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Yes, bifold windows can open inward or outward. Your window manufacturer will label windows as “in-swing” or “out-swing,” which indicates the direction they open. If your installer is ordering windows for you, make sure they know which direction you want them to open. In-swing bifold windows will preserve as much space in your outdoor area as possible. Out-swing bifold windows are great on the second floor, where obstructions outside aren’t a concern.

Most homeowners prefer to service their windows during the spring or fall when temperatures are the most bearable, and having large openings in your wall won’t drastically increase your heating and cooling bills. However, while these seasons are the most convenient, you’ll also tend to pay more for window repair due to the increased demand. If you want to reduce labor costs, consider making window repairs in the off-seasons. Avoid waiting until the heart of winter to do repairs, though, as you could run into leaks and heat loss issues.

The material around a window is simply called the window frame, but the individual pieces also have different names. The top portion of the frame is called the head, the side pieces are called jambs, and the bottom portion is called the sill. If you have multiple windows next to each other, you’ll also have a mullion, which is the frame piece that separates the individual windows. Windows stacked on top of each other are separated by a horizontal frame piece, which is called a transom.

To tell if a window is single or double-pane, focus on the edge. Double-pane windows have two glass layers separated by a spacer, which you can usually see around the edges. For single-pane windows, it’s just one sheet of glass. Another easy trick: shine a light at the window—single-pane glass reflects once, while double-pane glass reflects twice. Lastly, if you feel both sides of the glass on a cold day, double-paned windows will feel warmer because of the insulating gap between the panes.