These added panes offer a substantial improvement in insulation against heat loss and noise. Gas fills such as argon and krypton can be added between glazing layers to further slow heat transfer both into and out of your home.
They Are Effective Insulators
They keep the heat in. The lower, the better. For superior energy performance, windows with a U-factor of 0.25 or less are ideal. So once your home reaches the desired temperature, new windows will help maintain the temperature, helping to keep your home warmer.
New replacement windows will save you energy and provide greater comfort within the house. This much is true.
Yes! Replacing the windows in your home is a good investment, and offers a strong return for what you spend. In fact, it's one of the most valuable home improvements you can make.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
Energy Star-certified replacement windows are the most energy efficient windows available. Each Energy Star certified window is nearly twice as energy efficient as an average replacement window.
Poor insulation can also cause temperatures to drop inside your home. One of the most obvious signs that you have poor insulation is cold drafts coming from vents, light switches, outlets, and exterior walls. If it's properly insulated, you shouldn't be able to feel any air coming from these areas.
The Rule of Thumb in Years. Windows are not meant to last forever. You could buy the best brand name windows in the world and they are still going to eventually break down and need to be replaced. The fact of the matter is that the basic rule of thumb with windows is 15 to 20-years.
A good R-value range: Greater than R-5. A good U-value range: 0.20 – 1.20 according to energy.gov.
Energy-Efficient Glass
With dual-pane or triple-pane glass, inert argon gas can be used between panes of glass to improve insulating properties. Laminated, tempered, tinted and obscure insulating glass can also add ultraviolet protection to help keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
As part of this certification process, products must be tested in a laboratory recognized by EPA to perform residential windows, doors, and skylight testing. A list of EPA-recognized laboratories and Certification Bodies can be found at www.energystar.gov/testingandverification.
In the North-Central Zone, the U-factor requirement is 0.30 or less and the SHGC must be 0.40 or less. The South-Central Zone allows U-factors of 0.30 or below and SHGC ratings of 0.25 or below. Windows qualified in the Southern Zone can have U-factors of 0.40 or less, but the SHGC must be 0.25 or below.
It really works, and it can increase a window's insulation for many months. Additionally, insulation film lets in sunlight—which can further warm a window. This side benefit is commonly overlooked, but it's incredibly valuable. Any natural heat gain is beneficial—reducing a heating system's work throughout the day.
Over the long term, the performance and financial benefits of double glazing will cover the cost involved to install them. Modern families will most likely find double glazing more appealing. In addition, research has revealed that double glazing can increase your property value by 10%.
Vinyl Windows
Yes, replacing worn out windows with vinyl ones does boost a home's value, as long as the window installation is done the right way. When they sell, homeowners can recover as much as 71 percent of the upfront remodeling cost of new windows.
Insulated glass typically costs about $10 per square foot and up, making it an affordable option for those concerned about their window glass price, and with a wide range of designs, it can satisfy any project.
Thicker Window Glass Reduces Outside Noise
Anyone who's ever owned a home with builder grade windows knows how outside sound often travels right into their home. Here at Ringer Windows, we only use double-strength insulated glass (or thicker) in ALL our windows.
Triple pane windows can be up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a single pane window, and up to 20 percent more efficient than a double pane. If you live in an extremely cold climate, double and triple pane windows can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills.