Replacement Windows: Making the Right Choice

Looking for the perfect replacement windows? Follow this simple guide to avoid overpaying for new windows & make the right choice for your household needs.
Choosing The Right Replacement Windows

So, your old wooden frame windows have finally run their course and they are ready for a well-deserved update. In the modern world dictated by technological progress, especially in the residential arena, it can often be difficult for homeowners to decide on a new amenity or the best household update for their needs.

With so many window manufacturers and different choices on the market, reaching the most cost-effective decision can be a challenging task. With the majority of homeowners turning to product price for guidance, the chances of making the wrong decision rise exponentially. Here to help you make the right choice is the essential guide to choosing your replacement windows.

Understanding the anatomy of a window

First, you want to get acquainted with the basic anatomy of a window in order to get a better understanding of what you’re looking for. The first part is the frame, which provides structure. It is accompanied by cladding, which protects the exterior of a wooden or composite frame. It can be made of vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum.

The sash is the moving part of the window. Modern, double glazed windows have a sealed space between the two sheets of glass filled with an insulation gas. The window can also boast Low-E coatings either on the exterior or the interior side of the glass, depending on the climate. In warmer areas, the agent is used on the external side in order to reflect heat but let light permeate the room. On the other hand, colder regions have their windows coated on the inside, in order to preserve the heat of the interior.

The climate should match the windows

Depending on your local climate, certain types of windows will suit your home better than others. Choosing your replacement windows based on climate conditions is one of the best ways to ensure you get your money’s worth and even achieve a positive ROI in the long run. A good idea is to look at the Australian market, where homeowners living in varying climates need to think about humidity, average temperatures, wind, rain, as well as sun exposure.

With the changing climate conditions around the world, an ever-increasing number of homeowners is opting for installing double glazed windows in Melbourne and other areas where dynamic and sometimes unpredictable climate conditions may occur. While more traditional options are still viable, double glazing has proven to be a sensible solution for the modern world.

Understanding the numbers

It is also important that you understand the numbers displayed on Energy Start ratings if you are looking for efficient windows that will help you decrease your energy expenditure and make long-term financial savings. You will come across a U-value, depicting the window’s ability to keep the heat inside. The value will typically range between 0.20 to 1.20, so if heat retention is your goal, choose the option with the lowest value.

You will also want to be on the lookout for the “solar heat gain coefficient”, depicting the ability to block excess heat from sunlight from reaching inside. The value will be displayed between 0 and 1. Choose the lowest value for warm climates, and the highest value for colder regions. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to the “visible transmittance” rating, usually presented in a value between 0 and 1 as well. The rating indicates how much light is allowed to travel through the glass, so choose higher rating windows if you want to let plenty of sunlight permeate the interior.

Choose the right upgrades

Given the number of upgrades to the base product available on the market, it can be easy to end up overpaying for your new windows. Various upgrades offering better durability, UV protection, and so forth can be appealing, but they can also increase the price of the base product by up to 50%. However, some upgrades are worth the price.

For instance, Low-E coatings can improve the efficiency of your windows, while full-length screens can help with light penetration. Opting for finer mesh screens can be an even better option, as they will allow enough light to permeate the interior while leaving the view unobstructed.

Key Takeaway

Windows are built to last for decades on end; but eventually, they will all need to be replaced with their contemporary counterparts. In order to avoid overpaying for your new windows and reach the best possible decision for your household needs, be sure to follow this simple guide to buying the perfect replacement window.

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