What to Look for When Shopping for Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy costs are continuing to rise and showing no signs of slowing down, so if you’re a homeowner in the Hudson Valley or Capital Region of New York who is in the market for replacement windows, energy efficiency is likely at the top of your wish list. But are you wondering how much of a difference energy-efficient windows can make in terms of residential energy bills? Would it surprise you that up to 30% of your heating and cooling costs could be the result of your old and inefficient windows? That’s what the U.S. Department of Energy found, and it explains why homeowners throughout the country are being encouraged to upgrade their windows.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows for Your Home

There are several key factors to consider when selecting the ideal replacement windows to fit your needs, preferences, and budget. Some of the more important choices include:

Material

Replacement window frames and sashes come in a wide array of materials, and there are definitely options that provide better thermal performance than others. At the bottom of the list are aluminum windows, which are durable but do little to help reduce heat transfer. Wood windows, however, are known for being energy efficient, but they require regular upkeep and don’t stand up well to the elements. Vinyl, fiberglass, and composite windows have become the most popular options, as they are known for delivering excellent durability and thermal performance and require little maintenance.

Glass Packages

Another important factor in terms of thermal performance is a window’s glass. Many builder-grade products feature a single pane of glass that does little to prevent outside heat or cold from infiltrating a home. These windows often have condensation on them because they don’t provide sufficient insulation.

If you truly want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you’ll want to choose replacement windows with double- or triple-pane glass. This helps reduce heat transfer by putting space between the outdoors and indoors, and these spaces are often filled with inert gasses that add to the level of heat transfer prevention.

Cost

Price will also be considered when you’re selecting your new windows, but keep in mind that the better the thermal performance your windows provide, the more you will save on your power bill. And while replacement windows won’t pay for themselves in the first year, spending a little extra on a better product will definitely help you save in the long run.

Offering the Finest Replacement Windows on the Market

If energy efficiency is your priority, Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY is the window installation company you’re looking for. We’re the region’s authorized distributor of high-performance Renewal by Andersen^® replacement windows that deliver thermal performance that other brands can’t match. Our windows feature:

• Frames and sashes that are made with a proprietary composite material called Fibrex^® that combines the highest quality thermoplastics and wood and is better at preventing heat transfer than vinyl and fiberglass
• High Performance^™ Low-E4^® glass options that are up to 70% more energy efficient than other double-pane windows

Thanks to these performance upgrades, our windows won’t rot, flake, blister, peel, crack, or corrode, and they aren’t affected by extreme temperature swings. You can select from 22 color combinations to match your home’s décor, and you can even choose stainable wood  interiors in oak, maple, or engineered pine.

Make the Right Choice for Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Choose the replacement windows that will reduce the strain on your home’s HVAC system. Contact Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY today and we’ll arrange for one of our product specialists to visit your home to answer your questions and provide a no-obligation window replacement estimate. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Capital Region and Hudson Valley.