Which Replacement Windows Are the Best? | Hawaii
Photo By Tomas Ragina at istock
Most homeowners don’t think about investing in replacement windows very often, but windows are a major part of a home. Not only do windows help provide insulation to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, but they’re also an important part of your home’s facade. If you want your home to look its best and have premium insulation, you need to get the right windows. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips to help you choose the best windows for your home.
Single-Pane Windows
If you’ve ever lived in a home with metal-framed windows, chances are you’ve seen single-pane windows in action. This is the oldest type of window because it’s the simplest, but that also means it’s one of the worst choices. Single-pane windows don’t provide a lot of insulation, which means they can lead to more expensive energy bills as well as inconsistent temperatures in your home. The only real benefit to single-pane windows is that they’re cheap.
Single-pane windows can cost you a lot of money in the long run, so it’s best to invest in replacement windows as soon as possible. Upgrading to double-pane windows can save you a nice chunk of change when it comes to heating and cooling your home, and you can save even more than that when you upgrade to more efficient, new windows. While you might have to spring for the better windows, there’s no placing a value on making the upgrade from single-pane to double-pane windows—the difference is night and day.
Double-Pane Windows
If you’re looking for a little more in the way of energy efficiency, double-pane windows are the way to go. These are the next step up from single-pane windows, simply using two layers of glass to provide a little more insulation. Double-pane windows come in a variety of styles since they’re one of the most popular choices, which means they’re good replacement windows no matter what type of windows you’re looking to replace.
While double-pane windows are a big upgrade over single-pane aluminum windows in terms of efficiency, they’re still far from the best. However, this is a great option if you’re looking for the best mix of affordability and efficiency. You don’t have to pay a fortune to upgrade to double-pane windows, but you can still see significant savings on your monthly energy bill as a result of the upgrade.
Triple-Pane Windows
Since adding more glass improves the insulation quality of a window, it only makes sense that there are also triple-pane windows on the market. Triple-pane windows feature three panes on glass instead of one or two, which makes them one of the best choices for energy efficiency. As a matter of fact, triple-pane windows are a substantial upgrade over double-pane windows, which are already a great choice for replacement windows.
Triple-pane windows are great for installing on any southern-facing walls of your home. Since southern-facing walls tend to get the most sunlight throughout the day, a lot of heat can enter through southern-facing windows. If you have a large wall with several windows facing to the south, consider having triple-pane windows installed on that wall at the very least.
Just like double-pane windows, triple-pane windows come in a wide range of sizes and styles. If you’re looking for simple replacement windows that provide superior insulation, triple-pane windows are near the top of the list.
Gas-Insulated Windows
If insulation is a top priority to you and you simply want to save the most money on your monthly energy bill, gas-insulated windows are the best new windows. While adding more glass to a window improves insulation, there’s only so much insulation glass can provide. By filling the gaps in between those panes with gas, however, window manufacturers have found ways to make even more efficient windows.
Gas-insulated windows vary quite a bit from brand to brand and product to product. While some of these windows feature a layer of gas between two panes, some windows have three panes with two layers of gas in between. In any case, you can count on seeing a significant improvement in energy efficiency over both double-pane and triple-pane windows if you opt for gas insulation.
Frame Materials
Of course, it’s also important to choose the right window frame material. The frame material you choose determines how long your windows will last and what kind of problems you’ll have to deal with in that span of time. The truth is, however, that all window frame materials have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to choose the replacement windows that best fit your needs.
Wood windows have a stylish and traditional look that a lot of homeowners love. Unfortunately, wood is prone to peeling, cracking and warping, and it’s not the most energy-efficient option for your windows.
Vinyl is generally the most popular option today because it’s resilient and energy efficient. The only problem with vinyl is that it isn’t the most attractive for some homeowners, and there aren’t a bunch of varying vinyl window options.
Fiberglass windows are customizable, efficient, resilient and stylish. As long as you’re willing to spend a little more on your replacement windows, vinyl is a great choice.
Aluminum windows are tough, but they’re also some of the least efficient. Plus, there are several problems you may experience with aluminum frames as they age, so we don’t recommend them.
Get New Windows Now
If you love the way your home looks but you’re not quite happy with the heating and cooling costs, it may be time to look at replacement windows. Upgrading to new windows can save you a significant amount on your monthly energy bill while increasing the resale value of your home. If you’re in need of replacement windows for your Hawaii home, give Sunburst Windows of Hawaii a call and we’ll help you make the smartest decision for your home.
