According to ENERGY STAR®, the average household spends over $2,200 per year on energy bills, with almost half of this allocated for heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacement windows now have superb energy efficiency features. They offer better comfort for your home with less energy usage. In addition, they can transform your home’s aesthetic with their stylish designs. This makes them worth the investment for your next home project.
Make sure that you choose the perfect energy-efficient window for your home by considering these factors:
Frame Material
The right frame for your window depends on your preferred style, performance, and budget. Here are some types of window frames and their features:
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Vinyl – This is an economical option that offers good insulating properties and moisture resistance. It is usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers to resist damage caused by sunlight.
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Aluminum – This durable material is practical for rainy, humid climates. Since it doesn’t insulate well compared to other materials, some manufacturers equip it with a thermal break to improve its efficiency.
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Wood – Popular for its classic look, wood insulates well and can last for a long time. It requires regular maintenance to keep it in its best shape.
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Composite – Made from composite wood products, this offers better structural and thermal properties, as well as moisture and decay resistance as compared to wood.
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Fiberglass – Burr Ridge replacement windows with fiberglass frames can withstand any extreme conditions. Known as the best insulating material, it only requires minimal maintenance.
Energy Performance Ratings
U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) are the two basic energy performance ratings you should look for. U-Factor measures the ability of the window to trap heat inside a room while SHGC measures its ability to block outdoor heat. The lower the U-factor and SHGC, the less heat enters and leaves your living space. In turn, this lessens the load on your cooling systems and ensures energy significant energy savings.
Window Design
Some window designs are just outright more efficient than others. The most energy-efficient types of windows include:
- Casement Windows: These windows have a strong seal on all four sides, making them one of the most energy-efficient styles of windows. Due to its design, when casement windows are closed the sash tightly presses against the frame so that outdoor air can’t pass through.
- Double-Hung Windows: With double-hung windows, the window opens by sliding the bottom of the window up. The top and bottom sashes of double-hung windows creates a tight seal with the window frame and limits air infiltration.
- Picture Windows: These types of windows are usually completely fixed and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Since they don’t open at all, properly sealed picture windows don’t allow drafts to come into your home.
With these factors in mind, you can choose the right window that will meet your needs. For quality replacement windows in Burr Ridge, IL, you can rely on NEXT Door and Window. We can help you choose the ideal window for your home that offers the best performance, energy efficiency, and style. Call us today at (855) 893-6100 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.
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