Replacing windows and doors is one of the most popular home improvement projects in Western Washington, and for good reason. It produces dramatic results from a modest investment, no other element impacts a room's feel as dramatically as its windows. They frame natures light and add a distinctive personality to each room. New Windows update your home and increase street appeal. Here are the most popular reasons for replacing your windows.
Cooler in Summer
New windows with high tech coatings keep you cool even on the hottest days. Low-E squared glass reduce heat gain by more than 60%! They protect furniture and drapes against fading by blocking out harmful UV rays.
Winter Warmth
New windows stop cold drafts and reduce moisture with a new weather-tight fit. They eliminate the mold and mildew associated with ill-fitting windows. Your family will be more comfortable and you’ll enjoy lower heating bills.
Energy Savings
Windows account for approximately one-third of your home’s total heat loss. So, it’s important your windows perform well. Intermountain Glass helps you to increase your home’s energy efficiency by providing Energy Star program certified windows. They’re over 40% more energy efficient than required under most building codes, so you’ll save money year after year. A report published by Cardinal glass estimated that a typical 2500 square foot home would achieve up to $324.00 in annual heating bill savings by installing new high performance windows with Low-E2 glass.
Street Appeal
New windows impact a room’s look and feel like no other element. New windows and doors also beautify the outside of your home – in fact they can give an outdated exterior a vibrant new look. Personalize the look of your home with a new Bay window or French doors. The possibilities are endless.
Security
A new dual-pane window with either multi-point locks or new sturdy cam locks, will no longer be an easy point of entry.
Sound Control
Homeowners have discovered that new double pane units with "dead" air space reduce noise significantly.
Smooth Operation
Stop fighting with windows that won't open or doors that stick. Properly installed new patio doors will open with one finger and windows are just as easy.
Efficiency
High quality, efficient windows can dramatically reduce your energy bills – keeping your family warm in winter and cool in summer. Here’s what you need to know in order to assess and compare the energy efficiency of windows:
U-Value & R-Value on Window Labels
First, don’t be confused by the claims of different manufacturers. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) is a non-profit independent program that assures windows displaying the NFRC label provide unbiased energy efficiency ratings. The NFRC label helps you compare windows in the same way you would compare MPG on automobile stickers. The NFRC sticker rates the windows as a whole unit, including the glass, frame and weather-stripping.
The U-Value is a measure of heat loss through the window. Look for a low U-Value, meaning the window will allow very little of your home’s heat to pass through to the outside. An excellent U Value would be in the .26 - .34.
The R-Value measures how well a window holds heat back, or resists heat loss. R-Value may sound familiar – it is also used to describe the insulation in your attics or walls. You’ll want a high R-Value for best performance. This means the window holds in most of your heat. An excellent R-Values would be 2.40 - 3.00.
Glazing
The glass in two windows may look the same, but perform very differently. Make sure you choose a high quality glass that offers you more comfort, lower utility bills and protect furniture and drapes.
Low-E Glass
Low-E, the abbreviation for low emissive glass, has an invisible, microscopic, metallic coating that admits the full spectrum of sunlight but blocks radiant heat from escaping. During the winter months, between 70 and 75 percent of the heat that would otherwise escape from the house reflects back into the home. During the cooling season, as much as 25 percent of the unwanted heat that would otherwise enter the house is reflected to the outside. And the low-E coating helps to block ultraviolet light that can fade fabrics and furniture.
Argon in the Air Space Argon is an inert gas that is in the air we breathe. It helps reduce heat transfer through a window. It is 30% less conductive than air.
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