Choosing the right replacement windows can help you improve your home’s comfort and curb appeal. Look for companies that offer extensive product options, strong warranties, competitive quotes and a proven track record of quality work.
Bow windows brighten spaces and add dimension to rooms. They are available with various options, including Low-E glass, which reflects radiant heat during winter and keeps homes cooler during summer.
Energy Star
Energy Star windows reduce energy costs, help the environment, and improve the quality of indoor air. These windows are available in a variety of materials and styles. They also come with a manufacturer’s warranty and installation warranty.
ENERGY STAR certification requires that a window meet strict energy efficiency guidelines for different climate zones across the country. The ENERGY STAR label displays U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings that are tailored to each regional zone.
The SHGC is a measure of how much heat a window lets into the home, while the U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. ENERGY STAR windows also contain quality frame materials that reduce heat transfer and insulate better. For example, the Ultrex fiberglass frames in our Energy Star windows reduce heat transfer 5,000 times more than rolled-form aluminum. These frames are also low-maintenance and durable. The ENERGY STAR label also shows a window’s air leakage and condensation resistance rating.
Low-E glass
Choosing windows with Low-E glass saves homeowners money on energy costs by reflecting harmful UV rays and letting natural light enter the home. This energy efficiency feature also extends the life of furnishings, fabrics and floors by keeping them from fading.
Low-E windows have a metallic oxide coating that reduces emissivity and allows for a high visible light transmittance. The lower emissivity also helps keep heat inside in winter and out of your home in summer.
The hard-coat Low-E coating is applied to the window’s glass ribbon during the float process, and it fuses with the surface of the glass, making it a durable option that will not fade or scratch over time. While the higher SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) of the hard-coat is beneficial in cold climates, it reflects too much short-wave IR energy and raises cooling costs.
For maximum energy savings, consider a dual pane IGU with argon gas infill or a triple pane IGU with krypton gas. This combination provides a R-value around R-10, and the argon gas helps further decrease air leakage.
Picture windows
Picture windows are designed to showcase a scenic outdoor view without any obstructions. Often large, they provide a full vista and can help your space feel larger and more expansive.
They also allow in a lot of natural light, which can reduce your need for artificial lighting and save you money on energy bills. In addition, double or triple-paned windows offer improved sound insulation, helping create a quieter indoor environment.
Since these windows cannot be opened, they are best for spaces where ventilation is not a concern. However, many homeowners choose to combine them with other operable window types to maximize a view and fill a room with natural light. In this type of configuration, casement bay windows are a popular choice, as their easy-to-operate cranks can be used to open the window for ventilation. They also offer a modern aesthetic that complements the clean lines of a picture window. Awning windows are another great option, as they feature a similar appearance and also open for ventilation.
Sliding windows
Expansive glass panes allow natural light to flood your home, enhancing the aesthetic and creating a seamless connection with nature. They also offer unobstructed views and excellent ventilation, making them a popular choice for living rooms.
Like all windows, sliding windows require regular maintenance. The tracks that slide the window sashes can accumulate dirt and dust over time, and they may need lubrication to ensure smooth operation. The window screens can also become clogged with pollen, dandelion dander and other debris, which must be removed periodically.
Sliding windows offer a sleek contemporary design that enhances the appearance of any home. They are available in 2-Lite and 3-Lite configurations, with the upper and lower sashes both capable of opening for improved ventilation. In addition, they are energy efficient and help protect furniture and carpet from UV rays that cause them to fade over time.