Things To Consider When Selecting Energy Efficient Windows For Your Home | Flower Mound, TX
Once upon a time the only thing homeowners had to worry about when choosing windows for their homes was whether the style they had selected would match the overall look of their home. Today, things have changed and a new generation is looking for energy efficient windows that will help them reduce the cost of heating their Flower Mound, TX, homes in the winter and keep them cool during the summer. With so many new technologies and materials available, there are energy efficient windows available on the market for a wide range of budgets, tastes, and requirements. But, with so many options to choose from, how can you get the best value for your money without poking a hole in your wallet and your bank account? Here are the things you should keep in mind before you make your final decision. Read on to find out what they are.
Frames! Frames! Frames!
It is common knowledge that wood frames are more energy efficient than those made out of aluminum or other metals, because wood is not a good conductor of heat or cold. The problem is that while wood frames have always been the most popular choice in this respect, it may not always be the right one. Today, there are numerous materials that can be used to manufacture window frames, and each one of them has their own good and bad sides. The decision is yours and you should always consider what is the best option based on the style you are looking for and the amount you have budgeted for your new windows. Let’s look at some of the major features of the most popular frame materials on the market today, so you can make a quick comparison between them and decide which of them is the best choice for your needs.
- Vinyl – This is one of the least expensive materials used for making frames for energy efficient windows, but just because it’s affordable, it doesn’t mean your windows will be of a low quality. When vinyl frames are properly manufactured and professionally installed, they are a good option for those with a low budget, especially because they make great energy efficient windows when coupled with insulated glass to help reduce the possibility of air leaking through. The biggest issue with vinyl windows is that the number of available colors is quite limited, and even though they can make a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, not many people like the way they look.
- Wood – As mentioned above, one of the greatest reasons why wood frames make for excellent energy efficient windows is that, out of all the materials available, they offer the highest level of insulation. It is worth mentioning that one of the downsides of choosing wood frames is the fact that they require much more maintenance than their synthetic counterparts, and don’t do well in climates that are excessively humid or rainy. Even so, when energy efficient windows are made with a wood frame that is built correctly, using a high quality type of wood they can last for many years.
- Aluminum – One of the first considerations you should keep in mind about using aluminum for energy efficient windows is that they are not the best in what refers to the transfer of heat and cold. Even so, they are a great choice in areas where the weather is excessively humid or rainy, and are one of the few materials that will always comply with the strict building codes of locations near the coast, especially with the danger of hurricanes in these areas.
- Wood-Clad – These types of frames are a combination of the best qualities of other materials. Their outer portion is made of a material that requires little upkeep and which is used as a wrap for a resistant and insulating wood interior. Even though they are not the best choice for areas with wet climates, because they are sensitive to moisture, which can lead to rot. Because of this, it is very important to include waterproof membranes made out of rubber, together with a special flashing assembly known as a sill pan, which will be used to drain any water that has accumulated around the frame, and which can cause it to deteriorate.
The Importance of Glass
When referring to energy efficiency, the material of the frame, while important, is not the most important part of the window. It is the glass. The number of panes used to construct your new windows will determine how energy efficient they actually are. In this manner, a single pane of glass doesn’t work well in what refers to energy efficiency, especially in areas with extremely hot or cold temperatures, while a triple pane has the highest level of efficiency available on the market in Flower Mound, TX, and works best in extreme temperature conditions. In general, double pane windows are both an energy efficient and affordable option for all types of budgets. They work well in all types of climates, making them the most popular option for homeowners today.
Why Installation Matters
In the end, no matter what type of materials you have chosen for your windows or how many panes of glass they have, the best way to achieve a satisfactory level of energy efficiency is how your windows are actually installed. A professional installer from Energy Window Solutions will always have the knowledge required to ensure your new windows are installed with the most updated methods and technologies. When you are thinking about replacing your existing windows, simply give us a call, and we will be happy to help.
So, if you are in the market for energy efficient windows in Flower Mound, TX, or simply have more questions about how energy efficient windows work and how they can benefit your home, your family and your budget, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and give Energy Window Solutions a call today!