You can save money and improve your home’s energy efficiency by installing new windows. However, you should hire a reputable window installation company to do the work. Make sure they have a glazing, residential, or general contractor license.
Consider Energy Star-rated windows when you shop for a replacement. They’re more efficient than traditional double-pane windows and can reduce your home’s energy bill.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have a lower inside sash that slides up and an upper outside sash that moves down, improving air circulation. They’re also a smart choice when installing window air conditioners, and you can tilt their sashes in for cleaning.
Look for a local provider with many years, or ideally decades, of experience successfully installing all window types. Ask for local references and review online reviews to confirm that your potential installer has a solid reputation.
Casement Windows
Enjoy clear, unobstructed views and a controlled breeze with window replacement that opens and closes smoothly. Operated by a crank, casement windows are ideal for hard-to-reach spaces and feature a tight seal to reduce energy consumption.
Different window frame materials have different lifespans, energy efficiency levels and price points. Choose yours based on the look you want and the climate where your home is located. Low-emissivity glass keeps your home cooler in the summer by reflecting heat and retaining indoor air, cutting down on energy costs.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows (also known as gliding windows) have two or more movable sashes that open left or right along grooves in the frame. They are ideal for wide window openings and maximize picturesque views of the outdoors while providing easy airflow.
Gliding windows are an affordable and energy-efficient choice for your home, especially if you choose low-emissivity glass. This advanced glass reflects heat in the summer and retains indoor heat in winter, helping you save on your energy bills.
Triple-Pane Windows
Triple-pane windows are a great option for homeowners looking to reduce noise levels from street, aircraft and heavy equipment traffic. They also improve home energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer.
Triple pane windows cost more than double-pane ones but offer superior insulation, making them worth the investment for many homeowners. They also reduce condensation, which can damage wooden window frames and sills.
When shopping for triple-pane windows, look for those that are Energy Star rated. This means they meet the energy efficiency standards set by the EPA.
Energy Star-Rated Windows
ENERGY STAR-certified windows, doors, and skylights help keep homes consistently comfortable without using too much energy. They are tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council for how well they insulate, prevent heat from passing through, and stop air from leaking.
Look for a window company that offers a range of ENERGY STAR-certified windows, including full-frame and pocket installations. They can also offer impact-resistant windows to withstand strong storms and weather.
Low-E Glass
Window glass plays an important role in your home’s energy efficiency. Low-emissivity glass is a modern invention that reduces heat loss in winter and prevents heat entry in summer, lowering your energy bills.
It has a microscopic coating that reflects long wavelengths of infrared energy and heat while letting short wavelengths pass through. It also helps to block the UV radiation that causes fabrics and interior furnishings to fade.
Argon Gas-Filled Windows
While argon gas-filled windows may be initially more expensive than air-filled double or triple-paned windows, homeowners can save money in the long run thanks to their high energy efficiency. They also help comply with strict state energy codes and improve indoor comfort levels.
Incorporated between panes of glass, argon gas (5 1/2 times denser than air) reduces heat convection currents, decreasing energy losses and improving insulation. It is non-toxic and odorless, and it dissipates quickly in open and well-ventilated settings.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are affordable and energy efficient. They also add value to your home. They require little maintenance and resist aging. They’re available in a variety of colors and finishes. They feature fully-welded sashes and frames, which make them strong.
They’re made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a combination of different chemicals. PVC is not a natural product, so it has an impact on the environment. It’s also difficult to recycle.
Wood Windows
Wood frames offer a traditional look and natural beauty that can enhance the curb appeal of any home. They’re also easy to paint or stain to match any decor or style.
Wood also has powerful insulating properties, which can help lower energy bills. However, it’s susceptible to rot, swelling, and insect damage.
If you want the best of both worlds, consider a composite frame that combines the durability of steel with wood fibers for added insulation. These frames resist swelling, rotting, and corrosion.