pulling the pane towardsthe interior of your house at an almost 90-degree angle. Let the top sash reston the lower sash much like the bottom, until you have both windows leaningopen-faced toward you.

Clean Your Windows

You now have access to both sidesof your windows without having to step foot outside of your home. Forget aboutrain, snow, sleet, or wind - you have everything you need to clean your windowsfrom inside, without worrying about inclement weather or dangerous conditions.Clean the panes with window cleaner or a vinegar-based solution and then slideboth sashes back into their frame and lock them into their original positions.Make sure you hear a distinct ""click"" as the locking tabs pop backinto place.

Double hung, tilted windows areversatile, durable, and energy efficient, with the flexibility to allow forvarious rates of ventilation and easy access cleaning. Vinyl is strong and willnot warp, crack, or bend, and you can choose to open one or both windows forincreased air flow. If your home is more modern or is a product of newconstruction, double hung windows are likely the window type that you'll beworking with. Many homes even feature floor to ceiling double hung windows,which offer the same benefits of easy cleaning and maneuvering, just in alarger frame. Unlike single hung windowpanes, double hung vinyl windows are nothard to raise and lower and will help you conserve energy and heat. Accordingto the U.S Department of Energy, ""heat gain and loss through windows isresponsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use,""so making sure your home is filled with energy-efficient windows is a must.

Find more information about the energybenefits of updating or replacing your windows from the U.S. Department of Energy, and do your research about what type of window may be best foryou. Then, if you land on wanting to install side by side double hung windowsin your home and need to learn more about their uses and benefits, visit Expo Home Improvement today or contact us for a free consultation.