Energy Efficient Windows – Check The Label

Choice is helped by information. Many American states, though unfortunately not all, insist that independent NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) certification labels appear on windows products for sale in their jurisdiction. These labels can help you to decide what you want, as well as proving that the window has been certified by an unbiased source. Make sure you don’t buy any windows without a NFRC label displayed upon it.

All types of window products are rated in a standard size, so you are comparing like for like with the information found on these labels. Unfortunately not all of the individual ratings are compulsory: those like AL (Air Leakage) and CR (Condensation Resistance) are voluntary.

As well as the NFRC, other labels in the United States that can be found include: the government’s ENERGY STAR window program; the (AAMA) American Architectural Manufacturers Association; and the (WDMA) Window and Door Manufacturer's Association.

Any or all of these labels will indicate that the window manufacturer is more likely to be responsible and therefore potentially much better to purchase window products from.

Do You Think That’s Wise, Honey?

Another performance affecting factor for any type and style of window is making sure that the window is properly fitted and installed. So be sure to view the tips on finding a professional contractor.

You may think about having a go at putting in the substitute windows. But you should pause at least a bit before taking on the installation yourself. Many inexperienced self-installer homeowners can decide this is an easy way of saving money. Only to then panic when confronted with a rough opening in their wall. (And you may find yourself having the fury of a partner to deal with as well).

Everything Effects Everything Else

You will probably want to replace your old and tired windows with replacements that both look good as well as perform well. This aesthetic value will be down to personal opinion, but also relate to your neighborhood.

Furthermore, these two factors of appearance and effectiveness are often inter-related. Here is an example of how that may span out:

• Aluminum and fiberglass frame materials for example are stronger than vinyl and wood. Therefore the frames can be thinner to allow more glass to be in the window. This will let in more daylight if your home interior is a bit gloomy.
• But you may live in a cold climate and be on a tight budget. So insulation will be important. And wood and vinyl are better at insulating than aluminum and more affordable than fiberglass. Aluminum is more affordable than wood but a poor insulator unless the aluminum window is fitted with a thermal break, remember. So you don’t want the heat to get out whilst the light is coming in.

Now you have to weigh the window style into the equation:

• Casement windows for instance: like the awning style and the hopper window as well (a hopper is an inverted awning window) have the advantage of compressed seals. This is due to the sash pressing in to the frame perimeter as it is closed. And this fact means that hinged windows offer improved protection against infiltration of outside air and water, as well as better insulation.
• So you may want to opt for a casement, hopper or awning for that insulation benefit. But their use can be restricted by external clearance and window size can be limited by hardware.
• Casement, awning and hopper windows are usually more costly to buy as well. But you’ve just learned that a hinged window style can often help reduce energy bills and increase comfort because they are better sealed than double hung, single hung or horizontal slider windows.

This might encourage you to stretch your budget if you view it as an investment.

• But then again, horizontally or vertical sliding windows can be made larger than hinged windows. So they can save money too by offering the alternative of buying one larger window than two smaller hinged windows.

So depending on how many existing windows you are intending to replace, then this initial cost saving could be worth more than waiting for a longer term gain.

Double hung windows are also a more traditional style. And because these and other sliders are designed with separate sashes it means that if you have them made from wood, there is more internal wood to admire (though less glass to let more light in). Which goes back to aesthetics again, and also the daylight factor.

Now let’s throw a bit of maintenance ingredients into our replacement stew.

• More internal wood means more external wood to maintain too, you might think. Well yes, but if you’re not to keen on that side of things remember to take a look at choosing wood-clad windows.
• These mean you can still enjoy wood on the inside and have lower upkeep needs on the external frames with either aluminum or vinyl on the outside. But they can cost more - which brings us back to budget again. Arghh!

Don’t Panic. Work Out Your Route!

So we didn’t even mention the varying types of glass, but that winding little road should have you thinking. Good. You’re therefore considering your window requirements and needs carefully!

When looking to replace windows you must understand that there is no window marriage of style, type, frame and glass that is appropriate for all situations. And if someone tells you there is; then they’re not telling the truth.

A List Of Things To Help

If there was a perfect window then they’d be the only one available anywhere. Though interestingly enough, even this theoretical perfection would mean that some people wouldn’t buy it - because that’s the one everyone else has got!

Enough of psychology though. And back to replacing your windows. Think about needs like: Affordability: Appearance: Energy Bills From Cooling Costs: Ease Of Operation: Energy Bills From Heating Costs: Local Climate: Natural Lighting: Shading: Solar Heating: Window Weight: Ventilation.

Factors like these should influence your decision. And here they are in alphabetical order for neutrality, but in your list they should be in the order of priority that suits your situation.

And remember that this order may well change for different window positions in your home. You don’t have to get the same one everywhere.

So when replacing a window or windows in your home, go armed with knowledge. This information should be about the products and about what needs you have that the windows will be hopefully taking care of.

Finding That Window

And try to be positive about buying replacement windows if you can. That last is not just trite comment. If you don’t really want to be doing something and you’d rather be elsewhere then you probably won’t end up doing very well.

But if you can try to be positive about shopping for windows then you won’t feel that it is some punishment brought down upon you. You’ll take more of an interest in learning about them, and how they can improve your home.

And then, you’ll have far better chances of purchasing and installing the right choice of substitute windows for you.

Next > Types Of Replacement Windows

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