Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, windows are important to your house’s overall look and function. They let natural light in during cold winters and keep heat out during hot summers, saving you money on energy bills.
If your window is outdated and inefficient, it may be time to consider replacement windows. Here are some tips on choosing the best window for your home.
Energy-Efficient
The right windows can help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, which reduces your electricity costs. They can also help protect your fabrics, carpets and furnishings from fading by blocking out harmful UV rays.
If you want to maximize your energy-efficiency, consider buying ENERGY STAR windows. These windows meet strict energy use and labeling standards set by the National Fenestration Rating Council, with ratings for U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients, visible light transmittance, air leakage, condensation resistance and more.
Companies that sell ENERGY STAR windows include JELD-WEN and Renewal by Andersen. These companies offer a wide range of double-pane windows, including casements, awnings, single-hung and sliding windows. They offer windows with a variety of u-factors and frame styles, as well as different Low-E coatings and argon gas insulation options. They also offer regional energy zone ratings to make sure that you get the right window for your climate. ENERGY STAR windows can save you $273 each year after installation.
Durable
Many homes have windows that no longer open or close properly due to age and wear. These problems can result in cold air, high energy bills, and discomfort for homeowners. Window replacement can improve these issues and increase home value and curb appeal.
New windows can also make your home safer from intruders. Older windows can let in a lot of noise and sunlight, which can allow intruders to see what is happening inside the house. Newer windows are made from more durable materials and have better locking systems to keep intruders out.
Vinyl windows are ideal for the humid Louisiana climate because they do not corrode, rust or attract termites and other pests like wood or aluminum. They are also long-lasting, and can last for more than 20 years. Moreover, they can reduce the amount of heat that transfers through your home’s walls and ceiling, preventing your air conditioning from working harder in the smoldering summer months.
Low-E Glass
This glass type has a special coating that decreases its emissivity, which is the ability of a material to radiate heat. This means that while warm air can easily pass through standard windows, it can bounce off low-e glass and stay in your home to keep you cozy throughout the winter.
Energy-efficient windows also help to lower your cooling costs during the summer. This is because they reflect the heat of the sun rather than absorbing it. Depending on your climate and window size, the specific energy-efficient options available may vary.
Along with reflecting thermal radiation, low-e glass helps to block ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are the kind of light waves that can bleach your carpets and furniture over time, as well as cause skin cancer. This can save you the cost of replacing these items while helping to protect your family.
Argon Gas-Filled
The space between double glass panes of energy efficient windows is often filled with argon gas. This is an inert and nontoxic gas that makes an excellent insulator. It is denser than air, which means that it increases the thermal insulating efficiency of windows and reduces home energy costs.
It also reduces condensation that can damage a window and create moisture build-up between the panes. This can be a significant problem in some climates and during extreme temperature changes or high humidity levels.
Argon is the third most abundant natural gas on earth. It is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic and does not react with other materials. This makes it the perfect choice to use in energy-efficient replacement windows. Combined with low-E coatings, it provides a powerful combination that is effective in all climates. It is also compatible with all window sizes and styles. This allows it to be used in new construction and in retrofits in homes of all sizes.