Guide To Choosing Energy Efficient Windows | Southlake, TX
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Traditionally, homeowners in need of new window installations and replacements focused on the windows’ stylish treatments. Nowadays, homeowners opt for energy efficient windows that have unique designs and lower their energy utility bill.
Comprehensive studies have shown that energy efficient windows can decrease heat transfer rates through your windows by 65 percent. Hence the reason, energy efficiency has become a priority for most homeowners, which has led to an exponential rise in demand for these windows.
However, there are some considerations to make before choosing the right energy efficient windows. Apart from the material and the design, consider hiring a professional installer in Southlake, TX, lest your investment goes to waste.
Choosing the same contractor to supply and install your energy efficient windows goes a long way in ensuring no issues arise later. You could also focus on the following factors to ensure you’ve chosen the right windows.
Safety and security
When making any significant change to your home, the safety of the young children is paramount and mustn’t be overlooked. For instance, traditional floor to ceiling single-hung windows pose a life hazard when left open since their opening mechanism lies at the bottom of the window.
However, newer, energy-efficient, and double-hung windows guarantee your children’s safety through the top sash that operates up and down. The bottom sections of these types of energy efficient windows are also movable, and the whole double-hung setup allows you to let air into your home without creating a health risk.
Additionally, modern types of floor to ceiling energy-efficient windows come with tempered glass reinforcements, which traditional window models may lack. The support is durable and not easily broken, thus guaranteeing the security of your family from burglars and dangerous wild animals, such as snakes and raccoons.
Which design suits your needs?
When choosing energy-efficient windows for your Southlake, TX, home, there are a wide variety of options based on the window’s structural designs and operating mechanisms. You could choose those mentioned above double-hung or single-hung models with dual sashes within a single frame. It is worth noting that both sashes can be opened by sliding them up or down. Energy efficient window sellers and installers may also provide casement windows hinged like doors and often open sideways. Homeowners can consider top-opening casements with a cranking knob present.
Other window options include sliding window models that move horizontally along a metal or plastic track with two sashes that can be opened or closed. You could also choose awning windows with a single panel of glass, open from an outward hinge, and usually appear together with another window type. Additional types of windows include arch-topped windows that are typically fixed at one position but have operable types in the market along with rotating models with undisturbed glass panels that partially open from a specific central point.
If none of the above designs are pleasing, you could consider bays which are protruding window constructions that combine two-angled side windows with one larger central window.
Understand what makes the windows energy efficient
It may be difficult for an untrained eye to spot the difference in the type of glass and gas fill used in energy-efficient windows. According to the National Fenestration Rating Council, energy efficient windows can be rated based on an evaluation of the following features.
Firstly, experts within the non-profit organization focus on the solar heat gain coefficient, which determines how your window keeps out the heat. In this case, the lower the number, the better since it indicates that less solar heat is being lost through the windows.
The energy efficient windows rating specialists also look at the visible transmittance aspect of the windows and identify how much sunlight is allowed to pass through. High numbers are a sign of optimum window performance.
The rating process entails looking into the air leakage factor in a process that involves an analysis of how much air passes through the small joints and cracks in the window. A low amount is ideal under such circumstances.
Energy efficient windows can also be rated in regards to their condensation resistance, which looks into the window’s ability to resist water build-up and fog formation. For this, higher numbers are ideal and depict a high level of efficiency.
Even though every window size and configuration has its rating and specifications, window company representatives should inform you on the scores and special features of your choice window sample.
Home’s architecture and landscaping
Your home’s architecture and landscaping determine the amount of cash you can save by upgrading to energy efficient windows. For instance, if your home’s south side doesn’t have trees to block the sun’s heat and light, energy efficient window replacements could help you substantially reduce your energy utility bill in the summer.
That aside, if you have windows on the west side of your house through which you can view the sun as it sets, installing new upgrades may guarantee much more healthy dinners. Moreover, you may consider energy efficient window replacements that block UV rays to keep your carpets, furniture, floors, and pictures vibrant without fading.
However, if your home has a porch with overhangs or a patio cover, you’re already protected from the sun, making energy efficient replacement windows less impactful.
Finding the right window service provider
Whether you are a business or homeowner, you can trust Energy Window Solutions for your window repair or replacement, glass, and restoration needs. Energy Window Solutions has been a window provider and installation company since 2001. It has been building windows using cutting-edge insulation technologies. It specializes in providing a full suite of window solutions that include the supply, installation, and repair of Slimline, Rehau, and triple-pane windows.