Whether you’re buying new windows for a modern home or upgrading older ones, choose energy efficient models. Double-pane windows are a good choice, as they trap air between the two sheets of glass, saving you money on heating during winter and cooling in summer.
Also, look for a company that is backed by the fenestration industry and certified by relevant groups. These credentials ensure that they follow installation best practices.
Wood
Windows are one of the most crucial design elements for your home. They improve the aesthetic of your house and can also increase its value in the real estate market. Replacing old windows with new ones is a smart investment that can save you money on your energy bills and help your home look fresher and more beautiful.
Wood is a popular choice for replacement windows because it offers a natural, beautiful appearance and offers many customization options. It can be stained or painted to suit any style, from modern to traditional. It is also highly insulating, keeping heat in during winter and cool air in during summer.
When buying replacement windows, choose ENERGY STAR-certified wood products for added savings. These windows meet the highest energy efficiency standards and can save you up to 12% on your annual energy bills. You can also qualify for a tax credit when you buy ENERGY STAR-certified wood windows.
Vinyl
As Louisiana’s hot summer temperatures and humid environment make replacement windows a common necessity for many homeowners, it is essential to choose the right products for the job. The right window replacements will keep your home comfortable without increasing your power bills and reduce moisture damage to your furnishings and other components of the house.
Fortunately, vinyl is an excellent material for this purpose. It is resistant to moisture, which helps it avoid warping, fading, and other damages that can happen when your windows are exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.
Additionally, vinyl windows have thick frames that help insulate your home, keeping it cooler during smoldering summer months and warmer in the winter. This helps you save money on your energy costs and increase your home’s resale value, while also reducing carbon emissions and potentially qualifying you for tax credits. Ultimately, these features have made vinyl an attractive option for many homeowners.
Energy efficiency
Upgrading your windows with new, energy-efficient replacements is one of the best ways to increase your home’s comfort and boost its resale value. However, it can take years to recoup the upfront costs of replacing old windows with new ones.
Outdated windows allow heat and humidity to infiltrate your house, requiring your air conditioner to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. High-efficiency windows can minimize this transfer, helping you save on utility bills and allowing you to relax in your house without worrying about overheating.
Look for windows with a low U-factor and low SHGC rating to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity costs. You may also want to choose triple-pane windows with a low-emissivity coating and argon gas fill to improve the insulating quality of your home, preventing cold drafts and hot spots during the various seasons Slidell LA experiences. These windows will also protect your furniture and carpets from fading caused by harmful UV rays.
Grid styles
Window grid patterns (also known as muntins) enhance the beauty of your home and are perfect for Craftsman, Prairie, Tudor, and Victorian styles. They are also a popular choice for double-hung windows, casement windows, and picture windows.
Colonial window grid patterns evoke a traditional feel by dividing glass panes into even, well-proportioned squares or rectangles. They work well on double-hung and slider windows.
Another option is the prairie grid pattern, which features a thin frame around the perimeter of the window with crosses at each corner. This design leaves more of the window glass unobstructed, making it a great choice for modern ranch-style or bungalow homes.
There are also windows without grids, which are great for contemporary and modern neighborhood houses. They are easier to clean than windows with dividers because they have fewer nooks and crannies that collect dirt. But they don’t offer the same level of detail and architectural character as windows with grids.