Window installation is a sizable investment, and you want to choose the right options to maximize your energy efficiency, style, privacy, security and convenience. Look for companies that offer warranty coverage, in-home estimates and advanced digital tools.
Energy-efficient windows can save you money each month on your utility bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. Look for the best u-factor and SHGC based on your climate zone.
Frames
If you have old and inefficient windows, you’re probably paying too much in energy bills and suffering from a cold house. New frames, glass, and other features can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels.
The frame material is a significant factor in determining the window’s performance. Aluminum frames are durable and easy to maintain. They are resistant to dents and scratches, and they can also withstand the rigors of hurricane-prone areas.
Vinyl is more flexible and easier to work with than wood, but it may not be the best choice if you live in a climate that fluctuates dramatically. Wooden frames, on the other hand, are a good option for many homes.
Glass
Choosing the right window glass is crucial for your home’s aesthetic and privacy. Tinted glass reduces glare and heat while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. It’s also a great option for homeowners looking to save energy.
ENERGY STAR certified windows offer special features that help Orange Park homeowners mitigate high energy bills and a chilly home. Besides argon gas insulation and multiple panes, ENERGY STAR windows have Low-E glass coating and warm-edge spacers that reduce heat transfer.
Choose a window installation company that is certified by top window brands and has Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (formerly AAMA) certification. This accreditation indicates that they’ve been properly trained in installation best practices. Also, review online reviews and ask for local references.
Grids
Window grid patterns are another way to personalize the look of your home. Originally, these decorative inserts (sometimes called muntins) made windows easier to manufacture by visually dividing them into smaller panes. Today, window grids are primarily decorative and can add a classic touch to your house.
Energy-efficient windows can reduce how hard your air conditioner has to work to keep your home comfortable. They can also help you save money on your power bills.
Many local companies offer custom grid options for their Orange Park window installation services. These can include frosted glass, which provides a level of privacy without blocking natural light.
Argon gas-filled windows
Argon gas windows are more energy efficient than double or triple pane windows with just air between the glass. This helps to reduce energy bills by reducing the transfer of heat from indoors to outdoors.
This technology also helps to block UV rays, which can damage furniture and flooring over time. Window replacement professionals often recommend argon gas windows for homes in warm climates.
If you’re looking for windows with the highest energy efficiency standards, consider ENERGY STAR® certified double or triple pane windows. These are rated with a lower solar heat gain coefficient and U-factor, which help your home stay cooler all year round.
Triple-pane windows
With three glass panes and two spaces that are filled with insulating gas like argon, triple-pane windows are more energy efficient than double-pane windows. They also offer increased comfort, as they help keep your home at a steady temperature and eliminate cold spots.
A recent study conducted by Cort and PNNL colleagues found that triple-pane windows helped home builders meet the 2021 energy efficiency requirements for new homes, despite being more expensive than double-pane windows. They also provide an added layer of security, as it is difficult for intruders to break through the window.
Other features that you can consider include tinted and obscuring glass, which offer additional privacy. You can also choose Low-E glass, which reduces the sun’s glare and helps you save on your energy bill.
Custom grid options
Window grids—also called grilles—are an attractive addition to a home. They come in a variety of styles to suit the particular look you’re after. For example, an ogee profile looks historic and ornate. Its design is based on profiles created with a putty knife during traditional window making. Other options include prairie, which features evenly-spaced horizontal and vertical bars, and classic double prairie, which has two closely-spaced rows of bars.
If safety is a priority, consider windows with reinforced glass. This feature makes it more difficult for intruders to break into your home. It also protects your furniture, floors, and carpets from fading caused by UV rays.