What Options to Consider when Shopping for New Windows

Shopping for New Windows?

    

There are plenty of options to consider when replacing your old windows in your home. The different styles of windows and the materials that they are composed of will impact how energy efficient they are. Read a window’s NFRC label, also known as it’s “report card” which will tell you how efficient your window is.

·        Are New Windows Cost Effective?

·        Window Options

·        Check the Label

·        Where do I Learn More?

 Are New Windows Cost Effective?

Window companies will sometimes exaggerate the truth when they say that their windows will help to lower your utility bill. The truth is the money you could save depends on several factors:

·        how well your home is insulated

·        how large your home is, how high the ceilings are and how many windows it has

·        the amount of shade surrounding your home

·        the climate your home is located in

Depending on the materials and features you choose, will determine how well your window will save you money and help to lower your utility bills.

Window Options

The materials, style, glazing, and installation that you choose could have a big impact on your utility bill. And some features, like low maintenance, make new replacement windows more appealing to older ones you may have.

Materials

Different window frame materials can affect the appearance, durability, and insulation of your window. For instance, Vinyl-frame windows insulate well, and require no painting.

Style

The style of a window can affect how much energy you can save and add curb appeal to your home. Double-hung, and sliding windows leak more air than casement, awning windows, but will provide better ventilation.

Glazing and Glass Technologies

Certain window glazes and glass help to reduce condensation and provide better insulation. For example, our windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are often are more energy efficient than windows without it. Our replacement windows also offer 11 layers of heat reflective coatings to provide better insulation for your home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Some materials, like tilt-in sashes found with double-hung windows, make windows easier to care for. Vinyl and composite frames are also low maintenance and easy to clean.

Installation

Insulation in new windows is key on saving you energy for your home. Our windows are installed with foam filled insulated extrusions, as well as our Heatseal Spacer to provide better insulation for your home.

Check the Label

Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council’s window label when you’re shopping for new replacement windows. It can help you compare how well a window blocks cold/heat, provides ventilation; allows sunlight to filter in; and reduces condensation.

 

These ratings measure how well a window blocks cold, heat and outside air:

·        U-factor: Rates how well a window prevents heat from escaping through a window. Ours is one of the lowest on the market at a .25.

·        Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Rates how much heat from the sun is allowed in.

·        Air Leakage: The closer this number is to 0.1, the more outside air leaks in. Range: 0.1 — 0.3

Visible Transmittance ratings measure how well a window allows light to filter in:

·        The closer this number is to 1 the more light the window lets in. Range: 0 — 1

Condensation Resistance ratings measure how well a window reduces condensation:

·        The closer this number is to 100, the better the window is at resisting condensation. Range: 1 — 100

Where Do I Find More Information?

For any questions you may have, please contact us at: