Get the Facts About Replacement Windows

Your home is one of the biggest investments you can make. You take pride in maintaining the beauty and functionality of everything that makes your house a home. The costs to upkeep and maintain your home are on the rise. Today it is more important than ever to focus on home improvement projects that will not only add value but also energy efficiency to your home. The content of this website will provide you with the knowledge to help you make informed decisions when investing in your home.

Research indicates that almost 50% of home heating and cooling can be lost through doors and windows. With home heating costs on the rise you can't afford to take that chance. Windows provide daylight and ventilation adding beauty and comfort to a home but they can also be one of the main sources for home heating and cooling loss negatively affecting your home fuel expenses

When considering home energy conservation, consider replacement windows. Many replacement windows are engineered for home energy conservation with unique materials and innovative design. Replacement windows are designed to add beauty, ventilation, easy maintenance, security and energy efficiency to any home.

tt's important to know the facts before you invest. The Fact Network was created as a consumer resource providing industry knowledge which can help when selecting a replacement window contractor, and with the home improvement decision making process.

Common Mistakes with Replacing Your Windows

WindowFact.com was designed to not only provide you with the how to’s and the do’s but also the don’ts. The following are common mistakes to be aware of when considering your replacement window investment.

Know Your Product

When researching replacement window companies be sure the company representative is educated and represents the product and company to your complete satisfaction. To the average eye an inexpensive lower quality window can look the same as a much higher quality window. You need to know the mechanics and engineering of the window. It is also important to know how the window and the performance will meet your objectives.

Consider Windows for Energy Efficiency

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the impact your windows can have on your home heating loss. Inefficient windows can contribute up to 50% of home heating loss. Take the time to do your homework and evaluate the performance of your existing windows.

Consider Low-E Coating

When homeowners buy windows WITHOUT Low-E coating, the lack of this additional insulation protection can place a great strain on the heating and air conditioning system in a home and require its early replacement. In addition, given the rising energy costs, without properly insulated windows the added cost of maintaining this home over the next 10 to 12 years would equal the cost of a new set of windows. Low-E coatings and argon gas together with the proper frame to contain the gas package will significantly reduce heat loss and heat gain.

Understand the Terminology

There are many resources that explain the terminology used in window engineering. Do your homework and explore those websites that represent reputable companies and organizations in the industry. Most of these websites have glossaries that will detail window terminology definitions. An example of some important terms:

• Argon: This is a gas that is forced into the space between the two panes in a double paned window. Its purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of the window.
• Brand: This is the name a certain window is being sold under. Often a window sold under a brand, i.e. “Acme Window”, can be manufactured by a totally different company, or companies.
• Capping: This is the process of finishing off the exterior portion of the newly installed window.
• Condensation: This is the formation of moisture, and in cold climates, frost on the inside of a window.
• Contract: This is the agreement you will make with the company installing your new windows. It will define exactly what the company will do, price, service and warranty.
• Contractor License: For any type of home improvement work the company conducting it will need to have a form of license to perform the work. What type, varies from state to state. It is always a good idea to ask for a copy.
• Heat Lamp: Is a device a sales man will use to demonstrate the ability of a window to stop heat transfer. A thermometer will be placed on one side of the window, and then the heat lamp will be applied to the other.
• Heat Mirror: It is a coated film suspended between the two panes of glass in an insulated unit. It is not the same as low-emissivity costing used widely in the industry today.
• Krypton: Is a gas that is forced in between the panes in a double paned window, it is an alternative to Argon, but is a bit more expensive.
• Low E: This designates low emissivity glass which means the pane of glass has had a film applied that will block long wave infra red energy, but allow short wave to enter.
• R Value: This measures a materials resistance to the ability of heat to flow through it. A high number here is superior. To
• Spacer: This is a very important part of a double or triple pane window. It is the material that separates, but also binds together the panes of glass.
• Spiral Balance: There are several ways to help the top half of a double hund window stay up, and make it easier to open and close. Old windows use a lead weight on a rope held inside a pocket cavity in the wall. A spiral balance uses a metal rod that that has spiral groves in it that works against a gear on the sash; sort of like a bolt and not.
• Triple Pane: This is a window that is constructed with three panes of glass. Old windows have a single pane, more modern windows have two panes and now you can have a window with three panes of glass improving energy efficiency.
• U Rating: Is the amount of heat a certain material will allow to be transferred through it. All windows will have this rating.
• Wrapping: This is the process of blending the new window into the exterior wall of the home. It involves roll form aluminum stock and bending it to form of the window.

Don’t Ignore U-Value Ratings

The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

It is suggested for the Northern Climate to select windows with a U-factor of 0.35 or less. Some three-layer products have U-factors as low as 0.15.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization formed in the early 1970s when manufacturers were making outrageous claims of energy savings through window and door treatment. Today their job is to rate windows, doors and skylights for energy efficiency in a fair and accurate way. Look for the NFRC on your window replacements.
See: http://www.nfrc.org/ and http://www.efficientwindows.org/ufactor.cfm

Facts About Windows

There are many resources available providing important facts to consider when purchasing replacement windows. WindowFact.com has provided links below to just some of the reputable resources that can provide valuable education and information to assist in the process of selecting the right window and company to support your objective and exceed your expectations.

Selecting New Energy-Efficient Windows

When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can help minimize your heating, cooling, and lighting costs.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/windows_doors_skylights/index.cfm/mytopic=13340

Energy Performance Ratings for Windows, Doors, and Skylights

You can use the energy performance ratings of windows, doors, and skylights to tell you their potential for gaining and losing heat, as well as transmitting sunlight into your home.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/windows_doors_skylights/index.cfm/mytopic=13320

Want More From Your Windows? Ask for ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home

Find out about home energy solutions and what you can do to start saving.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/windows.html

Cost Vs. Value Report

Remodeling magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value Report" shows exterior and replacement projects bring the biggest return.
http://www.realtor.org/archives/2007costvsvalue

Shopping Tips for Windows

When you're shopping for new windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council label; it means the window's performance is certified.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/windows.html