New windows add value to your home. They also reduce energy costs, especially in the summer when your home is most likely to feel like a sauna.
ENERGY STAR qualified windows with a low U-factor help keep climate-controlled air inside your home and prevent heat loss. Double or triple pane windows with argon gas between the glass help insulate your home even better.
Energy Efficiency
Windows play a critical role in conserving energy. They allow light to enter a home, protect furniture from sun damage, and provide security against intruders. They also control air flow, keep homes cooler in summer, and help reduce condensation, cold spots, and noise.
The best way to ensure that a window is energy efficient is to look for ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certified products shrink energy bills and carbon footprints. These products have a lower U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient than standard double pane windows.
In addition, ENERGY STAR qualified products use low-e glass with microscopic metallic coatings to reflect heat away from the house during warmer months and allow in warmth from the sun’s shorter rays during cooler seasons. They also feature Intercept warm-edge spacer technology that reduces condensation and seals in escaping air. Other variables that affect a window’s insulating properties include frame and glass materials, and sash-to-frame and frame-to-glass connections.
Durability
Windows can add a lot to the value of your home, and they are also very important for securing your house from harmful elements and intruders. However, many homeowners often overlook their importance. Window installation should be carefully planned, and the right type of windows should be chosen to ensure that it will last.
The lifespan of a window will depend on its exposure to the sun, humidity, and other factors. Generally, wood-framed windows last longer than vinyl-framed ones. However, the best choice will always be one that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
For example, you should choose a window with a low U-factor to reduce energy consumption. This will not only save you money, but it will also help protect the environment. You should consider other factors, such as design and aesthetics, before deciding which type of window is the best for your needs. The cost of window installation will also depend on the design and material you prefer.
Aesthetics
Windows are not only functional and provide the right amount of light in your home, they can also add to its beauty. Windows are like permanent ornaments in your house and must be chosen carefully to suit the style of your home. They can also help to enhance the beauty of your yard and the landscape. They can also enhance your view and bring in more natural sunlight to make your house feel brighter and more lively.
A typical double pane window allows 75 percent of the sun’s heat to enter your home during the summer. ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce the amount of solar heat that passes into your home, while still allowing visible light into your rooms. This can significantly lower your energy bills during the hot summer months.
Security
Windows are more than just holes in your home’s walls. They offer fascinating views for your eyes to feast on, add value to your home, and protect your abode from harmful elements and intruders. They also provide a sense of security for you and your family.
During the hot summer months, standard double-pane windows allow up to 75 percent of the sun’s heat to enter your home. However, ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce this “heat gain” by more than 50 percent without sacrificing visible light.
Energy-efficient windows not only save money for homeowners, but also help to reduce our nation’s energy usage. A window’s U-factor indicates its thermal efficiency, with lower numbers indicating greater efficiency. Renewal by Andersen offers a variety of window types, many of which are Energy Star products. Prices aren’t available on the company’s website, but it uses in-home estimates and advanced digital tools to help homeowners plan their project before getting started.