As far as I’m concerned you can’t spend enough money on good windows. If one of my customers came to me and said,”I have $10,000 extra dollars to put into my home what would you recommend?” I’d tell them …THINK WINDOWS. Whether for a new home or a remodeling project – energy efficiency is all about windows. You’d be amazed at the amount of money that literally goes out the window.
With the current economy and escalating energy costs, I find that energy efficient windows are in high demand right now. Every top window manufacturer makes Energy-Star rated windows and usually, the federal government is offering tax credits for the upgrade. No one wants windows that continuously leak air and put a huge drain on the budget when the utility bill comes due.
Let’s talk about what features you find in energy efficient windows. The most energy efficient windows will have a vinyl or fiberglass insulated frame. The ability to fill the air cavities in the frame with insulation makes these two types superior to wood in energy efficiency.
Double pane windows have pretty much become the minimum standard and today one of the most energy efficient panes are triple glazed with three panes separated by air or gas. Glazing panes with low emissivity (Low-e) coatings can reduce energy loss by 50% and for additional efficiency one of two inert gasses can be placed between the panes. Argon is the cheaper of the two gasses and you will pay more $$$ for Krypton filled windows since they have thermal performance. The best windows will also have thermally improved spacers between the panes at the edges of the window.
If building my own home today I would use Jeld-Wen or Anderson windows. Both are Energy Star rated and have high quality and superior customer service which is the standard for Grace Construction, Inc. I’d like to talk with you about how we can work together to build that energy efficient home or reduce your long term costs by making your existing home more energy efficient. Call me for a free consultation and estimate.
