Energy Efficient Windows: Choosing Awning or Casement Style Windows | Flower Mound, TX
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Homeowners in Flower Mound, TX, have a lot to think about when choosing new energy efficient windows. They have to think of everything from functionality to energy-efficiency to style. The latest technology in energy efficient windows can offer up to 20% in energy cost savings compared to windows in homes built before 1988.
Two popular window styles that crank open and closed are awning and casement windows. Awning windows open outwards at a 45-degree
angle. They live up to their name and form a structure similar to an awning when the window is open.
Awning Windows
The biggest advantage of awning windows is that they can be opened to allow air flow even when it’s raining. Awning windows are also a good choice above sinks or counters because the crank opening mechanism is easily reachable. These windows are a good choice for any small window in a room that could benefit from increased air and sunlight.
The hinges at the top of an awning style window form an airtight seal when the window is closed. This improves insulation and energy efficiency as well as privacy. Awning windows have a single sash with no dividers, which provides an unobstructed view of the outdoors and allows natural sunlight to enter the home.
Awning style energy efficient windows are great for rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, with small windows. They’re also a good choice to have above traditional windows in living rooms or bedrooms. The small awning windows are easy to open to let a little fresh air in. Basements and attics are two of the least ventilated rooms in a home. Attics can become musty and a repository of hot, stuffy air during summer weather, while basements are frequently humid and damp. Awning windows are perfect for both locations because they allow air ventilation, but it isn’t a disaster if someone forgets to close the windows during bad weather. They can be left open without worrying about rain coming in and causing damage.
One of the biggest disadvantages of awning style energy efficient windows is the outward-opening design is not ideal for busy areas, such as patios, porches, and decks. This problem can be avoided by installing awning windows high enough to avoid any interference with people walking back and forth. This window type may also need to be cleaned more often than other types of windows, and the cranking mechanism can be high maintenance if they aren’t handled carefully.
Casement Windows
Casement windows were one of the first types of operable windows and they’ve been used in homes since the 1600s. They come in a wide variety of colors and materials and fit into almost any architectural style. Most people choose casement windows because they want an operable window they can open, but it is also possible to get fixed casement windows in a wide variety of styles to complement other windows or maintain design consistency in a room.
Casement style energy efficient windows offer excellent ventilation capability. The structure works like a sail on a sailboat and catches as much air from a breeze as possible to redirect it along the length of the window panel.
A casement window opened to five inches brings in more fresh air than a double hung or gliding window that is opened completely. Flower Mound, TX, has its share of thunderstorms and foul weather, along with extremely hot summers. An energy efficient window helps keep homes comfortable and safe regardless of the weather.
Casement windows open inward or outward, unlike slider windows. Most casement windows open outward, but there are several designs for homeowners that prefer a window to open inward. These windows open with a crank hinged on the left or right side, and windows open horizontally or vertically. Modern casement windows often open the entire way, in the same manner as a door opens and closes.
Casement windows are best for smaller windows that are taller than they are wide, while awning windows are better for small windows that are wider than they are tall. Large casement windows can actually catch too much wind and twist the hinges out of shape. This makes the window very hard to open and close. Another disadvantage of overly large casement windows is the weight of the glass itself. It can become too heavy and warp the hinges. A medium-size opening is best for casement style energy efficient windows.
They have a similar appearance to fixed or picture windows, but they adhere to egress codes and let air flow into the home. They also have the tightest seals of any window type and they are one of the highest performing window types available in terms of energy efficiency. Casement window seals are similar to a refrigerator door with sealing and weather stripping. Weather stripping has a compression fit so the window has a very tight seal when it is closed. They have only one sash to seal, unlike slider designs and many other types of windows that have two sashes.
Energy efficient windows with a casement design have an additional advantage. Strong winds actually push the window into the frame, which forms a tighter seal to keep drafts and precipitation out of your home. It’s actually a tighter seal than any other type of operable window. These windows are very easy to clean, and they can be easily operated with only one hand.
Call the professionals at Energy Window Solutions in Flower, Mound, TX, to talk about your options for energy efficient windows. They can help you choose the best type of window to fit your needs and install new energy efficient windows correctly.