How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Home
The curb appeal of your home is crucial to its success in the real estate market. Here is a simple guide to choosing the best windows for your home.
Energy Efficiency
The degree to which your windows retain heat and cold air affects your window’s energy efficiency. It is important to consider factors like weather stripping, the type of glass used (such as Low-E), and the U-factor.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping serves two main purposes for your windows. First, it prevents rain and water from getting inside. Secondly, it saves energy by keeping your heated or cooled air inside the house, saving you money on your electricity bill.
Type of Glass
The type of glass used on windows makes a difference in energy efficiency for your home. Glass types include:
● Insulated glass
● Low-E glass
● Gas fillers and spacer glass
To explain each type briefly, insulated glass refers to windows with two or more glass panes strategically spaced to allow adequate room for air insulation.
Low emission or Low-E glass has a special coating on it which transfers heat through the window. This helps it maintain the temperature of the air indoors, meaning it keeps heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Gas-filled glass contains argon or krypton gas, which is efficient at transferring heat to the interior and exterior of your home. The gas is inert, non-toxic, and odorless.
U-Factor
The U-factor is a metric that indicates the level your windows insulate the air in your home. This scale typically ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. The lowerer the U-factor of your window, the better it is at retaining heat inside your home. This is beneficial if you live in a cooler climate or experience harsh winters.
Maintenance
It’s no secret that cleaning is not the most enjoyable process. However, maintaining the appearance of your window doesn’t have to be a laborious task.
Some windows include features such as tilt in sashes or convenient handles which provide easy access for you to reach those areas which are difficult to clean on your windows. There are many different styles of windows, such as double hung, which allow for easier cleaning.
Frame Color
When it comes to frame colors for your windows, you’ve got options. If you want a modern look for your home, try colors like blues, greens, purples, and greys. On the other hand, if you are looking for a traditional look for your home, yellows, oranges, browns, and reds are the way to go.
Black frames and white frames are also great options and work with a variety of home designs. Also, it is important to consider the pre-existing style features of your home and what frame color it will pair best with.
Warranty
As with all long-term investments, it’s good to compare warranties included with your windows. Each brand is slightly different, but most have some type of limited lifetime warranty.
Some warranties offer coverage for:
● Installation services
● Glass breakage
● Custom options
● Hardware malfunctioning
If you need help finding the right windows for your home, choose Haggerty Windows & Siding, central Iowa’s go-to window contractor! Contact us online, or give us a call at 515-953-6999.