Were you aware that windows account for about 10% of a building’s energy use? That consumption, in turn, is due to the heat gains and losses that occur through them. Moreover, they can make space heating and cooling bills rise.
Fortunately, modern windows now have better technologies for improved energy efficiency. However, home window installation mistakes can lead to their benefits going to waste.
Therefore, it’s vital you know how to avoid such errors.
Don’t worry, though, as we’re here to help. Read on to discover what you must do when installing home windows.
Determine What New Windows You Need
There are two types of new windows: new construction and replacement. Both are brand-new, but the former, as its name implies, is often for new construction buildings. On the other hand, replacement windows are specifically for replacing existing windows.
If your home isn’t complete yet, you need new construction windows. That’s because you have to install them into unfinished walls. Likewise, you must use these windows for home extensions or if you’re adding a new room to your house.
By contrast, go with a window replacement if you don’t need new windows with frames. Replacement windows don’t come with frames and hinges. Instead, they slide into the same spot of the window they’re replacing.
Always Factor in Frame Material
Window frames are available in wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. Their primary role is to serve as the structure holding the glass panes together into a wall. However, according to https://www.uswindow-door.com/services/window-replacement, they also affect energy efficiency.
So, before buying residential windows, consider their frame’s performance ratings first. Aluminum and fiberglass are highly energy-efficient, and so is vinyl. Although incredibly aesthetic, wood isn’t as efficient as the other three.
Never Ignore Window Acronyms
While shopping for replacement windows, look closely at their acronyms and numbers. These characters are in their labels, representing their energy performance ratings.
An example is the U-factor rating; the lower it is, the more energy-efficient the window.
Likewise, the lower the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), the less solar heat it transmits. In addition, a lower SHGC means higher shading ability.
Go For Multi-Glazed Windows
Glazing is the insulating property of a window. Single-glazed windows used to be the most popular, as they were the cheapest. However, they’re no longer that great an option nowadays, as they allow for the most heat gains and losses.
Instead, you want to invest in double- or even triple-glazed windows.
Double-glazed windows have insulating glass sandwiched between two glass panes. By contrast, tripled-glazed windows come with three panes and, thus, two gas-filled sections.
So, in the battle of efficiency, triple-glazed windows win. For the same reason, though, expect them to cost more than single and double-glazed options.
Avoid These Home Window Installation Mistakes
Remember: a new window can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars a pop. That’s pricey enough, but it can go even higher if you make home window installation mistakes.
That’s a good enough reason to follow all the tips discussed above. They can help you make the most of your brand-new, energy-efficient windows.
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Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
