How Can I Learn About Replacement Window Products - And Not Be Sold?

 “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Ben Franklin

At no other time in human history have we had so much information available at our fingertips to us to help us make informed purchasing decisions. Yet as our buying habits evolve, so do the tactics retailers use to sell us products we don’t want or need.

The same can be true when selecting replacement windows. In a market with endless styles and varieties, how do you choose the right product for your home, without being sold something you really don’t need? Ultimately nothing beats a savvy and educated consumer keen to learn the fundamentals of replacement windows.

Know Your Window Replacement Types

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are by far the most widely used type of replacement windows in part because they offer some of the highest energy efficiency options along with stylistic options at various price points. Color, grid pattern, and hardware choices allow you a few different style options for your home.

Composite

Composite windows are a suitable choice for homeowners that appreciate the look of wood windows but do not like the price tag or the time consuming maintenance that they require. Most composite replacement windows are constructed from PVC resin, making them very energy efficient. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass windows are a great option for many homeowners. Fiberglass replacement windows have the look of wood without the highly involved maintenance that natural wood windows require. Because of their high tensile strength, fiberglass windows offer a high structural rating while providing a more slender frame that accommodates more glass and a thinner profile.

Wood

Wood windows are the most expensive option available for window replacement. For some homeowners, price is not an issue when they are going for architectural continuity or historical accuracy. In fact, in some homes that have been identified as historically significant, using certain conforming items like wood windows is required. Wood is beautiful, warm with an organic look and feel and they offer many aesthetic options to allow you to customize your replacement windows to fit the style of your home.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows are frequently used in multi-family residences like condominiums and apartment buildings, and are common in commercial buildings. Because of this and their lower energy efficiency, many homeowners in single-family residences have opted to replace their aluminum windows with more aesthetic options that also have higher rated energy efficiency. Still, aluminum windows offer some advantages that make them a good fit for many dwellings. 

Know Your Replacement Window Products

Multiple Panes of Glass

Double-pane glass filled with inert gas insulates nearly twice as well as single-pane counterparts, making replacing your old single pane glass windows a no-brainer. Triple-pane glass offers the maximum insulation. Triple Pane will increase the overall efficiency of the window unit and decrease the rate of energy loss or U Factor (the measurement of how much energy escapes your house through the glass). However, triple pane glass comes at a premium and varies in cost ranging from $50-$200 per window, depending upon the manufacturer.

Often, triple pane windows are used on the side of the house with a southern exposure to reduce the impact of the brutal afternoon sun. The added cost in that instance may be worth it and should be considered to maximize energy efficiency, particularly in areas with excessive heat or homes with extensive southern exposure. 

Low-E Glass Coatings

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings are layers of thermal protection that aid in reflecting summer heat and retaining interior cooling in the summer months and reflecting cool outdoor temperatures and retaining interior warmth in the winter months. Likewise, these Low-E coatings will block UV rays that can contribute to the fading your home’s soft furnishings such as drapes, curtains, sofas and carpets.

Argon Filled Glass Panes

Argon is a natural, inert, colorless, non-toxic gas that is denser than air. When placed between panes of glass, argon adds additional insulation. This feature can further reduce the transfer of heat or cold, making a home significantly more energy-efficient and comfortable. 

ENERGY STAR Certified Replacement Windows

When you select energy-efficient options that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines, you can be confident that you will save significantly on your energy bills.

Foam-Fill

Foam filled frames and sashes reduce the thermal conduction of the frame or sash. Many manufacturers offer foam filled frames and sash extrusions that can increase the efficiency of those components.

Don’t Forget The Installation

High quality replacement windows are only as effective and efficient as their installation. For example, the best performing window on the market, if installed incorrectly or out of scope of best practices, will leak air like a sieve. Consequently, taking the time to find a reputable home improvement contractor with a solid reputation in replacement window installation is a must.