What can be big, small, customized to fit your home and are completely transparent? If you guessed windows, you’re right!
As a homeowner, you may quite literally look right past your windows on a daily basis and not notice the warning signs that may suggest you need to replace your windows. Knowing what to look out for can come in handy and help save you money in the long run.
Here are the top five things every homeowner should know when inspecting their windows for signs of wear and tear!
Window Performance
Have you noticed an unexplained increase in your energy bills? Windows that are poorly insulated can let hot or cold air in, causing your HVAC system to work overtime to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. When shopping around for new windows, consider an energy-efficient window that meets ENERGY STAR® guidelines. This means that the window will have “a .32 or lower U-Value, which measures heat transfer through the window.”[1]
With so many windows out there, how do you choose the right one? Pretty much the golden standard for any window or appliance, are those that come with an ENERGY STAR certification. Why should homeowners care when there are plenty of options out there? Well, any product, not just windows that have an ENERGY STAR rating meets the, “strict energy-efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR help you save energy and money without sacrificing performance.”[2]
How does this relate to windows? It all starts with the “U-Factor”. The “U-Factor” or “U-Value is a scale of 0.20 to 1.20 that measures how much heat comes through windows. The lower the U-Value, the less heat comes through the window.[3] Without getting too technical, this means that windows that have a low U-Value and an ENERGY STAR rating are going to be the best choice for a high-performing and energy-efficient window.
Strength of the Material
With some many options out there to peruse, it can be complicated for homeowners to choose what window solutions best fits their needs. Fortunately, there’s one thing all windows in your home should have in common: durability. When you replace your windows, selecting the right material means that your project will remain intact, require little-to-no maintenance and look good over years to come.[1]
Here are some facts to consider:
- Wood windows look great but will require a lot of upkeep and will not last as long as a fiber-glass or vinyl window.
- While vinyl is the most frequent material used, it tends to warp, expand, contract and fade in extreme temperatures.[1]
Design and Aesthetic
With all of the advances in technology making it possible to create high-performing, long-lasting replacement windows, window manufacturers have taken strides in making them look great too! You can create nearly any shape or size style window to fit your home and match your aesthetic. For example, when most people think of a beach house, they think of small circular windows like you see on a ship or large bay windows on a home tucked away in the woods. To start your inspiration journey, assess your surroundings. Take a walk around your property and note where you are considering placing your new windows. Once you’ve determined where you want them here’s a few extra details to consider:
- Let in the light: Humans are naturally attracted to light, consider choosing a larger fixture on the side of the home that sees more daylight.[4]
- Consider ventilation: Where does the breeze naturally come from? The front of the house or the back? This can help with airflow throughout the home.[4]
- Have some fun: Replacing or adding windows does not mean you are stuck with a boring square or rectangular window. Consider using a variety of shapes to spice up the visual aesthetic![4]
Total Value
To ensure that you are getting the best value for your money, we suggest looking for a manufacturer known for their reliability, expertise and can deliver a product that provides excellent performance day-in and day-out.
Window Replacements with Momentum Home
Here at Momentum, our team of highly skilled experts is ready to take on any home renovation. Partnered with great companies like CertainTeed and Owens Corning, we can help you build the perfect home accented by gorgeous windows! Momentum offers everything from a window repair to complete replacement, and our friendly window professionals can help you choose from a variety of styles and configurations to best fit your home and budget.
So, what are you waiting for? Call Momentum Home today to get started! 1-888-338-HOME.
[1] https://www.windowsforyourhome.com/5-things-every-homeowner-should-know-about-window-replacement/
[2] https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/tools/ENERGY%20STAR%20Appliances%20Brochure_508.pdf
[3] https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_energy_efficient_windows.pdf
[4] https://www.thehousedesigners.com/articles/picking-the-perfect-window-placement.asp
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