Facts About Replacement Windows

At first glance they seem to be simple pieces of glass placed in the wall, but closer attention will bring to light important details. Here are some quick facts on why good windows are worth their cost.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (doe.gov), leaky windows account for 25 percent of the average household energy bill. The Energy Department says homeowners can cut electricity costs by about 15 percent if they install Energy Star rated windows.

Noise reduction

Double-pane glass windows reduce noise pollution. Double-pane windows have up to one inch of air between the two panes of glass. According to housing publication Better Homes and Gardens (bhg.com), thicker glass and more air between panes equals better noise reduction.

Lifespan

Most manufactured windows should be replaced every 20 years. Ways to tell if a window should be replaced include:

• Holding a candle in front of a closed window to see if the flame moves from a draft
• Condensation gathering on the window

Natural Lighting

One thing's a given when it comes to windows: they let light into the building. But if lighting is a prime consideration than skylights might be the way to go. Skylights allow 30 percent more light into a home than standard vertical windows.

Windows are usually made from glass and from something else. That something else makes up the frame and is usually one of five items. Here are pros and cons to each.

Clad

Clad windows are usually the most expensive frame material. Clad windows are made from a wooden core and a metal or vinyl shell. The wood is used to lessen the passing of cold or hot. The metal is used to protect the wood and lower the maintenance required.

Aluminum

Aluminum is affordable, low-maintenance and tough. Aluminum windows have grown in popularity in recent years because of a style factor. The main problem with aluminum is it transfers heat and cold easily and therefore lowers energy savings.

Wood

Solid wood looks nice and does a great job providing insulation. But the material is fairly expensive, demands maintenance and can contract over time.

Composite

Fabricated composites are tough, good-looking, and stand the test of time. They come in different styles and colors so homeowners can match windows to living space. Prices vary depending on manufacturer and materials.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are low-key and reasonably priced. But vinyl can fade over the years.

High technology isn't only limited to electronics. Modern windows are getting a few upgrades that can cut energy consumption, improve style points and reduce maintenance requirements. Here are a few of the improvements.

Keep Heat Where You Want It

Low-emissivity glass (low-E) works to reflect heat back to where it came from. The thin metallic coating on each side of the glass reflects energy from being transported through the window. This means sunlight is kept out in the summer and heat is kept in in the winter. This can save the homeowner big bucks on energy bills when it translates into less air conditioning and decreased use of the heater. About 95 percent of natural light makes it through low-E windows.

Window Coatings

Homeowners can get window coatings applied to their glass. Coatings can block UV rays that lead to fading of curtains, carpets or floors. Some coatings work to cut down on heat transfer and create energy efficiency. Dual-action coating is a special material that breaks down matter such as mold or mildew and makes cleaning much easier.

Glass Treatments

Frosted glass and bubbled glass limit visibility through windows and therefore increase privacy. Natural light still makes it through the window, creating a private, well lit room.

Cut Down on Cranks

Getting sick of hand cranks messing up the smooth flow of your blinds? Well think about installing some casement windows with fold-down handles. These handles are tucked nicely into the window frame allowing for zero interference of treatments.