Windows used to be the way to let light into your home. You could make them look pretty with curtains and dressings, and open them up to let air in. these were the main concerns if you were a home owner. Do your windows do these things? Good.
Nowadays, however, they are required to do much more. Energy conscious homeowners want to minimize the costs of heating their homes, and windows are an extremely important factor in this process. (Photo above Kim Holst Architect)
Do You Need to Replace Your Windows?
If you’re replacing your windows because you want to make your home more energy efficient, then you need to make sure that replacement windows are the right option for you. There are lots of other things that can affect whether your home is efficient or not, so it’s important to do a home energy audit. You can hire professionals to do this for you, or you can do it yourself. This should help you identify where your energy losses are.
You should definitely replace your windows if:
– Your windows are single pane or cheap
– Your windows are in a poor condition; i.e. cracked window panes, rotting frames or sills and non-operational windows.
– They are dangerous; i.e. they won’t open or shut properly, they are loose.
Four Factors to Consider
The Frame – there are a variety of different materials when it comes to the frame, including vinyl, wood, aluminium, composite, fibreglass. Fibreglass is one of the best materials to opt for, as it is extremely energy efficient, strong and durable. They can also be painted several times and they don’t twist or warp like vinyl and wood. However, they are amongst the most expensive materials.
(Photo above Serrano Monjaraz Arquitectos)
The Glass – there are lots of different types of glass that you can choose for your windows. Thermal insulation glass or LowE has become the norm, and you can choose from solar protection, sound insulation and self-cleaning as well. If you’re looking to save energy, then the thermal insulation can really make a difference.
The Design –the way your window looks is obviously an important factor to think about when buying windows. You can choose from a variety of different designs when it comes to the grilles inside the insulating glass of windows, or you could choose a sash window. Sash windows are perfect for those who want to retain their more traditional windows. Take a look at Mighton Products to calculate the balance that you’ll need.
