Window replacement can help increase home energy efficiency, enhance curb appeal and add to its value – but homeowners need to choose wisely in order to achieve optimal results.
Signs that it may be time for new windows include major water leaks, rotten frames and foggy panes indicating their insulation seal has broken; drafty windows let heat and cold escape more freely forcing HVAC systems to work harder than necessary.
Single-Hung Windows
Champion offers replacement windows that meet Energy Star standards to help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs. Manufactured from virgin vinyl that won’t chip or fade, their insulated frames provide tight seals against air leaks for maximum energy savings. Furthermore, Champion windows boast low U-factors and VT ratings and can even be upgraded with Low-E glass or double pane construction for optimal performance.
Double-hung windows feature two operable sashes that slide up and down for ventilation, allowing heat to escape in winter while cool air is drawn in during summer. Available in wood, fiberglass and vinyl models with various hardware finishes and grille options to customize your look for optimal efficiency.
Single-hung windows feature fewer moving parts than double-hung windows, making them more energy-efficient and ideal for homes with limited vertical space. When choosing your window company, be sure they offer complete start-to-finish solutions through local representatives with in-home estimates and advanced digital tools to assist your planning before beginning construction work.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows differ from single-hung ones by having two movable sashes; double-hungs can open vertically from both ends for enhanced ventilation, tilt in for safe cleaning, and save on utility costs with their energy efficiency and classic aesthetics. Energy efficiency makes double-hungs a popular choice among homes looking to increase comfort while cutting utility costs.
When selecting new window installations, opt for Energy Star-partner models with low U-factors and high VT ratings to maximize heat transfer while improving air circulation throughout your home. Argon gas insulators will further boost insulation performance, thus decreasing energy costs and saving on energy expenses.
Before hiring a window company, always review customer feedback online and obtain local references before making your selection. Also look for certified companies with Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance accreditation – these credentials indicate they possess the skills, knowledge, and experience required to complete your project efficiently and cost-effectively. Reputable window companies typically also offer factory direct warranties.
Argon Gas Windows
Argon gas can help improve energy efficiency and decrease window replacement costs Lexington SC by filling the spaces between glass panes in double-pane windows. Being denser than air, its superior insulating properties reduce thermal transfer significantly while also preventing condensation between panes.
Argon-filled windows bring comfort to any home by reducing cold drafts in winter and overheating in summer. Furthermore, these windows provide sound insulation against busy streets or nearby construction sites that contributes to noise pollution.
Argon combined with low-e coatings makes an effective insulator that’s ideal for double-pane windows that qualify as Energy Star models and can save on utility costs. Other insulating options, like Krypton which is even denser but more costly but works better in triple pane window spaces, may also offer solutions.
Energy Star Windows
Windows can account for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy use, so upgrading to Energy Star windows could save money and protect the environment at once.
Energy-efficient double-glazed windows feature two panes of glass separated by an air gap to reduce heat loss and improve insulation, and reflect sunlight back inside, helping maintain an ideal indoor temperature while decreasing artificial lighting requirements.
ENERGY STAR has established minimum energy performance ratings by climate to help you select windows suitable for your home. These ratings are determined using test results from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and include U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), air leakage and visible transmittance measurements.
Search for windows bearing an NFRC label and manufacturer-provided installation instructions, following them precisely so as not to void your window warranty. Also make sure your installer is certified to install them if that type of window interests you.