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When shopping around for replacement windows, it’s important to understand what makes windows energy efficient. Many homeowners only replace their windows once or twice in a lifetime. If you are shopping around to replace your old windows, chances are this is your first time. Why not make the best of it and get the most energy-efficient windows you can get?
Understanding the parts of a window will help you when talking to your trusted window replacement contractor in Atlanta.
Frames
Window frames can be made from a variety of materials: aluminum, vinyl, wood, fiberglass or a composite. The pros and cons of each vary. Metal frames are not very good insulators. Wood expands and contracts with temperature changes. Vinyl is too soft on its own and can only be used as cladding for metal.
Fibrex® is a patented Renewal by Andersen composite material that offers all the pros and none of the cons for your window replacement in Atlanta. It’s extremely durable, it keeps its shape, and it insulates like wood.
Glass
As with framing materials, glass has several options with varying levels of energy efficiency. You would want to go for double or triple-glazed glass. Argon typically fills the space between the sheets of glass to minimize heat transfer.
You may have seen those labels on glass products with decimal values on them. They are called National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label provides information on these energy ratings:
1. U-Factor – This measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building. U-Factor ratings are typically between 0.15 and 1.20. Homeowners in cold climates should go for a lower rating.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – This measures how much heat from the sun is blocked. SGHC is expressed as number between 0 and 1. Homeowners in cold climates should go for higher SGHC values.
3. Visible Transmittance (VT) – This measures how much light comes through a product, also expressed as a number between 0 and 1.
4. Air Leakage – This measures how much air comes into a home or building through a product. Typical ranges fall between 0.1 to 0.3. Take note that a lower value means a better seal.
Our replacement windows in Atlanta are sure to meet all of your home’s needs. They are sure to be energy-efficient without compromising beauty and durability. That is why Renewal by Andersen of Atlanta remains the top window provider in the area.
If you would like to know more about how you can get the most energy-efficient windows for your home, call us now at (888) 902-3332 or use our form.