Are You Shopping for New Windows? Consider These Items First
With a wide selection of window styles and materials to choose from, it may be overwhelming to choose the right one that suits your needs and preferences. You’ll need to consider factors, such as added insulation, if you want to save on energy costs for years. Here are a few things you need to consider when you’re having trouble finding the ideal window for your home.
The Importance of Choosing the Ideal Window
Only the right kind of windows can greatly benefit you and your home. You’ll see a lot of window options that claim to help you save a lot on heating and cooling bills, but keep in mind that not all of them work the same way. It’s still possible to have a replacement window that can help you save a lot in the long run. But that still depends on a few factors, such as the material the windows are made of, how much shade you have around your home, the climate you live in, how many windows you have and how good your insulation is.
Consider Your Ideal Window Options
Your window choice can still make an impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. That means you’ll need to consider the material, glazing, style and installation could have a big impact on your energy bill. Also consider other features, such as ease of maintenance, so you’ll only need to call your trusted window and roof maintenance contractor for the occasional inspection or when there’s a problem you can’t fix alone.
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Materials – Your window’s appearance, durability and insulation can be affected by your chosen window framing material. Wood-framed windows, for instance, provide good insulation, but are heavy and high-maintenance. Vinyl-frame windows also have good insulation properties and require only minimal maintenance.
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Glazing – Some window glazes and glass technologies can provide better insulation, light quality and condensation resistance. For example, windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings often are more energy-efficient than windows without.
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Style – The style of your window affects how well it can insulate. Keep in mind that single-hung, double-hung and sliding styles tend to leak more air than casement, awning and hopper ones.
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Installation – Your windows need to be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, your home won’t be as comfortable as it should be, and you still won’t save as much. As much as possible, hire your locally trusted windows installer so you won’t have any problems down the road.