When it comes to home improvement projects, window replacement offers a variety of advantages. From increased efficiency and comfort to the added home value and enhanced curb appeal, you simply can’t go wrong.
Considering the vast number of options on the market today, it’s understandable how picking the best windows for your climate can be a bit overwhelming.
So when it’s time to replace your windows, it’s important to carefully consider a number of factors in order to make the best choice for you and your family. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right windows for your home and climate.
Glass Considerations
For homes in average climates with cold winters and hot summers, consider a low-E coating. This will help to reflect the sun and reduce glare, providing you with better climate control for your home year round.
If you live in a warmer climate that’s mostly sunny, choosing a glass that has a very low SHG coefficiency will help to reduce the amount of solar heat gain. Adding a low-E coating can help you to further reflect the sun and maintain maximum efficiency for your home.
For homes in colder climates, a single or double-glaze for your glass can help reduce utility costs by as much as half! You’ll also want to look for glass options with a higher SHG to utilize the heat from the sun.
Material Choices
As technology and science advances, new window frame material choices offer a number of additional advantages for homeowners. For relatively warm and sunny climates, vinyl makes the best choice. Vinyl windows can be insulated to keep heat from entering your home and require little to no maintenance.
For low-moisture climates, wood and vinyl-clad wood windows are great for home improvement projects. It’s important to note that these types of window frames can have a higher cost and requires a moderate amount of upkeep.
Fiberglass and vinyl-clad windows are best suited for colder climates that experience ice and/or snow. These materials offer superior insulation and thermal performance during winter storms.
Final Considerations
Regardless of what type of climate you live in, it’s highly recommended to choose a double or triple pane window. This will provide your home with the best climate control and help to keep your home and family comfortable year round. It’s important to note that poor installation can render your windows useless, regardless of the quality of your materials. As with any home improvement project, quality workmanship and professional installation services are essential to getting the best performance and efficiency from your new windows.
