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How to Choose Efficient Windows

A lot of homeowners these days are replacing their old window cleaning with new ones that are more energy efficient, in order to reduce the ever-increasing energy bills. However, choosing the right window for your home can be quite a difficult task as there are many options available. One way to narrow down the selection is to shop locally. That’s because local retailers have a deeper knowledge of what windows work for your region’s climate. Look out for large manufacturers too, as they usually have the necessary resources to produce better quality than small manufacturers.

Check out our helpful tips below on how to choose the right energy saving windows for your home:

Wood

While wooden window frames are costlier than other materials, they do provide many benefits. For one, they’re very low maintenance, and more importantly, energy efficient. Plus, you can paint them in any color that you like, and they look great whether indoors or outdoors. The only downside to having wooden window frames is that they tend to attract insects or rot, but you can offset that by purchasing frames that are covered in aluminum or vinyl.

Vinyl

Vinyl window repair are not only energy efficient but they’re also resistant to moisture and are relatively low-maintenance. However, vinyl windows in a darker shade tend to fade with time, although a regular do-over with a scrub cleaner can help extend its lifespan and restore the finish. The great thing about vinyl windows is that they’re well-priced and provide great value for money, especially the insulated kind.  

Aluminum

With aluminum windows, you’ve got a strong surface for a very accessible price, but if energy efficiency is what you’re looking for then these aren’t for you. Aluminum window replacement act as heat conductors, which can lead to the formation of moisture in summer and frost in winter.  But hey, you get what you pay for.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is considered to be the high-maintenance alternative to vinyl or wood, because although it looks similar, it requires painting. Also, there isn’t an insulated version of fiberglass, and yet they cost more than insulated vinyl windows.

Composite

Although they look similar to wooden windows, composite windows aren’t very attractive when placed on the home’s exterior. That’s why some manufacturers offer the option of applying wood for the exterior part of the window, and then composite on the interior.  But composite typically comes with the same cost as vinyl though.

How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Check the glass for a Low-E coating.

For the best in energy efficiency, look no further than awning and casement window installation.

Multiple glass pane windows are a good idea, and can either be separated by krypton gas filling or low-conductive argon for maximum efficiency

Windows that have U-factors or U-values have the best insulating qualities

Good quality weatherstripping is another important feature to look out for, specifically the compressive gasket kind which, when combined with a latch, will keep out cold air and rain during the winter while trapping the warm air in.