Contractor Tips Blog

Jun
5

4 Efficiency Factors to Consider When Choosing Windows

Windows give your home light and beauty – but you also want them to protect you from the climate outside. Whether it is a hot August day or a cold December night, the more efficient and insulated your windows are, the lower your energy costs for your home. When purchasing new windows, here are four efficiency factors to keep in mind.

  1. Double-paned. Older, single-pane windows do not have the insulative qualities of double-paned windows. The insulating factors are often trapped between these two panes, creating a barrier between the outside air and the air inside your home.
  2. Low-E. When purchasing new windows, consider the emissivity level, referred to in the industry as Low-E windows. This means a special coating has been added to the glass to create low emissivity, reflecting energy back to where it originated. This helps minimize climate-controlled air from escaping or from temperatures outside impacting air inside.
  3. Argon filled. Another efficiency factor is whether the windows are filled with argon gas. This gas helps insulate the windows and is sealed between double-paned windows. This factor improves the thermal exchange rate and also helps with other factors like sound-proofing.
  4. Energy Star rated. If you look for the Energy Star rating, this is a great way to know your new windows have efficient qualities that will help lower energy costs in your home.

Choosing efficient windows can make a big difference in how much you pay to heat and cool your home throughout the year. Talk to your local building contractor about these important efficiency factors when choosing new windows to install in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Aug
5

Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

Are your home’s windows out-of-date? The windows available nowadays are much different than those that may have been popular when your home was built. Modern windows offer enhanced energy efficiency and many other features that were not common twenty, thirty or more years ago. Here are a few reasons to consider replacing your old windows.

  • Efficiency. Energy efficiency is important, not only to reduce energy bills but for overall comfort in your home. Poorly insulated windows make it expensive to heat or cool your home and can make it feel drafty inside when the temperatures outside drop. If you choose Energy Star windows, you may even be able to get a tax credit for your window replacement.
  • Style. Windows can change the look and style of your home. Even “efficient” options come in a variety of styles that can improve the curb appeal of your home and add value. If your windows are not adding to the beauty of your home, then maybe it is time to consider replacing them for new, more stylish models.
  • Safety and security. Double-paned glass, secure locks and other options available on modern windows can help improve the safety and security of your home. Keep intruders out and your family safe with new windows for your home.

Often home builders and construction companies opt for cheaper windows to save costs. However, these inferior windows may not be benefiting the style, efficiency or value of your home. Talk to your local contractor about replacing your old windows with new versions that can offer so many benefits, even paying for themselves through tax credits and energy savings in just a few years.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Feb
17

Are Low E Windows Counterproductive in Winter?

Low E windows, E standing for emissivity, are considered the most efficient windows due to their ability to reflect heat. The glass is covered with a thin metallic substance that reflects heat, helping improve the climate control in the home. While this makes sense during a hot summer, does it also work in the winter? The quick answer is yes, but only if you have a contractor that installs them correctly.

It may seem that low E glass would be counterproductive in the winter. If it reflects the sun, it also would reflect the heat that can be gained when trying to warm your home. However, there are different types of low E windows and different options for installation. For those that have cold winters, considering a lower U-factor is also important, which helps keep heat in, on top of low E windows. For installation:

  • Warmer climates. If the goal is to keep heat out, the low E glass should be put on the exterior window to reflect the heat from the sun, helping to keep the home cooler.
  • Colder climates. For colder winters, you want the low E glass to be installed on the interior windows, reflecting heat back inside to lower heating costs.

Low E windows can be beneficial, allowing light in, but reducing lost cool air during the summer and lost warm air during the winter. However, it is just one of several factors to consider when installing new windows. U-factor. SHGC, VT and CR are other considerations when picking your new windows. Talk to your contractor to learn more about what all these options mean and to determine the best windows for your home’s energy efficiency.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jun
23

Getting a Tax Refund? Invest in New Windows for Your Home

Tax refund time is a great opportunity to put money back into your largest investment – your home. If you are like most people, your home is the biggest asset you own and should be a top priority when it comes to maintenance. Whether you plan to live in your home for decades to come or are expecting to sell in a few years, you want to maintain and add to the value. Replacing old windows with the help of your tax refund is a great way to improve your home and bolster this important investment.

Benefits of New Windows

If you have older windows in your home, there are many benefits to replacing them with beautiful, efficient windows. Not only can new windows enhance the curb appeal of your home, they can increase the energy efficiency, saving you money off your energy costs. This improvement can also add value to your home as energy efficiency is a top priority amongst home buyers.

When choosing new windows for your home, you want to ensure that they are rated for energy efficiency and are installed by a qualified contractor. Some specifications to shop for include:

  • Double-paned windows for highest efficiency
  • Low-Emissive glass (Low-E)
  • Argonne filled
  • Energy Star qualified

Make your tax refund go farther this year by investing those dollars back into your home with new, energy-efficient windows. Talk to your local home contractor that offers Energy Star window installation and has a stellar reputation for their quality workmanship. New windows can pay for themselves with lower heating and cooling costs, as well as the value they add to your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

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