There will be many factors you need to consider when replacing windows on your home. While looks and overall costs are often on the top of homeowners priority list, you may want to consider how energy efficient a window is as well. Cheap and poorly constructed windows could be the source of higher heating and cooling bills for years to come, completely outdoing any cost savings from the initial purchase.
Consider purchasing one of these three window frames to maximize the energy efficiency of your home.
Fiberglass
A well constructed fiberglass frame has many benefits over its competitors in terms of energy efficiency. Fiberglass will perform best in climates that experience cold winters and hot summers, as the window is resistant to cold and hot temperatures. Unlike a wood window, fiberglass will not warp, crack, or expand.
When it comes to maintenance, fiberglass windows will be easy to take care of. They do not fade or peel over the years, making them relatively maintenance free aside from regular cleaning. Since fiberglass does not need a thermal barrier like other window types, you do not need to worry about replacing it over time. You can easily get 80 years out of a fiberglass window, which will surpass the length of time you will be living in the home.
Vinyl
Not only will you save some money by going with a traditional vinyl window, but they will help cut down on your energy bills. The PVC construction material makes it very competitive to other windows in terms of thermal resistance. Vinyl windows are multi-glazed, which will help keep heat inside your home in the winter, and keep the heat outside in the summer.
Vinyl windows will also provide noise reduction, come in a variety of finishes and colors, and are simple to install. Expect to get as many as 40 years out of a high-end vinyl window.
Aluminum
If you are on a budget, you cannot go wrong with an aluminum window frame. They can last for decades due to their durable construction material, and are resistant to termite damage, shrinking, and swelling. They are also completely recyclable when it comes time to replace them.
While aluminum is not as energy efficient as fiberglass or vinyl, it is still better than other competitors such as wood. You can always add a thermal barrier to the window frame to increase its energy efficiency.
Now that you know about three different window frames that can make your home energy efficient, you can make an informed decision when it is time to buy new windows. To learn more, contact a company like American Home Center Inc. with any questions or concerns you have.
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