Window installation companies can help you choose the right windows for your home. They can also help you decide whether to have full-frame or insert windows. Both options are good for Detroit, but you may prefer one over the other based on your aesthetic preference and budget.
Consider Argon gas-filled windows for energy efficiency. These offer an invisible layer of protection against heat loss.
Argon Gas-Filled Windows
Argon is an inert, odorless, and colorless gas that’s used to replace air between window panes. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces energy costs. It also helps block out ultraviolet rays that can damage furniture and flooring.
In addition to its insulating properties, argon provides excellent sound-proofing and is available at an affordable price. It works well with any window design and is especially effective in colder regions. It can be paired with low-e coatings to enhance the windows’ insulating performance.
While argon-filled windows cost more than air windows, they are a smart investment in the long run. They provide better insulation, cut energy costs, and contribute to sustainable building practices. They also offer greater longevity than air-filled windows, retaining their energy efficiency for up to 20 years. However, the longevity of argon-filled windows depends on how well they’re made and how skillfully they’re installed. If the seal is compromised, argon can leak out, and their insulating efficiency will suffer.
Energy Star-Certified Windows
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows can save homeowners 12 to 13 percent on energy bills. ENERGY STAR ratings are based on tests conducted by the National Fenestration Rating Council and provide information on performance criteria such as U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC), air leakage, visible transmittance, condensation resistance, and more.
ENERGY STAR windows can be made in various frames and sashes to suit different home styles and climates. Frames are often clad in aluminum or vinyl to reduce maintenance and cost. Some frames are also insulated, helping to maximize energy efficiency.
Window companies that carry ENERGY STAR-certified windows will be able to help you determine your ENERGY STAR climate zone and select the best windows for your home. The ENERGY STAR label provides a quick look at performance metrics, while the NFRC label offers more detail such as U-factors, SHGC, air leakage, and visible transmittance. Getting the right windows for your home will ensure comfort and savings year-round.
Low-E Glass
Having new windows and doors installed in your home is not only an energy-saving upgrade, but it’s also a great way to add value and comfort. If you’re considering new windows in your Ferndale home, consider incorporating Low-E glass to help you save on energy costs.
Low-E, or low emissivity, glass uses a microscopically thin coating to reflect infrared and ultraviolet light while letting visible light pass through. This helps keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer without sacrificing natural light.
This technology, combined with argon gas fill, improves insulation, condensation resistance and noise reduction. Double- or triple pane windows with this energy efficient technology are effective in any climate, regulating indoor temperatures and lowering heating and cooling costs. They also protect carpets, furniture and fabric from harmful UV rays. These benefits can add up to substantial cost savings over time. These types of windows are available in a variety of shapes and styles to suit any home.
Vinyl Windows
When it comes to durability and longevity, few window products can match vinyl. It is resistant to rot, corrosion and wood-boring pests. It also requires very little maintenance, which saves homeowners a considerable amount of money over time.
Premium vinyl can also be constructed with multiple air pockets within its sashes and frames, which improves its insulating properties. Combined with an energy-efficient glass package, it can significantly reduce a home’s heating and cooling costs.
When choosing a company to purchase new windows, it is important to review its customer reviews. Look for comments about the company’s product quality, installation services, project timelines, warranty claims and more. Ideally, you should collect four or more quality window bids before making a decision. A reputable company will highlight its available products on its website, including double-hung, casement, slider, awning and bay/bow windows. They are also likely to offer a wide range of color options. Cream colored vinyl is particularly popular and shouldn’t be difficult to match with existing windows.