Your home windows can impact the look of your entire house. In addition, they can offer you energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and improve your home’s curb appeal.
Choosing the right window can be difficult because there are so many options. It is important to understand how different windows work before you make a purchase.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing energy-efficient windows is an important factor for homeowners in Houston who want to reduce their monthly home cooling costs. They also enhance their homes’ value and provide a great return on investment when the time comes to sell.
High-efficiency windows keep cool air from your AC in, and hot humid outside air out. They also feature special coatings that reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home, allowing you to enjoy a cooler and more comfortable indoor environment.
Window World’s ENERGY STAR qualified SolarZone insulated glass packages are designed to help Houston homeowners save energy, reduce their carbon footprint and improve their bottom line year-round. They offer low-emissivity coatings that minimize the transfer of heat and UV rays into your home, as well as Intercept warm-edge spacers that insulate the exterior edges of a sealed unit. Together, these features help windows reach a U-factor of.40 or lower, a threshold that can significantly cut energy costs.
Durability
The windows and doors of a home affect more than just how the house looks from the outside; they also strongly influence the indoor climate and energy consumption. With so many options available, homeowners must make careful decisions that balance style and performance.
For example, to reduce your energy costs and improve comfort, it’s important to choose double-pane windows with a low u-factor and a high VT rating (Visible Transmittance). These types of windows reflect the sun’s heat instead of letting it in.
Durability is also an essential feature. Investing in durable, weather-resistant replacement windows can ensure that you’re happy with your investment for years to come. Look for features like fusion-welded frames, multi-point weather stripping, reinforced meeting rails and locks, and tilting sash designs. Also consider clad wood windows, which have wood on the inside and an aluminum jacket on the outside to protect against moisture and debris. They are also less susceptible to rot and insect damage than regular wood-framed windows.
Security
In addition to being energy efficient, vinyl new construction windows are also a good choice for preventing cold air leaks. They can be glazed with low-E glass that limits the amount of solar heat that enters your home and helps to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
When choosing a window company, look for one that has years of local experience. They should be able to prepare homes for the unique challenges of our climate including rot, mold and water damage. They should also know how to work with the different building materials found in Houston homes, especially brick and stucco.
A high-quality window should have a u-factor of 0.22, an r-value of at least 13 and a visible transmittance (VT) rating of 0.75 or lower. This combination is ideal for the hot, humid, and stormy Texas weather. It is important to measure carefully and accurately to avoid cutting corners on installation. This can cause a window to be an inch or two too small, affecting its performance and operation.
Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first impression it makes to potential buyers. If it is clean, attractive, and well maintained, it gives the buyer a positive expectation of what they might find on the inside. This is known as the halo effect.
New windows will improve your home’s curb appeal by eliminating unsightly window frames and casings. In addition, replacement windows with energy efficiency features can cut down on the amount of heat and cold that escapes your home, lowering your utility bills.
It is important to carefully measure your window openings before installing any new windows. Sometimes companies cut corners by ordering the windows an inch or two smaller than what is needed. This is often done because they are trying to save time but it will require a cut back of the casement, stool, or sheetrock later on. This can result in a lot of wasted effort and money. Add accents like shutters and trim pieces to further accentuate your windows and draw more attention to them. Window boxes are also a simple way to enhance your home’s curb appeal.