Your windows in your home are the eyes to the outdoors. Without that clear, crisp view, your bright day might turn out murky. Windows are what make your home bright and special. it is your haven, your castle, a place you can take pride in.
If you haven’t updated your windows, let’s say, in the last 20 to 30 years, maybe it’s time to take a look at this blog, which provides five simple signs as to what constitutes a window upgrade without hurting your pocketbook.
At The Construction Group, we have professional installers in the Twin Cities who canl make your home look uplifted and brand new again. Contact us today!
Understanding Energy Requirement Labels
Are your windows energy efficient? According to energystar.gov, windows, doors, and skylights that are certified to meet the Energy Star requirements in the Northern Climate Zone have labels. This indicates your windows and skylights are certified to meet the Energy Star requirements.
Let’s briefly explain an overview of these ratings first, so you get a better sense of how windows are rated – something that was not done prior to 1990.
Read the NFRC Label: Performance Ratings
This label can be found on all Energy Star certified windows, doors, and skylights. This provides performance ratings in the five categories.
● U-Factor. This measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. Values range from .25 to 1.25.
The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates.
● Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted and tells you how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight. Values range on a scale of 0 to 1.
Typical range is from .25 to .80. The lower the value, the less solar heat the window transmits.
● Air Leakage (AL). This measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. It is measured in cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area per minute.
The lower the AL value, the less air leakage, which is what you want.
● Visible Transmittance (VT). This measures the amount of light the window lets through and measured from a scale of 0 to 1 with general ranges from .20 to .80.
The higher the value, the more light you see.
● Condensation Resistance. This measures how well the window resists water build-up and scores on a scale from 0 to 100.
The higher the value, the less build-up the window allows.
Look for These 5 Tell-Tale Signs
Aluminum windows have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years while wooden ones run a little longer at 30 years. With that in mind, take a look at some signs your windows need replacing.
1. Windows look blurry or foggy.
When you have double-paned windows, condensation can get trapped in between, which can signal a leak somewhere. If your window frame is in good shape, have a professional see about fixing the window, if not replaced.
2. Windows don’t open easily or get stuck.
This might be a defective or deteriorated window frame or shifting foundation issue. Nevertheless, have a professional window installer take a look to see if it is salvageable.
3. The room feels drafty.
If you feel that your heater is not working because it feels too drafty, check your windows. Air may be leaking through your windows. If you hear breezes or wind whistling through them, they need either caulking or weatherstripping.
If that doesn’t cure the problem, it’s time to replace the window.
4. Your energy bill seems high.
Speaking of drafty windows, if your heating and cooling bill seems too high, it may be your windows, which can increase your bill by as much as 25 percent!
Look for the energy star label for the (AL) value.
5. Your windows are unattractive
If you’re doing an exterior landscape update, your windows either enhance the appeal, or deter from it. Conversely, if you’re planning an interior renovation, then it may be time to replace the windows at the same time, avoiding any construction mess later.
Windows these days, with their performance features, optional colored frames and tints can add that extra touch to your newly renovated home.
If you have a historic home that has wood frames, you want to keep that charm and try to restore the windows. For this scenario, your best bet is to contact a professional window installer.
The Construction Group: Your Home Window Experts!
Each of our contractors and installers is Minnesota insured, licensed, and certified in residential window installation, so you leave your worries behind. We’re not satisfied if you’re not 100% satisfied. Check out our window gallery and our reviews!
And did we mention we could replace your siding while we’re talking windows? Call us at 651-731-585, or fill out our form for a free estimate today!