While window replacement is one of the best investments you can make in your home, it is still a costly home improvement. Fortunately replacement windows in Lakewood, CA can provide one of the best returns on your investment. That is why efficiency should be a top priority when choosing new windows. If you are looking for replacement windows to provide you with the most energy savings, here are some things to look for:
Frame Material
Window frames come in a variety of materials. The four most common include aluminum, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. Each material has unique pros and cons, and come at different price points. Aluminum is affordable and versatile but does not a top performer when it comes to preventing heat transfer. Vinyl is a better insulator and practically maintenance free, but many homeowners don’t like the look of vinyl windows and would prefer more color options. Wood windows are the top choice when it comes to aesthetics and they are natural insulators, but wood windows often come with a higher price tag and require a lot more maintenance. Fiberglass window frames are strong, slim, durable, efficient, and come in a variety of colors, but homeowners will pay a higher upfront cost for these top of the line products.
Window Style
There are so many window styles to choose from, and each comes with varying degrees of insulation. Picture windows are non-operable. These provide the tightest seals and you don’t have to worry about air and moisture leaks. In terms of efficiency, casement windows are probably next best. These windows styles hinge to one side and operate on a crank. When the window is shut and locked it forms a tight seal. And when the window blows against casement window the seal only tightens. Awning and hopper windows are similar in this matter. But sliding, single hung, and double hung windows have overlapping sashes that are more likely to allow for air leaks.
Number of Panes
The standard for modern windows in two panes of glass. But some window manufacturers go as far as having three or four panes of glass making up an insulated glazing unit (IGU). Because temperatures in this part of California are fairly mild, there is little need to upgrade to extra panes of glass. There are other glazing options you can invest in that will provide better energy savings.
Inert Gas Fill
It isn’t normal air between the panes on your windows. Manufacturers pump an inert, noble gas between the panes and seal it inside. The three most common are argon, krypton, and xenon. These have more density than normal oxygen and help improve insulation at different levels. Argon is the most readily available and performs better in the wider gaps between the glass. Krypton is not so available, but it insulates better in smaller spaces. And xenon is one of the newest gasses used between panes and it has higher performance for large expanses of glass.
Glazing Technologies
Last but not least, manufacturers can apply unique coatings to different surfaces of the glass to reduce heat transfer, block UV rays, and reduce visible light transmittance. One of the best technologies for better efficiency is a low-emissivity (low-E) coating. This is a thin metallic layer applied to glass that blocks radiant heat without impacting the transmittance of visible light.
Want help navigating all of these window technologies? Sit down with one of our design experts today. Call Seaport Windows and Doors at (714) 220-3939. Or you can visit us at 4201 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720 to schedule a consultation. We can help you find the best replacement windows in Lakewood, CA.
