No matter if you are selling or simply want to change the look of your house, windows play an essential part in making it a home. Not only do they increase resale value, but they also bring more natural light into the room and lower energy costs at the same time.

Homeowners often need to decide whether or not to repair their current window, or replace it entirely. This decision depends on the age and condition of your existing windows, the cost of replacement, and your preferences for how they will function in the future. For example, the average cost of replacement windows ranges from $600 to $800 per window.

To determine if your windows require replacement, look for signs of damage. Signs such as cracked frames, rotting or warped wood and swollen(肿胀的) glass should be enough to alert you that a change should be made immediately to avoid further harm.

Another sign that your windows need replacing is difficulty opening and closing them. If your windows are difficult to operate or don’t lock securely, it’s time for professionals to install new sets—especially for wood frames.

It’s also wise to inspect the glass and seals(封条). If they appear damaged or cracked, replacing them could help avoid further harm and save you money in the long run.

Replacing or repairing your windows is a significant investment, so make sure to select the ideal option for your home. Not only will these windows keep your house comfortable and energy bills down, but they’ll also improve its appeal.

1.What does Paragraph 2 mainly tell us about windows?

A Factors about whether to repair windows or not.

B The importance of repairing windows.

C The cost of replacing windows.

D Signs of damaged windows.

解析：选A。A段落大意题。根据第二段“This decision depends on...”可知，本段主要描述的是哪些因素会影响我们是否换窗户。故选A。

2.What does the underlined word “alert” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A Prevent.

B Admire.

C Allow.

D Warn.

解析：选D。D词义猜测题。根据第三段第一句“To determine if your windows require replacement, look for signs of damage.”和最后一句的“a change should be made immediately”可知，此处讲的是什么情况下需要换窗户，即这些迹象“警示”我们应该换窗户了。故选D。

3.Which is NOT a sign that your windows need replacing?

A The glass has a hole.

B The lock doesn’t work.

C The cost is reduced.

D The wood is rotted.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第三、四、五段可知，当窗户的木头腐烂了、窗户关不上了以及玻璃坏掉的时候，都需要换窗户，并未提及C项的“成本降低”。故选C。

4.What can we infer about replacing windows according to the text?

A It’s dangerous.

B It’s beneficial.

C It’s expensive.

D It’s meaningless.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。根据最后一段的“Not only will these windows keep your house comfortable and energy bills down, but they’ll also improve its appeal.”可知，作者认为不管是修窗户还是换窗户，都可以让你住得更舒适，帮你降低能源费用，提高房子的吸引力。即作者认为不管是修还是换，都是有好处的。故选B。