When is it good time to change windows?
In the past 15 years, window technology has made tremendous progress by newer extrusion design, adding LOW-E Glass. All the goal is to improve energy efficiency to not only save heating and cooling costs, but also improve the comfort of homes throughout the year. If your utility bill is getting higher on a yearly basis, perhaps it’s time to make a change!
However, when it comes to replacing windows, many homeowners are unsure if they really need to replace them and are confused about cost rationality considerations.
Today’s windows not only offer cost saving through energy efficiency, but also provide higher comfort level, safety, and protection, which may make you want to replace windows early.
Energy efficiency Factor
If your home has single-pane windows, you are probably still using storm windows to winterize it. Your window winter energy efficiency is probably as low as it can get without the removal of the glass. And in the summer, there’s nothing to stop the air-conditioned coolness from escaping through the windows.
If your home still ues single pane windows, you may still be using storm windows to prevent freezing. Nothing can stop the coolness of the air conditioner from escaping from the window in summer and the it is also very hard to maintain warm indoor temperature without heating working really hard..
Glass is the primary surface of a window, which is the biggest source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. We measure the heat gain or heat loss in windows using a U-value. For example:
Glass is the main surface of windows and of course is the largest source of heat increase in summer and heat loss in winter. We use U value to measure the thermal gain or thermal loss of windows. The smaller the U value, the better the glass’s ability to maintain indoor and outdoor temperatures.
- Single pane glass might have a U-value of 1.2 or worse
- Double pane might have a U-value of as low as 0.21
- Triple pane might have a U-value of as low as 0.18
Even under special conditions, low performance windows can lead to increased heating and cooling costs, as well as reduced comfort in the home. Condensation, icing, mold problems, airflow, and uncomfortable hot rooms are just some of the negative impacts that low energy efficiency may bring.
Comfort Factor
Balancing comfort and efficiency is more complex than choosing energy-saving windows. Some rooms may be exposed to light all day, while others may not have much light at all. Choosing the correct window style or glass type can help adjust the temperature of the house or filter out excessive light, harmful UV, and even noise, thereby improving home comfort.
When choosing a glass type, please explain the existing issues to your window expert and inquire about the most suitable glass type for your different room, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of windows facing north, south, east, and west. Mixing and matching glass types with specific rooms will maximize the comfort and functionality of your home. Also it is very important to select Ideal in-home temperature & humidity levels for winter
Selling your house
If you plan to sell your house in the near future – high-quality, energy-efficient windows can help increase house value, accelerate sales processes, and boost buyer confidence. To help you make your house look more attractive, many window companies now offer transferable lifetime warranties, which is a great advantage for potential homebuyers who are already overwhelmed by potential upgrade of the old houses.
Window styles
If you are a typical homeowner, your home has probably undergone many facelifts over the years. Rooms have been modified, outside decks have been enlarged… Whatever the changes, sometimes they affect the functionality of your home. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate and optimize the functionality of your windows to match the way you use them in your house. Here are a few things to think about.
If you are a typical homeowner, your house may have undergone multiple renovations over the years. Perhaps it’s time to reassess and optimize the functionality of the windows to adapt to the way you use them at home. There are some things to consider here.
- I never open these operable windows – replace these with fixed windows
- I have a casement window that opens out onto a deck or outside staircase, this is annoying and block the way – replace it with a hung window
- I have a sliding basement window but it is harder to open- replace it with an awning window with a cranking handle
