It’s a reality that homeowners will go through window replacement procedures at least once in their lifetime. When undergoing window replacement projects, always remember that there are different windows with different functions. Often, such functions will depend a lot on the climate, so location is a crucial consideration. California has a Mediterranean climate, so windows must handle both heat and cold. How can you identify such windows?
What criteria will you use? Renewal by Andersen® of Sacramento, your trusted home remodeling contractor, can help you. We present here some crucial factors to consider when shopping for new windows.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label
The NFRC shows the energy qualities of all products, which are part of the ENERGY STAR program. As such, you can use this label when shopping for your replacement windows. Also, the NFRC ratings are useful for verifying energy code compliance. These ratings measure U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and air leakage.
Savings
Window companies often exaggerate on savings you will enjoy with their products. The truth is savings depends on several factors. Your choice of materials, style, glazing and installation impacts your energy bill. And other features, like the ease of maintenance, make windows more appealing.
Vinyl-frame windows insulate well and don’t need painting. Casement, awning, and hopper windows are more leak proof. Windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are more energy efficient. Tilt-in sashes, make windows easier to care for. You can get these energy-saving features in replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento.
Proper Installation
ENERGY STAR and NFRC labeled windows will amount to nothing without proper installation. Air and water leakage through unsealed gaps or cracks will still cause energy loss. Trust your installation experts. We’ll handle your new windows and keep your home as airtight as possible. We’ll caulk any gaps with special sealing foam and paint the areas to maintain a single design scheme.
Need more help in shopping for doors or new windows? Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento is here for you. We serve homeowners in Sacramento, CA, and other nearby areas. Call us at (916) 226-3359 for further consultation.
