Window replacement – Efficiency ratings, types and functions

Replacing your windows is quite essential especially if they are damaged or broken. You can try to fix them, but once they reach a point where they are irreparably damaged, spend money and invest in replacing your windows. However, the process of replacing your windows can be quite difficult and costly for you as there are many different types of windows with different functions and efficiency values. In general, many homeowners hire professionals and experts from certain companies and websites such as phonster to do the work for them while they relax. However, if you don’t feel the same way, here’s everything you need to know about window replacement if you want to replace your home windows yourself.

Efficiency assessments

Many different replacement windows have been invented. Every different type of window has its own efficiency ratings. Windows with higher energy efficiency ratings are due to the use of the best insulating properties, including, but not limited to, low e-coatings, inert gas insulation, and multi-glazing that is double or triple glazing. In addition, if the windows have the U factor marking, it means the windows have the ability to conduct heat or thermal energy. Likewise, there is also an R factor that shows that windows can be insulating. Therefore, before you randomly buy any window, make sure that the window has a higher R factor than U factor, as this type of windows will ensure that your home is properly insulated from the outside weather and that it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Another important energy efficiency classification is the solar heat coefficient. This SHGC shows how much sunlight enters your home. If you live in an area with cold weather, it is wise to choose a window with a high SHGC rating because this will keep your home warm and if you live in an area with warm weather then choose a window with a low SHGC such as A score of 0.44 is the best choice as it will keep your home cool. Another efficiency rating is the visible transmittance, which indicates how much visible light is allowed to pass through a window.

Types and their characteristics

Photo windows

Picture windows are extremely large windows that have no frames or gaps. They look a lot like a flat LED screen and the purpose of both are also quite similar. Picture windows are used just like an LED screen to show you the picture. However, the photo in this context means that the landscape is outside your home. In addition, these windows are rain resistant, wind resistant and quite durable. Hence, it is a very good investment and if you have landscaping outside your home it can be a wise choice to invest in large windows.

Storm windows

Storm windows are another type of windows. this type of windows is one of the best investments you can make and these windows are the best replacement windows because you can install these windows in the same frame of your previous windows. In addition, these types of windows are the best for lowering your energy bill as the energy efficiency is quite good for these windows. For example, the u factor is quite low and the R factor is quite high for these types of windows. not only that, but these windows are also quite durable and wind and rain resistant.