Understanding Replacement Window Terms
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009When getting ready to purchase a new item like windows it is important that you understand the terms and differences in styles of windows. For instance when someone says U-Factor is important, what do they mean? U-Factor has to do with the ability of the window to keep heat in the house during winter months. From a scale of 1-100 the lower the number the better. The new tax credit requires a U-Factor of 30 or better. This means that the window as a whole is able to keep at least 70% of the heat inside the house. Solar Heat Gain Coefficiency is another term you will hear. It has to do with the ability of the window as a whole to keep solar heat from coming through your window into your house. Obviously that would be very important here in Texas. Again, the minimum rating for the tax credit is 30. Both factors must be met. You also only get 30% of the cost of materials only up to $1,500.
Windows can be Single Hung meaning that only the bottom sash operates as opposed to a Double Hung where both sashed can operate and tilt in for easy cleaning. There are Sliders where the sashes operate horizontally rather than vertically. This is typically for a opening that is wider than it is tall. Picture windows can be helpful to minimize the number of units by combining two units that are side by side and improve visibility. Picture windows can’t be used in Bedrooms unless there is an operating window also for egress (excape). Casement windows are window in which crank open to the outside. These can be used where maximum visibility is desired and yet ventilation is desired.
There are vinyl windows, aluminum windows, fiberglass windows and wood windows. Most people already have aluminum windows. They are highly conductive of energy and not energy efficient. fiberglass windows are strong and can have energy efficient glass but are typically more expensive. Wood windows like Peachtree, Pella and Anderson offer can be a beautiful choice if one wants the look of wood inside and aluminum clad for protection on the outside. Again, these are on the high end and are usually in upper end homes. That leaves vinyl windows. These are energy efficient in their frames and can have high energy efficient glass systems. They can range from anywhere from $300 a average window to well over a $1,000 a window depending upon the vendor you choose.
Storm windows and solar screens are on the low end of the price range but typically do not add resale value to your home and are stop gap products to help but not completely take care of the problem of energy efficiency in your home. Replace the glass when fogged is also a get by way of reducing the visibility problem but not really improving the energy efficiency at all. Also, you are just putting back in rubber seals that will again rot and have to be replaced. With the current tax credit available it only makes sense to invest in something that will not only increase the energy efficiency of your home but improve security, control noise pollution, minimize ultraviolet light damage and build value in your home. Call today for your free estimate. 972-398-6105.
Gregg Graham- Owner
