During the cold winter months, nothing feels better than walking into a warm, cozy home. But while your furnace is working full time to keep your home comfortable, you may not realize that your windows are working against you, through broken seals, inefficient glass panes, or warped framing.
Old and unsealed windows and doors are some of the greatest areas of heat loss in your home, so dilapidated windows can cause discomfort and even increase your energy bills each month.
That’s where replacement windows step in. As a window replacement contractor, we know firsthand that old windows are not properly performing. Your windows should keep you cozy and warm within your home’s walls.
Replacement Windows Vs. the Winter Cold
While replacement windows elevate many aspects of your home, one of their greatest benefits is how they help combat the cold and keep your home nice and cozy. Here are some ways they do just that.
Eliminating Drafty Regions
One indication that you might need replacement windows manifests as drafts. As windows get older, especially windows that expand and contract with temperature swings like those with wooden frames, the seal around your windows weakens, which leads to drafts.
Caulking and weather-stripping are often the temporary solutions to drafty windows. But nothing will eliminate that pesky airflow like brand new, replacement windows.
Enhancing the Energy-Efficiency of Your Home
Increasing home efficiency comes with the added benefit of savings. Energy-efficient windows are designed to decrease airflow, keeping the air in your home sealed in and the cold outside where it belongs.
The efficiency of a window will be directly related to the material of the frame, the type of glass in the panes, the number of panes, and the sealing of the window by a contractor. So when you begin looking for your energy-efficient windows, which can reduce heat transfer by 10% to 20%, here are some terms to watch for:
- U-factor (Look for a window with a low U-value.)
- R-Value (Search for a high R-value.)
- Low- Emissivity – (An indicator that a window properly reflects and directs heat.)
Increasing the Insulation of Your Window Space
Replacement windows are installed by a professional contractor, which means each window is cut and installed to the exact dimensions of your home and then insulated and sealed properly. This alone can have a major impact on your comfort level and energy bills.
Additionally, the design of modern windows makes them far superior in the insulation department (compared to older windows). The materials composing the frame and panes and the better-engineered, modern designs also increase the overall insulation of the window.
Allotting for Ample Natural Light
Light equates to warmth. The more natural light that is let into your home, the warmer your home will be and feel. While a quality efficient window will help to reduce heat transfer, it cannot fully stop the warmth that sunlight brings. But that heat can easily be lost in inefficient windows.
Opt for windows that allow ample natural light, such as casement windows, and let the sun take some of the responsibility for warming your home.
Tips for Your Replacement Windows
Before you swap out your windows for something similar to what you already have, take some time to research and evaluate what will bring about the most efficient and effective window replacement.
Choose the Right Window
The windows you choose are a large investment that you are unlikely to replace any time soon. Ensure that the style, materials, colors, and designs you choose will function and look the best in your home, and guarantee that your windows will do their job of combating the cold. Here are some items to consider.
- Energy Efficiency— To ensure you choose the most efficient window for your home, check out our homeowner’s guide for energy-efficient windows.
- Framing Material— Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum all react differently to temperatures and conduct heat at different rates. The material that composes your frame, therefore, plays a role in the seal and efficiency of your home. Choose a material that is less likely to expand and contract.
- Style— The window style you choose is important for the look, functionality, and even efficiency of your home. Your selection will completely depend on your specific needs, so take the time to think through the look of your home and research what will be the best fit for your family’s function. See our tips for choosing the right replacement windows.
Choose the Right Replacement Company
Getting the best customization and insulation for your windows is achieved by a professional. It’s important to find a contractor who will work quickly, affordably, and effectively. So choose a contractor you can trust. Ask these seven questions before you select a contractor.
Should I Choose Infinity Windows?
While there are many great windows options on the market, we want to simplify your product search process. We install Infinity by Marvin windows because not only are they beautiful and durable, but they are also some of the best windows for insulating and fortifying your home. The fiberglass frames and argon gas insulated window panes do not expand and contract with temperature changes and have less heat transfer than other window materials.
A Replacement You Can Trust
Don’t compromise the efficiency and function of your window replacements for something beautiful. Infinity by Marvin windows offers each of these aspects without compromising on a window’s integrity. And when you hire our Lakeside Renovation and Design team, you will receive the knowledge and expertise of 21 years of expert window installations.
If you are considering the investment in replacement windows but still are unsure of which windows are right for your home, we would love to help. Our team of experts is ready to answer all of your questions so you can feel confident in your selection. Contact us to get a free consultation today.
