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How to Choose a Replacement Window

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Monster Glass Mirrors
How to Choose a Replacement Window

"One of the best ways to measure the effect of windows on building energy use is known as a U-factor rating. U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. The insulating value is indicated by the R-value which is the inverse of the U-value. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat and the better its insulating value."

 

The U-factor/U-value of a window can be checked by visiting the NFRC website. Check the National Fenestration Rating Council label before you buy. The lower the U-factor, the less you'll spend heating your home. Compare windows to windows. NFRC-certified U-factors are the only measure of whole window thermal performance.

 

The Department of Energy says virtually the same thing:

 

"U-factor'' is a measure of the rate of the heat flow through a window. The U-factor is the inverse of the R-value, or resistance, the common measure of insulation and shower repair near me. When contracting for residential windows, specify NFRC-rated SHGC and U-factor values that meet the Efficiency Recommendation for your geographical region. When buying commercially, look for windows with the EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR label, all of which meet this recommendation. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the windows, doors, or skylight."

 

Triple-Pane windows are usually more energy-efficient and shower repair near me

 

Two of these three panes of glass can have a double soft coat Low-E applied. Each coat contains many layers of atomically thin metal oxides. Double soft coats are superior to single soft coats and vastly superior to pyrolytic hard coats. The spaces between these panes are filled with a proprietary mix of blended gas. Krypton is more energy-efficient than Argon, which is what many manufacturers use. Using this advanced technology, some windows have achieved U-factors as low as.21, which is incredibly energy-efficient; certainly much more energy-efficient than most windows.

 

Other considerations include:

 

  1. Choose a window with a Secure Locking System. A 4-point deadbolt locking system makes it extremely difficult for a burglar to break in. Many windows are easy to break into. Protecting your valuables and loved ones is just as important as saving a few pennies on your utility bills, yet this is a factor that is often overlooked.

 

  1. Choose a window with a Framing System that is built to last and requires little or no maintenance. Window frames made with reinforced virgin vinyl are among the better choices.

 

  1. Read the fine print of window warranties. Some windows are designed to last for over 50 years, while others are only made to last 10 to 20 years or less. Many so-called "Lifetime Warranties" are not guaranteed for the lifetime of the homeowner. There was a big lawsuit over this with Pella windows.

 

  1. Finally, look for a reputable company that has been around for awhile. Be cautious when considering purchasing from a highly-leveraged impersonal company or a start-up company.

 

Any window that meets these criteria certainly deserves your consideration.

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