You might think that any kind of replacement window these days will be more energy-efficient and insulating than what you have now. However, the truth is that there is a wide range of factors that you must consider in order to find the most comfortable windows for your home. Here are the characteristics of windows that you should learn about before spending a cent.
-
Framing Material
One of the most important parts of the window to consider isn’t the glass, it’s the frame. There are several materials to choose from, from the cheaper, less efficient aluminum windows to the very popular and durable vinyl windows or beautiful but high-maintenance wooden frames. Depending on the weather and temperature fluctuations in your area, one material might be better for you than another.
-
Number of panes
If you have a single pane of glass between you and the outdoors, there’s hardly anything keeping the temperature outside from leaking into your home and disturbing your comfort. The most comfortable windows have two, three or even more panes with air or gas in between each, to keep air, sound and unwanted objects from entering your home.
-
Gas Fills
In windows with multiple panes, you can opt to have the spaces between them filled with gases like argon or krypton. These clear gases insulate more effectively than regular air, keeping your home warmer or cooler depending on the season.
-
Low-E Glass
Regular uncoated glass allows a certain percentage of light to penetrate through the window and radiate its heat within the home. You can have your new windows treated with a Low-E (low emittance) coating, which will cause most of the incoming light to be reflected back outside, meaning the hot summer sun won’t bake your living room anymore.
-
Edge Spacers
In multi-pane windows, edge spacers serve to keep each pane at the appropriate distance apart, as well as keep moisture from sneaking into the gap and any gas-fill from sneaking out. A window with edge spacers ensures the energy efficient features of the window can operate at their most efficient.
Look for these five features when you go shopping for windows and your rooms will stop being drafty or hotter than an Atlanta summer. Curious what windows with these features would cost on your home? Get a price now or call The Window Source of Atlanta at (470) 275-5159 and you’ll be one step closer to the most comfortable windows you’ve ever had.
