Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Windows
What is a replacement window?
A true replacement window is a window that’s custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It’s built to fit precisely and can be installed without disturbing the interior and exterior areas of the home around the window.
What are the advantages of custom replacement windows overstandard-size windows from the local home center?
Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves energy costs) and install much more easily and with very little mess. Custom windows allow consumers to get exactly the windows they want.
Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors—like additional labor and the disruption to the home—far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows may require you to cut into your siding or interior wall.
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves?
It’s true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With vinyl, fiberglass or composite windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows. These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
Are replacement windows any different from older windows in terms of operation?
Many high-quality windows are actually engineered to make operatin and cleaning easier. For example, double-hung windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a home owner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in—and lock securely in place—for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down.
Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Almost! Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that’s something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality replacement windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they’re much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer—minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
What makes a window energy efficient?
Numerous factors, including how the frame and sashes are engineered and built, the type of glass used (single-, double- or triple-pane), the weather stripping, the type of low-emissivity coating on the glass and the presence of argon or krypton gas.
What is an R-value and how important is it in selecting windows?
Although the U-value is actually the important number in evaluating windows and doors today, most people are more familiar with the related concept of R-value (or R-factor). The R-factor of a window is the measure of its resistance to the transfer of heat flow. The higher its R-value, the greater its insulating ability.
What is a U-value?
U-value (or U-factor) is the measure of the window’s ability to conduct heat—in other words, the amount of heat transmitted through the window. The lower a window’s U-value, the better the window is at insulating your home.
What is Low-E glass how important is it to have it in your windows?
Low-E stands for low emissivity and is a fairly new advancement in glass technology. Basically, it’s a microscopic, metallic coating applied to a surface of glass that reflects heat energy either into or out of a home depending on climate conditions. Using Low- E is an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of a window.
What is inert gas and why is it used in high performance windows?
An improvement that can be made to the thermal performance of insulating glazing units is to reduce the conductance of the air space between the layers. Originally, the space was filled with air or flushed with dry nitrogen just prior to sealing. In a sealed glass insulating unit, air currents between the two panes of glazing carry heat to the top of the unit and settle into cold pools at the bottom. Filling the space with a less conductive, more viscous, or slow-moving gas minimizes the convection currents within the space, conduction through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside is reduced.
Manufacturers have introduced the use of argon and krypton gas fills, with measurable improvement in thermal performance. Argon is inexpensive, nontoxic, nonreactive, clear, and odorless. Krypton is nontoxic, nonreactive, clear, and odorless and has better thermal performance, but is more expensive to produce.
What is ENERGY STAR®—and what does it have to do with windows?
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program—administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. The program covers many different types of products.
Windows and doors can only carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.
What is the NFRC and what should I know about it?
NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council. It’s a program established by the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers compare window products and options. Window manufacturers participating in the program are required to label every window to its specific thermal performance level. Customers are then ensured that the products they select meet the requirements for their application. Participation in the NFRC program is voluntary. Not all manufacturers participate because it requires outside third party inspection and extensive product testing.
How important is weather stripping?
Weather stripping is important because it provides the barrier against air and water in windows and doors. It is the only element of operating windows or doors that make them reasonably air tight. High-quality weather stripping that’s applied and compressed properly really does improve the insulating performance of windows.
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Ready to make your home more beautiful and energy efficient? Call the replacement window Michigan experts at 888-362-7942 today to schedule a FREE in-home window consultation and estimate.
