It’s a snowy Flagstaff day, and you can’t seem to keep your house warm. As you’re looking out your kitchen window, you notice it’s frosted over from the condensation. These are key indicators that it is time to begin thinking about new windows for your home. Choosing and installing new windows is a big undertaking. Between the different style choices and investing a good amount of money, it comes off as an intimidating project. However, this is an investment that will not only enhance your curb appeal, but it will also save you money on your energy bills. You just need to start off by understanding the basics.
When choosing windows, begin by evaluating the size of your home, the number of windows, the shading around your home, and the climate in which you live. From there, you will compare costs, materials and styles of the new windows. It is important to understand what options are available when comparing.
Cost: Pricing per window will vary depending on the materials, features and size of the new windows. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs to get the job done correctly. Expect price per window to range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Just remember, it’s worth the investment.
Materials: Windows come in various materials. Choose between wood, aluminum, composite or vinyl. Wood-framed windows will provide good insulation but are heavy and high-maintenance. Aluminum-framed windows will last and are strong, with minimal maintenance. These are found in warmer climates to resist cracking, peeling, etc. Composite-framed windows are highly energy-efficient, resist fading and are dent resistant. They are a thermoplastic alloy resin, meaning it’s a mix between plastic and rubber. Finally, vinyl-framed windows are some of the most popular. They require very little maintenance, come in many shapes and sizes, and are energy efficient.
Style: Determining the style of windows you want is an important aspect to the look and feel of your home. Do you want your windows to slide open (slider) or open outward (awning)? Are your windows square shaped (casement) or curved (picture)? Do you want only half of your window to open (single-hung) or both ends to open (double-hung)? These are all options that you will want to explore.
Next you want to research the windows’ Energy-Rating Label. This will help you determine how energy efficient the window is. For this you need to understand five areas: U-factor, visible transmittance, condensation resistance, solar heat gain coefficient and air leakage.
U-factor: This number rates how much heat escapes through a window. This is most important in cold climates. The range is from 0.2-1.2; you want a lower end number.
Solar Heat Grain Coefficient: This number rates how much heat from the sun is allowed in. This is most important in warm climates. The range is from 0-1; you want a lower number.
Visible Transmittance: This number rates how much light comes in. The range is from 0-1; you want a higher number.
Condensation Resistance: This number rates how well a product resists condensation. The range is from 1-100; you want a higher number.
Air Leakage: This number rates how much outside air comes in. The range is from 0.1-0.3; you want a lower number.
There are many benefits that will result from replacing your windows. You can expect to reduce heating and cooling costs, experience improved comfort through temperature control, reduced condensation, increased light and visibility, and reduced fading to furniture, fabrics and flooring. This is an investment that will be worth the money and last for years to come. FBN
By Mike Brackin
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