Replace windows can help lower heating and cooling costs in any Lexington home, so it is crucial that you understand how to choose the appropriate ones.
Search for companies that provide factory direct warranties and Energy Star certified products, as well as background-checked employees to guarantee the security of your home.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows are responsible for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy consumption, making old or damaged windows an inefficient use of money and resources. By upgrading with energy-efficient replacement windows, however, insulating properties in your home will become more energy efficient – helping save both money and reducing environmental impacts.
Double-pane windows can help lower heating and cooling costs while keeping you comfortable year round. Energy Star qualified windows with Low-E glass and other insulative materials to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer are available from various vendors.
Modern window designs are created to help insulate interior spaces from outdoor noises, providing more comfort and reducing stress levels. Furthermore, modern windows require less maintenance than older models, saving money on repairs, repaints and cleaning services. Furthermore, specialty windows like bay or picture windows let in additional natural light while creating focal points within your home.
Low-E Glass
Upgrading to energy efficient windows is a wise home improvement investment that will save money on heating and cooling bills, reduce drafts, reduce your carbon footprint and make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Plus, upgrading will increase its value making it more desirable.
Low-E glass windows feature metallic coatings designed to allow some of the sun’s shortwave infrared heat through, keeping your home warmer during winter and cooler during summer. Furthermore, these windows can reflect interior longwave infrared energy for improved insulation performance as well as reflect interior longwave infrared energy for improved insulation performance. Furthermore, you can enhance their performance further by adding inert gas such as argon between panes of glass.
When shopping for replacement windows, look for Energy Star ratings. This label certifies that your window meets stringent energy efficiency guidelines set out by the federal government and combined with low U-factor and high VT (visible transmittance) ratings can significantly cut energy bills.
Argon Gas
Argon, along with nitrogen and oxygen, is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas found in trace amounts in Earth’s atmosphere. Due to its non-reactivity and ability to withstand high temperatures, argon finds use as an industrial material in electric light bulbs, photo tubes/glow tubes fillings, technical SCUBA dry suits as well as fractional distillation extraction from its surroundings.
Insulating with polyurethane foam is an efficient way to lower energy costs in homes. Since polyurethane is less dense than air, it won’t mix with other gases and won’t condense into chemical compounds at normal pressures and temperatures.
Homeowners who opt for argon-filled windows can expect lower energy bills and enhanced comfort throughout the year, less frost during winter, improved insulation performance and higher resale values for their home. These benefits may even lead to higher resale values.
Energy Star Rating
When shopping for replacement windows, be on the lookout for ones bearing the Energy Star logo. This label was developed to assist consumers in easily identifying products with the highest levels of energy efficiency; according to Energy Star estimates, such products could reduce heating and cooling costs by 15 percent annually.
To increase energy efficiency further, choose windows featuring double pane ENERGY STAR glass and select frame materials that provide insulation benefits; vinyl and fiberglass are excellent choices, offering cost-effectiveness and durability while wood requires regular upkeep.
When selecting a window installation company, read online reviews and consult the Better Business Bureau to locate a reputable local contractor. In addition, select a provider who offers custom options as well as in-home estimates – for instance Renewal by Andersen offers free estimates online with its team completing free worksite cleanup after each installation and offering a limited warranty to ensure complete satisfaction with their services.