If you’ve noticed drafts coming through your windows, you should consider replacing them. Not only will they make you uncomfortable, but they can also cause your HVAC system to work overtime and result in higher energy bills.
Choosing the right type of window can have an impact on your home’s energy efficiency and resale value. This article aims to help you navigate the window installation process by offering insights into several different options.
Vinyl
Vinyl is affordable and easy to clean, which makes it the most popular option for home windows today. They are also durable and offer superior energy efficiency. These features make them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on energy bills and improve their homes’ curb appeal.
They are not vulnerable to termites, and they don’t rust or corrode like metal frames. They are also not as prone to condensation as wooden windows.
The latest versions of vinyl are designed to be energy efficient by providing a tight seal. They are double-paned and contain inert gases, such as argon, between the panes. This helps prevent heat transfer and adds insulation to the home.
Wood
Wood replacement windows give homes a timeless look. They also come with a host of customization options, including brickmould and art glass. However, they require more regular maintenance and refinishing than other window styles. If you’re interested in purchasing a wood window, make sure it has reliable certifications like ENERGY STAR and the National Fenestration Council.
Choosing durable, low-maintenance replacement windows boosts home resale value and prevents air leaks. Professional independent installers can help homeowners choose from a variety of window styles that fit their aesthetic preferences and budget. Triple-pane models can reduce outside noise and save energy, too. They’re especially effective at reducing drafts in the winter and cooling bills in the summer.
Steel
Choosing the right windows will increase your home’s aesthetic appeal and boost its energy efficiency. However, upgrading your windows is a significant investment and you should shop around for the best prices. Make sure to choose a company that has years (ideally decades) of experience and background-checked installers.
Fiberglass windows are a popular choice because they are durable, resistant to rotting and warping, and offer a sleek appearance. They also have low maintenance costs and are highly energy efficient.
Triple-pane windows are more effective at reducing outside noise, as the sound must pass through three panes and inert gas (argon, krypton or xenon) before entering your home. They can also increase your home’s resale value.
Composite
For a window replacement that’s both functional and attractive, look for composite windows. They combine wood with a vinyl or aluminum exterior to create a durable frame that’s resistant to weathering and warping. These windows are also less expensive than traditional wooden windows but offer a similar style.
Fiberglass and composite windows are both durable materials that provide superior strength. These windows can withstand freezing climate conditions and extreme heat without excessive expansion or contraction.
Energy-efficient options include double or triple pane glass with argon gas between them. You can identify these windows by their NFRC sticker, which displays their U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). A higher rating means greater efficiency.
Low-E Glass
Using Low-E glass helps homeowners save on energy costs, as it blocks unwanted heat from entering homes while still allowing sunlight in. This specialized coating also reduces UV light, which can cause furniture, carpeting, and photos to fade over time.
For the best performance, consider a windows with a low visible transmittance rating and an argon gas fill to increase thermal efficiency. Other factors like frame and sash construction can affect cost savings, too.
Fiberglass frames are moisture-resistant, which can prevent problems like rotting and warping in the long term. Pairing them with a double-pane insulated argon window can significantly cut homeowners’ energy bills in Hoover AL.
Argon Gas
Argon is a colorless and odorless gas that is used between the panes of double or triple-pane windows to increase energy efficiency. It reduces heat transfer, helping to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The window experts at Durante Home Exteriors recommend argon-filled windows for homeowners in climates that experience extreme temperature variations. These windows perform exceptionally well and can significantly reduce monthly energy bills.
The gas in argon-filled windows is sealed at nearly the same pressure as atmospheric air, so it would not leak out easily even if the window seals were to fail. However, the longevity and effectiveness of argon-filled windows is dependent on quality materials, manufacturing, and installation.