Windows are a vital part of any home and they serve an assortment of important functions. They can enhance the beauty and value of a house, increase energy efficiency and provide privacy and security.
Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling an existing one, local window installation experts can help you choose the right windows for your needs and home style. They also offer window repair and maintenance services.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows have the ability to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling system. This means your home will be more comfortable, and your utility bills will be significantly lower.
According to MidAmerican Energy Company, dropping the temperature in your home by just two degrees can save you 8% on your energy costs. If you have single-pane windows, replacing them with double or triple-pane ones can increase your savings even more.
The frames of your window can also affect how much heat it loses or gains. Aluminum frames conduct heat easily, while wood and fiberglass offer more insulation. If you choose a window that is NFRC rated and has an ENERGY STAR label, it will be tested to ensure it meets energy efficiency standards.
The insulating capabilities of your window are determined by the spacers between its panes. These spaces are filled with a nontoxic noble gas, such as argon or krypton, to help reduce thermal transfer. Utah Direct Services offers a number of energy-efficient window options that will make your home a more comfortable and economical place to live.
Low-E Windows
Having windows that help your home insulate better is essential to lower energy costs. Low-E glass with argon is an effective choice to minimize heat loss, improve insulating properties and reduce condensation. Unlike tinted windows, this type of glass is not dark and does not change appearance from window to window.
During the summer, this reflective coating sends outside heat back to the sun, keeping your house cool and cutting down on cooling costs. Similarly, during the winter, it keeps warm indoor air from escaping, saving money on heating bills.
A professional will advise you on the best option for your climate, and can recommend a specific type of low-emissivity glass based on your design goals. Look for the NFRC sticker on each window to see the U-factor value, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT). Depending on your needs and desired performance, choose options with a low-U-factor and high SHGC to limit energy loss, or opt for a higher VT for maximum light transmission.
Hybrid Wood Windows
For those who love the look of wood windows, but want something that’s more durable and maintenance-free. These hybrid windows combine the sturdiness of aluminium with the beauty and insulating qualities of timber.
The exterior is powder coated aluminium in a choice of standard and feature colours. This ensures long life and durability and prevents the corrosion, fading and chalking often associated with older aluminium frames.
Inside is a welded sash and frame with triple weather stripping that eliminates air leakage and maximizes soundproofing. This window is ideal for new construction and historical renovation projects.
The Pinnacle Hybrid casement window combines the classic design of wood windows with the strength and energy efficiency of cellular PVC. They are available in single and double-hung models with sloped sill, tilt sash and brickmould profile frame. The interiors are made of Clear Select pine that is durable and easy to maintain, and wood tones range from a rich rose to a handsome reddish brown.
Stained Glass Windows
Window specialists will work with you to select windows that complement your home’s architecture and style. They will also inspect existing windows for rot, broken hinges and foggy double-pane glass, and recommend repair or replacement based on style, function and energy efficiency.
Stained glass windows are painted to allow light into a building and often depict biblical scenes, ecclesiastical figures or the patron’s wishes. They were expensive to make and churches often sought patrons for particular windows who would essentially “buy” the window and be recognized for it on the bottom of the stained glass panel.
When deciding on new windows it’s important to recognize exactly what your budget will be and then decide whether you want to have single hung windows downstairs and double hung upstairs or the other way around. Having the right windows installed will improve your house’s aesthetic and help you save money by decreasing your heating and cooling bills. Moreover, homeowners with newly installed energy-efficient windows are eligible for a tax rebate.