Fort Wayne residents need to be prepared for humid summers and snowy winters. Selecting energy efficient windows helps to keep power bills down. Here are some tips to help you to decide.
Glass
Staying cool in the summer can be challenging. U-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) are ratings representing how much heat is lost or gained through the glass. For lower utility bills, choose glass with low ratings.
Materials
Gaps along the window frames are a common cause for air leaks. Fiberglass is the best for preventing leaks. They also require very little care, but can be expensive.
Most older homes have beautiful wooden frames. They are sensitive to moisture and temperature change, causing them to expand or shrink, making it expensive to keep the indoor temperature stable.
Vinyl frames are easy to care for and provide excellent insulation. However, they also create drafts when they expand and shrink during extreme weather.
Aluminum is an inexpensive material that frames are made from. They do not require much care. However, they conduct heat easily, so they are not a cost-effective option.
Design
Choosing a window design can be difficult. The aesthetics are important, but so are your utilities. If your home has scenic views, picture windows with low U-value and SHGC glass are beautiful and save money.
Casement windows are an excellent choice for areas with heavy wind. This style of frame is effective at blocking drafts, but they require regular care to open and close smoothly.
Double-hung windows are common, especially in older homes, but often have gaps between the two panes, leading to expensive utility bills.
Installation
Accurate measurement is critical to avoid leaks around the window frames. Buying an expensive frame, design, and glass is a waste of money without correct installation. Caulk and foam are effective to seal small gaps, but they should not be relied on for larger spaces.
Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning has served the Fort Wayne area since 1963. If you have any questions about installing windows in your home or business, call us today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficient windows and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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