Important Things To Keep In Mind When Looking For Energy Efficient Windows | Oahu, HI
These days, more homeowners in Oahu, HI are looking into making their homes more energy efficient than ever before. The reasons they cite for doing so are varied, but most are focused on the environment, and saving money on their power bills. In order to achieve this goal, one of the most important changes they are making is investing in energy efficient windows. But energy efficient windows don’t only help you cut down on your bills, they also make your Oahu, HI home more comfortable throughout the year, making your HVAC system more efficient at the same time. So, whether you are just starting to delve into the wonderful world of energy efficient windows, or are already in the market, here are a few important things to keep in mind before purchasing your new energy efficient windows.
The Type of Glass
The most important part of any type of window is the glass that is used to make it. In order for your new energy efficient windows to maximize the money you save on power, the glass used to manufacture them should be optimized for the type of weather they will be dealing with. This means, for example, that when you purchase double or triple pane windows, the gas that is injected in between panes will increase the window’s insulating characteristics. Other finishes, such as lamination, tinting, etc., can also increase the UV protection granted by the windows. So make sure to ask whether the glass used on your new windows is the best choice for your home.
How Your Windows Are Installed
One of the most important things about energy efficient windows is how they are installed. They must be perfectly placed and sealed in order to maintain their energy efficiency, as well as prevent any possible damages to your home due to the filtration of rainwater. Additionally, correctly installed windows will stop any of the comfortable air inside your home from leaking to the outside, as well as drafts that could get into your home. All of this helps increase your home’s overall energy efficiency. So, when your windows are installed, make sure it is done by knowledgeable professionals, and that they are placed plumb, level, and square before they are sealed. Once they are in place, make sure no sections have been left unsealed.
The Materials Used to Make the Frames
Different types of energy efficient windows provide different degrees of insulation to your home, depending on the materials that are used to build the frames. The most commonly used material is wood, which provides a very high level of insulation because they don’t allow too much heat transfer into the inside of your home. This transfer is known as “conductivity”. Other materials, such as aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass have different conductivity ratings, so make sure to select the one that provides the highest protection to your home.
The Type of Glazing
Another important feature of energy efficient windows is the type of glazing applied to the glass. For areas of your home where the sun hits directly, your best bet is to choose a glaze that will reflect the heat back to the outdoors, helping to maintain the cool air inside. Because of this, you should always consider where the windows will be placed before deciding on this feature.
Check What the Energy Efficiency Labels Say
One more important consideration to keep in mind when you are deciding which windows you want to install in your home, take a look at what the energy efficiency labels, such as the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels have to stay. These labels indicate that the windows have been manufactured and tested to provide a certain performance. By gauging what the labels say, you can easily compare among the different windows, and choose the best option for your needs.
Don’t Forget to Consider the Cost
One of the biggest factors to keep in mind when you are looking at new windows is the price tag that comes attached to all the great features that you want. There are a few things that could increase the cost of new windows, including their design. If you want custom design windows, the price could increase depending on the size and shape you require. On the other hand, you should also consider whether any of your old framing will require repairs or complete replacement, because all of these details will end up increasing the total cost of installing your new windows. So don’t lose sight of them.
A Final Word
It is to be understood that it is important to you to keep your home looking beautiful, so, when you select your new windows, don’t forget to consider your home’s design. Don’t choose a more modern window design when your home has an older, more contemporary look. Changing the look of your home in this manner can lead to it losing market value.
It is important to understand that, while your new windows will eventually pay for themselves, the amount of money you will save in power at the very beginning, can vary depending on a few things, including whether you are replacing all the windows in your home at once or you will do it gradually. Even so, when you start making your home more energy efficient, you can be sure that you will be helping the environment as soon as your windows are installed.
One last thing to consider is that, given the final cost, whether or not you have budgeted enough money to go through with your plans. In some cases, companies may offer financing, so keep your budget in mind when you are making your selection.
When you are looking for new windows in Oahu, HI, you should always get in contact with the experts at Sunburst Windows. We have the largest selection, various options, and most up-to-date information. At Sunburst Windows we are happy to help you find the best energy efficient windows for your home. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call today!
