How to Choose a Replacement Window for Your Chicago Home

A home without beautiful windows will be lifeless and dull. Your home needs a window for light, fresh air, insulation, and more. But it’s vitally important to have the best window installed in your house. About 20 to 25% of a home’s heating and cooling bill is due to heat loss through the windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thus, you need to be very careful when choosing replacement windows. There are many aspects to be kept in mind. So to get the most out of your replacement windows for your home, you need to know certain key things, and here are some of them.
 

Materials
 

Replacement windows come in wood, clad wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each has its own features and performs differently. Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride plastic, is one of the most popular materials for replacement windows. The material is less expensive which makes it more attractive, but the minimal choice of colors makes it less versatile. Aluminum is strong and less heavy, but not very efficient. Wood windows remain the top choice for replacement. Wood is naturally beautiful and can be painted into different colors to match many home styles. However, unlike vinyl, wood require lots of maintenance.
 

Low-E Glass
 

Low-E Glass (low-remittance) coatings are thin, nearly invisible, metallic oxide films placed on a glazing surface in order to minimize the U-factor by preventing heat transfer or heat flow. Coating the glass surface of a window with a Low-E Glass material and depositing coatings between the glass layers suppress heat flow through the window. Choosing Low-E Glass will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   
 

Gas Fills
 

Between the panes of double or triple paned replacement windows, an inert gas such as Krypton or Argon is placed in to improve its thermal performance. Krypton or Argon is used because the two are denser than normal air. They are harmless, have higher resistances to heat transfer than typical air, thus they are good for lowering the window’s U-Factor.
 

Single, Double and Triple Paned Windows
 

Most replacement windows come in three styles: single, double, or triple pane glass windows. A single pane window is typically less expensive, but it offers little or no insulation. Double and triple pane replacement windows have layers of glass between the panes to minimize heat loss through the window.
 

Other Factors
 

Other aspects may include cost, maintenance required, solar heat gain coefficient, and air leakage. The cost of a replacement window will depend on the design, material, and size of the window.
      

 

Importance of Efficiency Windows in Your Chicago Home

Windows play several important roles. Basically, they help in filtering out sunlight and air, even as they allow them to enter through it. Without windows, your rooms would without doubt be a little dark, uninteresting, and dingy. Windows come in many types including single pane windows, double pane windows, wooden shaft windows, vinyl replacement windows, aluminum windows, etc. etc. Windows are definitely a basic necessity of any home, especially if you are living in an area with extreme weather during winter and summer.
 

However, it is quite unfortunate that many homeowners are still using older windows which are inefficient. They have not yet discovered the true value of energy efficient windows. Windows are heavy consumers of energy. An average American home may lose about 30 percent of heating and cooling energy through windows. Energy efficient windows save a lot of money on monthly utility bills. In fact, some new replacement windows have been designed in such a way that they gain energy instead of losing it.
 

If you are building a new home, their higher purchasing costs can be offset as you will probably require a smaller,  less expensive air-conditioning system. Your choice of window can have a significant impact on monthly utility bills. Windows gain or lose heat by means of radiation, convection, conduction and air leakage. This is referred to as heat transfer and is expressed with U-factors or U-values. U-values are opposite or converse to R-values. Thus, a U-value of 2 is the same as an R-value of 0.5 0r 1/2. Not like R-values, the higher the U-values, the better. In other words, higher U-values have better insulation.
 

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid, such as metal. Most of the heat is lost through windows via conduction.  With less conductive window frames, such as wood and vinyl, you slow down heat flow. Double or triple pane windows are filled with nonreactive gas, such as Argon and Krypton between panes of glass. This helps to reduce heat flow, as well.
 

Radiation is the transfer of heat from a warmer place to a colder place. For example, if you stand near a fire, you’ll get a warm feeling on your body. On the contrary, your body feels cool when it radiates heat when taking a cold shower.
 

Air leakage through windows accounts for a huge percentage of heat loss through windows. Modern replacement windows have great features that efficiently stop the loss of heat through conduction, convention, radiation or air leakage.
 

Double pane and triple-pane glass windows are known for their superior insulating values. And combining double-pane or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings boosts energy efficiency considerably.

Comparing Vinyl vs Wood vs Aluminum Replacement Windows for Chicago Homeowners

How do vinyl replacement windows compare with wood and aluminum windows? What is the difference between vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows? When you start to shop for new replacement windows, you might be a little confused with the many options available to choose from. It’s impossible to say one is better than the other because each of them has their own pros and cons. In this post, you will get some great information to help you compare various features of vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows.
 

Vinyl Windows
 

Vinyl has a nice external appearance, making it very attractive. It comes in different styles and colors. Most vinyl windows are designed to mimic the appearance of wood. Many homeowners are advised to consider the long term benefits of the window they are thinking of buying. A vinyl replacement window will look as new in the next 15 years as it did the day it was purchased. Generally, vinyl won’t scratch or fade because the color is the same throughout. It also doesn’t require maintenance. It is typically less expensive.
 

Wood Windows
 

Wood is a natural insulator making it energy efficient and one of the best options for replacement windows. Wood is also considered the most attractive material in terms of its appearance. That’s why vinyl manufacturers are working hard to imitate the look of real wood. Maintenance is one major reason many homeowners avoid wood. While newly installed wood replacement windows can look beautiful, it requires a great deal of maintenance.
 

Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum materials are known for their extraordinary strength. You can paint aluminum with any color of choice. This can help to match the color of your window frames with your home. However, outer coating or paint can chip off over time, and this will expose the metal underneath. Aluminum is a good noise insulator, but quite inefficient in terms of energy saving. As always, aluminum is a good conductor of heat and cold.
 

Why You Should Opt for Energy Efficient Windows in Chicago

What are energy efficient windows and why are they so popular? Let us explain! In brief, an energy efficient window is a window that has met or exceeded Energy Star ratings. In other words, an efficient window is an Energy Star rated replacement window and usually has an inert gas between its panes.
 

Energy efficient products, such as refrigerators, furnaces, and water heaters have become the new norm for individuals that are modernizing their homes. Every homeowner is trying everything possible to save money on electricity bills.
 

So, back to energy efficient windows, this means low thermal emissivity, improved exterior and interior home appearance, and lower monthly utility bills. This says how energy efficient windows are economical due to their ability to reflect, absorb and emit radiant energy. This is one of the main reasons why more and more homeowners are looking for these windows.
 

Your furniture, carpets, photographs and other items in your house need protection from direct sunlight. Harmful UV-rays from sunlight can cause fading to these items. The only effective way to stop these rays is to install a window that has the ability to prevent UV-Rays from getting inside, while at the same time increasing heating and cooling system efficiency. In fact, according to Energy Star, efficient windows can block the damaging rays by about 75%.
 

Condensation is another serious challenge many homeowners are dealing with. Energy efficient replacement windows are designed to address this problem. Typically, water condenses and at times even freezes on the windows during the chilly winter months, which may cause the development of mold.
 

Comfort in your home: If your home has older windows, heat loss, air leakage and drafts all contribute to your family's discomfort. For this reason, you will expect your heating and cooling systems to overcome this distress, which ends up meaning you have to deal with high energy costs. Nevertheless, Energy Star rated windows have greater insulation making the house feel cozier and warmer, or cooler than never before. Since you are likely to spend most of your time in the home, it goes without saying that you will want the place to be as inviting as possible. Moreover, these windows are able to block unwanted outside noise from entering the house. Many of them are built with sound insulation to ensure the home remains as quiet as possible. So, make your home comfortable and safe with energy efficient windows.
 

Another benefit of energy efficient windows is that it allows a clear view of the outdoors and also permits light to brighten your house. Additionally, when these windows are constructed with high quality materials, they add curb appeal and value to your property. 

Need Replacement Windows in Chicago? Think About Getting Energy Efficient Ones

There are many reasons to invest in new replacement windows for your home or commercial property. Perhaps you have been dealing with drafts or leaks that make your house an uncomfortable place to stay. Sometimes the fading of your furniture or carpet and high energy bills are caused by inefficient windows. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it’s the right time to look for energy efficient replacement windows—your best bet for affordable, safe, strong, and energy conscious windows.
 

According to experts, windows contribute about 10% to 25% to your monthly utility bill. If your home has old single-pane windows, it’s time to have them replaced with double or triple-pane windows that will add a new look and feel to your home and reduce your utility bills. Moreover, new windows can add to the safety of your property as older types can easily be broken into by robbers and burglars. With too many replacement windows available on the market, it’s vitally important to learn a few tips on choosing the best windows for your house. Here are some of them:
 

Material: Vinyl, wood, and aluminum are the most popular choices of materials. Vinyl is inexpensive, looks superb for a long period of time, can adapt to temperature and humidity changes, has great insulating properties and is virtually maintenance-free. Wood is quite poor when it comes to extreme climates and is relatively expensive. Despite that, many people still prefer the stunning appearance of wood windows over vinyl ones. Aluminum is incredibly durable and strong.
 

Design: The design of the replacement window you think of purchasing have to match up with the design of your house. There are plenty of colors available, but selecting the color that matches with the décor of your house is paramount.
 

Energy Star rating: This label is meant to tell you that the product has been tested and is energy efficient. Hence, before buying any window claiming to be energy efficient, make sure it is rated by Energy Star. This way you will save money on heating and cooling costs. Although new replacement windows are quite expensive, their long term benefits will, at the end of the day, offset your purchase.
 

National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC): Ensure that you understand what this means. In addition to Energy Star rating, NFRC is another label issued by an independent agency mandated with the task of comparing the energy performance of windows, skylights, and so forth. U-Factor is one of the essential ratings that measures the amount of heat gain and heat loss of a window.
 

Pricing: Wood is more expensive than vinyl. And it’s worth bearing in mind that once you’ve installed wood replacement windows, you will still need to spend extra money on maintenance. They often need to be painted and stained.
 

There are many factors to be considered when purchasing a replacement window. Replacing your older, inefficient windows with new ones makes lots of sense. You get a comfortable, secure, and beautiful home.
 

High-Performance, Energy Efficient Windows in Chicago

Gone are the days when homeowners used to choose windows based on their design and style. Today, more and more homeowners are becoming energy-conscious and want to reduce the costs of heating and cooling their homes. Therefore, selecting energy efficient windows is a critical step for them.
 

Replacing your old windows could result in significant energy savings of more than 25%. Your choice for replacement windows will likely be based on the cost, style and the efficiency of the window. Now, double and triple pane windows are available on the market. So whether you are living in an old home that needs a window upgrade or building a new home, choosing energy efficient replacement windows is of paramount importance.
 

Window energy efficiency is usually measured by what is known as the U-Factor. Basically, a U-factor is the opposite of R-Value. For instance, an R-Value of 4 equals a U-factor of 0.25. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient a window is.
 

Some window materials are good conductors of heat and cold. This results in a lot of energy getting lost through the window. Aluminum is one of these materials that lose the most conditioned air. And steel conducts about 30% of heat or cold. This means that the most efficient window material is wood and vinyl. In fact, vinyl is nearly maintenance-free.
 

The next factor that is vitally important is the glass panes in the windows. Heat transfer can be significantly reduced by choosing double or triple pane styles. Some of these double-paned and tripled-paned windows have an area filled with inert gas (krypton or argon) that helps to further minimize heat loss. Argon-filled replacement windows are twice as efficient, saving you a lot of money on heating and cooling bills.
 

Most modern windows are also coated with special materials to protect against ultraviolet rays (UV-Rays) and infrared rays (IR). With this, window treatments, carpeting, and furniture are protected from early fading.
 

If your heating and cooling costs are increasing day by day, it’s likely that your home has inefficient old windows. So, it is a good time to consider having them replaced. This will not only save you money down the road, but will also increase the value of your home. 
 

Vinyl vs. Aluminum vs. Wood Replacement Windows

There are three main materials which today’s manufacturers use to make replacement windows: vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Each material has its own pros and cons. At Woodland Windows, the popular material used for replacement windows is vinyl. Vinyl windows made are from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic material. So why is this material popular?  

Vinyl Windows
 

Vinyl windows are loved by many contractors since they are considered superior to other materials. They are energy efficient, economical, and don't require much maintenance. Vinyl windows are almost maintenance-free as opposed to their wood and aluminum counterparts. Vinyl is resilient and extremely durable. Its surface won’t fade or discolor from the weather. Despite being created from plastic, vinyl windows are relatively strong.
 

Cons of Vinyl
 

However, like every window type, vinyl windows do have several cons. To begin with, they can discolor when exposed to extreme climates. They can warp in severely hot temperatures and are usually difficult to shape.  Again, vinyl windows cannot be repainted, meaning once you purchase them, you remain with the original color.
 

Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum replacement windows, on the other hand, come in a huge assortment of pre-made custom shapes and designs. They are versatile and can also be painted any color. Although they have a commercial or industrial look, aluminum can be attractive. They have great strength, are very durable, and are effective in blocking out outside sounds. They are easy to clean, need little maintenance, and are very resistant to cracking, braking and dents. Aluminum is a great choice for large commercial properties, while not recommended as much for small residential homes.
 

Cons of Aluminum Windows
 

Nonetheless, aluminum replacement windows have one significant downside—they are good conductors of heat and cold, meaning they are not the best when it comes to energy efficiency.
 

Wood Windows
 

Wood replacement windows are still found in most residential homes. As a matter of fact, wood has been a key product of construction for many, many years. Wood is the only material that has stood the test of time and has proven to be a vital building material. Wood is a good choice for extreme hot or cold climates.
 

Cons of Wood Windows
 

Like vinyl and aluminum, wood windows also have their own drawbacks. Over time, wood could rot, crack or be infested by termites. Extreme heat can cause the wood to warp. Unlike vinyl, which is almost maintenance free, wood will need regular maintenance to prevent any serious problems from developing.
 

Conclusion
 

Vinyl, aluminum, and wood replacement windows are available on the market. Wood can offer style and value to your home if you are ready to provide the extra maintenance it needs. Vinyl tends to be more attractive, and does not need any maintenance. Aluminum is less prone to damage from the weather. So, you have many options when it comes to replacement windows. It is important to take time to choose one which best suits your needs and budget.

Buy Energy Efficient Windows

You will be surprised to find out that replacing your old windows with new efficient ones can bring a significant change in the general appearance of your home, in addition to saving you money on monthly utility bills. Of course, there are many options when it comes to replacement windows today, including wood, vinyl and aluminum windows. Installing high efficiency windows in your home will not only improve your property's curb appeal and save money, it also adds to the value of your home.
 

Typically, old windows often require regular repair and maintenance which may cost a lot. However, many do not know that replacement windows, such as vinyl, are in fact less expensive to have installed than spending money on all these annoying repairs time after time. Sometimes aged or rotten windows need to be replaced rather than simply being fixed. Not all problems associated with old windows can be reversed or repaired. Replacement is certainly the best option.
 

Reason for Getting Replacement Windows
 

1. Utility bills: Your monthly utility costs seem to be increasing without an obvious explanation. Of course, your existing windows may be to blame for this issue. This usually takes place when your old windows bring an unwanted amount of hot or cold air into your home. When you have leaky windows installed in your home, for example during the winter, you end up using more energy on heating while trying to keep your house warm. For this reason, replacing those windows is quite a wise choice. 
 

2. Drafty windows: If you have noticed your home becoming extremely hot on summer days or chilly cold during the winter, it may be a result of air leaks or poor sealing on your home windows. This could be a sure sign that you will need to have your current windows replaced.
 

3. Structural damage or cracks: Perhaps your window glass or frame has several cracks, making it difficult to see through. This can be the best time to consider replacing them with new and efficient windows, because simple repair work won’t make any significant difference.
 

4. Aged, washed-out or faded windows: If your home's windows look old, ugly, or extremely faded, it is time to consider replacing them. Such windows may attract pests and other vermin who will just wreck havoc in the house.
 

5. Frequent maintenance: In case you are spending a lot of money on regular maintenance and repair, doing away with such windows will save you money and from being stressed. The money you often spend on repair and maintenance can surpass the money you’ll save in the long run once you’ve got new windows installed.
 

6. Noise issues: Do your current windows allow unwanted external noise into your home? If so, then it is a perfect time to look for noise-resistant home windows.
 

7. Safety: Almost all older windows are single-pane glass windows which are typically very weak. Modern replacement windows come in double or triple-pane glass to offer ample security. Therefore, replacement windows prove effective when it comes to security. 
 

Investing in new, efficient home replacement windows may help you in many ways. New windows are easy to install and maintain. For example, vinyl replacement windows are almost maintenance-free. 

Replace Old Windows with Energy Efficient Windows

In cold climates, old windows can be a major cause of unwanted condensation issues, discomfort, and heat loss. In recent years, more sophisticated replacement windows have been developed in an effort to weed out these problems. It is now possible to minimize heat loss during the winter months and save a significant amount of money on monthly energy bills. Although replacing your windows is quite a costly investment, they are efficient and much more profitable than you can imagine.
 

If you have made up your mind to replace your rusty window frames or old wooden windows with a more efficient and modern ones, there is a broad range of window colors, styles, and designs to choose from. If aluminum is your favorite choice, then it is not a bad decision. However, aluminum windows are often designed for commercial buildings, not residential structures. And aluminum is also known to be very poor when it comes to thermal regulation. The unwanted heat from the outside of a house can easily enter in and cause discomfort.
 

Vinyl replacement windows are probably the most popular choice today. It is estimated that more than half of the homes in the U.S. have vinyl windows. These windows are resistant to chemicals and are fabricated using polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC.
 

Vinyl replacement windows have proven efficient when it comes to saving you bucks. In other words, they are more energy efficient than aluminum and wood windows.
 

Away from energy saving, replacement windows will enhance comfort in your home. These windows are crafted and designed to act as insulation to rooms in any house during the chilly winter seasons, and also to minimize hot air in the summer months. Thus, life becomes more comfortable throughout the year.
 

Also, unlike old wood or single-pane glass windows, the modern replacement windows come in double-pane and triple-pane glass designs which can effectively help to improve energy efficiency. This also helps in preventing condensation and heat loss. These windows are also super strong for greater security. Typically, they are designed to resist weather elements such as floods, hurricanes, heavy rainfalls and other adverse weather conditions.
 

When shopping for new replacement windows, there are many varieties and options to choose from. They come in many styles, designs, colors and sizes. The double-pane windows are more popular than any other option. However, your choice will depend on your needs, budget and the existing design architecture of your home. 

Choosing Between Vinyl, Wood and Aluminum Replacement Windows

Are you thinking of replacing your old windows, but do not know whether to pick wood, aluminum or vinyl windows? Are you always bombarded with commercials on the TV or flyers in your daily newspaper or just plain confused as to what's best for your home?  After you know what kind of house you have and what your needs are, it is quite easy to pick the best replacement window that will be a good improvement for your home and cost effective as well.
 

What is the difference between wood, aluminum, and vinyl windows? Should I install wood or aluminum or vinyl windows? These are common questions that we always struggle with, so we will try to address ways in which vinyl, wood and aluminum windows differ along with their pros and cons.
 

Vinyl windows have become a popular choice over the past few years for homes. In fact, it is estimated that more than 60% of all the residential replacement windows purchased in the U.S. are made from vinyl. They have many advantages over wood and aluminum window frames, overall, when used as the primary or main window. Those who love design can find satisfaction in vinyl since they can be customized into different shapes and styles. Vinyl replacement windows are energy efficient and can help lower the monthly utility bills. Although vinyl window options have many benefits, they may not be attractive to everyone, and there are a number of downsides to vinyl windows. Number one, they are prone to fading. Number two, they cannot be repainted - the color you purchase is the color you remain with forever.
 

Aluminum windows are cheaper than vinyl and wood windows. Aluminum will often outperform wood and vinyl alternatives when it comes to commercial buildings. Most property owners love the in-build benefits of aluminum replacement windows. They resist cracking, shrinking, rust and swelling. Also, aluminum windows are really strong—about forty times stronger than wood and more than three times stronger than vinyl. The major downside to aluminum windows is the extremely high heat and cold conduction rate. This feature often makes aluminum replacement windows energy inefficient, though thermal treatments will help to offset this issue. 
 

Wood is the oldest type of window frame that has been used for centuries. Wood is an excellent energy efficient option when installing new replacement windows in your home. Building experts recommend wood window replacements because of their insulation, versatility, and aesthetics properties. Similar to vinyl, wood windows are long lasting provided that they are properly maintained.
 

However, there are quite many disadvantages of opting for wood windows. For instance, they are prone to rot and termite infestation. Again, you cannot compare wood windows to vinyl windows when it comes to maintenance. While vinyl windows are almost maintenance free, wood replacement windows require a great deal of maintenance to function properly and prolong their lifespan.

Reasons to Choose Argon Gas Replacement Windows

Argon gas is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that is extensively used in making fluorescent lights, light bulbs, photo tubes and now replacement windows. It is denser than normal air and has a very low level of chemical reactions. In other words, unlike oxygen, argon gas will not corrode or react with any type of window material. These windows include a vacuum-packed unit that is filled with argon gas between panes of glass to improve energy efficiency.
 

Argon is a non-toxic and inexpensive gas that is typically used to make replacement windows in order to stop frost from forming at the bottom of the windows. Argon windows also help to increase sound proofing features of a home, preventing unwanted outside noise from entering the house. Today, argon windows are gaining ground and are becoming a more popular choice for many people in the greater Chicago area.
 

There are double-pane glazed and triple-pane glazed argon filled replacement windows available. In order to place the gas between the panes of glass, the manufacturer sucks out air from between the glass panels, leaving a void, then pumping in the argon gas to fill the area. Since it is denser than normal air, it will redirect inside heat back into the home. Also, this can help to minimize condensation on the window as the inside part of the glass will remain warmer throughout the winter season. Additionally, argon gas can help reduce drafts and cold spots..
 

As said earlier, the noble gases are denser and heavier than air, so their particles do not move freely. Having inactive gas molecules between the panes of glass prevents warmer inner air from escaping in the winter seasons, saving money on heating costs. With the reduced heat loss, the R-value of the window is increased. A window’s R-value measures its ability to prevent heat from escaping. A double-pane glazed window without an argon gas has an R-value of about 1.8. A double-pane glazed window with an argon gas has an R-value of about 3.0, making it more energy efficient.
 

If you aren’t sure of whether or not to invest in argon filled replacement windows, consider your constantly rising energy costs for the last few months. Now try to imagine how much you’d save with argon replacement windows. Besides saving you money on utility bills, argon gas replacement windows protect your furniture against fading since these windows have the ability to block UV-rays. This, again, will save you more money on replacing furniture, carpeting, curtains, and other similar items.

The Many Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows in Chicago

The U.S. government is trying to push every homeowner and business to embrace new energy efficient windows. Remodeling old structures and replacing inefficient windows with Energy Star windows has many benefits. Replacing your old windows with modern ones will add to the value of your home and help you save a great deal of money on monthly utility bills.

What is Energy Star? This is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A). The brand, ENERGY STAR is the only government-recognized symbol on energy efficient products. It was established to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and other poisonous substances caused by the use of inefficient products. Energy Star items can help save money on energy bills, protect the environment, and improve the overall performance and efficiency of your home.
 

The benefits of replacing your old windows with Energy Star rated windows are not just limited to your monthly energy costs. Opting for the Energy Star windows for your house is not only a lifestyle choice, but a wise financial decision. Besides saving you money on utility bills, these windows can help improve the overall look and feel inside your house since it prevents about 70 percent of sunlight from getting inside the house during the summer and it blocks a lot of heat from leaving the house during the winter. Not only does that help you save money on heating and cooling costs, but it also allows your loved ones to live comfortably and happily in your house day after day, regardless of the weather condition outside.
 

In the winter season, the morning frosts and the extreme cold air are a common thing to many individuals in Chicago and this can cause condensation problems. It is not easy to avoid window condensation during this time of the year. However, this condensation issue on windows can be significantly reduced with the installation of Energy Star replacement windows. These windows have been crafted using modern sophisticated technologies with Low-E glass coating, quality frames and warm edge spacers. By inhibiting the condensation process, you are certainly saving a substantial amount of money in repair and maintenance costs, as well.
 

If you are shopping for replacement windows and are not sure whether the window is Energy Star qualified, simply look for the original Energy Star rated tag or label. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and other third party independent organizations, thoroughly measures and tests all windows in need of the Energy Star rating label. This label can seem confusing and difficult to understand to the average person since there are many components and terminologies one needs to learn first, such as U-Factor (UV) and Visible Transmittance (VT).
 

Seeking a better understanding of these terminologies can help you make an informed decision when shopping for your new replacement windows. Even though an Energy Star rated window is a bit more expensive to purchase than the ordinary window, you will, in all probability, profit a lot in the long run as you will be able to save on the monthly utilities, and it will add to the value of your home, as well.  
 

Understanding High Efficiency Windows

Windows provides our homes with ventilation, warmth, light, and cool breezes, but they can also affect a home’s energy efficiency— mostly in a negative way. You can reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills by installing energy efficient windows in your home.
 

As a result of technological breakthroughs, advanced products and techniques are now available to craft stunning and energy efficient replacement windows that retain heat far better than the traditional way of crafting a window.
 

Energy efficient windows have a double or triple pane glass rather than just one. Moreover, modern windows have an air space between these two glass panes which has been filled with argon gas. This technique is meant to slow down or prevent the heat transfer through the panes.
 

A lot of heat is also wasted through the air space between the window space in the wall and the window frame. You’ve probably have had experienced a draft from leaking windows. But newer windows have rectified this problem through filling the gap around the window with insulation to prevent heat escaping from inside the house.
 

How to Select Energy Efficient Windows
 

If your home is set up with outdated windows, it makes more sense to replace them than to modify them so that they can be energy efficient. Although modern, efficient windows are pretty expensive to purchase, they eventually pay for themselves through lowering the monthly utility bills.
 

When you select the right type and hire a competent expert to install them, energy efficient windows can help reduce the amount of energy consumption in your home.  When selecting a window, you need to consider things like: window performance, design, and cost.
 

Prior to selecting new windows for your home, choose a type of replacement window that will work best. It is a wise idea to educate yourself about the energy performance ratings of windows in order to pick the right energy performance ratings that can match with your home’s design and the local climate.
 

If you are remodeling your home or constructing a new one, you should take full advantage of the new energy efficient windows as an integral part of your building project. There are a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to selecting what type of window you want to purchase.

Windows are attractive to the eye and offer safety as well as ventilation features that are paramount to any home. Thus, your windows need to be more efficient if you want to make your home truly green.
 

All in all, it is a good idea to know about various window manufacturers and their prices—such as Andersen, Marvin, and Pella. Note that not all expensive windows are always the most effective and efficient options. So, be sure to make an informed decision.

Windows Single Pane vs. Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Dilemma

It can be an expensive investment to replace your home’s windows and for that reason, it should be researched thoroughly. Do you need single or double or single pane replacement windows? A particular climate calls for a specific type of window and because of this, there isn’t one clear-cut answer to the question. 
 

Triple and double panes are always better than single pane windows. This is because they have a layer of glass filled with an inert gas which acts as an insulation barrier to reduce the transfer of heat through the window. Double panes come with layers of glass. Triple pane has three sheets of glass in the middle. Your sense of logic may tell you that three is better than two, but that’s not always the case.
 

Both double and triple pane windows have certain advantages and disadvantages. Triple panes are pretty expensive, heavy, and tremendously energy efficient. On the other hand, double pane windows are fairly inexpensive, quite lightweight, and relatively efficient. Single pane styles have one layer of glass and are not as energy efficient.
 

If you live in a colder climate, triple pane is the best option for keeping the warmth inside your home and stopping outside air from trickling in. The double pane can also do this but at a lesser level. The layers of glass can also help your house stay cooler in the summer, just as it can make it warmer in the winter. For many homes built in colder climates, this is the main reason to consider triple pane replacement windows.
 

Also, double pane and triple pane windows can play a significant role in keeping out unwanted outside noise. That extra second or third sheet of glass filled with an argon gas can also help with noise reduction—it at least minimizes the amount of external sound that penetrates into the house.
 

Another great advantage of double and triple pane models is the fact that they have more security features than their single pane counterparts. These windows are resilient, making it much harder for robbers to break in. As a matter of fact, vandalism and break-ins are less likely to be threats when you have triple pane windows.
 

One of the main problems many homeowners are struggling with is the issue of condensation. Condensation can become a major problem which can lead to issues such as rotting and warping of the frame. However, triple and dual pane replacement windows have rectified this problem. Then again, the extra sheets protect a home against UV rays which can cause lots of damage to the house's interior, such as fading of the furniture and carpeting.
 

If you are shopping for a replacement window, it would make lots of sense to consider double or triple pane options. This is especially true if you are always struggling with your monthly utility bills, or coping with issues with condensation or outside noise.