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Energy efficiency is a major goal of replacement
windows
With the high cost of utility bills these days,
and the environmentalists lobbying for ways to
save energy, the replacement
window industry has stepped up to the plate and produced many
ways to please everybody involved. Energy-efficient windows
are becoming the norm today and the methods of accomplishing
this are quite interesting.
If you stand by your window, it's easy to understand
why changes are being sought. In the summer, it's hot; in
the winter, it's cold. So there's a drive to build a wall
between you and the outdoors - a wall you can still see through.
And that's what technology has created. They've found a way
to keep your house comfortable, no matter what the season
or climate.
You want your home to be warm in the winter
and cool in the summer. If your windows are there just to
allow you to see outside, then they're doing their job. But
if you want them to be instrumental in keeping your house
at a constant comfortable temperature, then you need more.
You need the new technology of replacement windows.
One of the first methods of insulating your
windows was to double them - that is, put two panes of glass
in the window frame, with an airspace between the two. The
idea behind this is that the air between the panes will keep
the outside window at the outside temperature, and the inside
window at the inside temperature, and "ne'er the twain shall
meet". This worked fine, but not as well as people wanted.
The next innovation was to cover the window
with a clear coating that would improve heat loss without
decreasing light. That improvement came in the form of low-emissivity
(Low-E) glass. It improved heat loss by 40%-70%. But people
wanted still more.
So heat-absorbing glass was developed. This
glass absorbs up to 45% of sunlight, keeping indoors cooler.
However, some heat was still getting through. So on to the
next development - reflective glass. Reflective glass is coated
with a film that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
So now the heat stays out, or in, depending on what time of
year it is, and on what you need to make you comfortable.
What type of replacement window should you
get?
There are many types of replacement
windows. Shopping for them is no different than shopping
for any other major purchase. You need to do your homework
- find out what you can afford, what looks good with your
house, what's the most functional for your home, what's the
most energy-efficient. You need to go to showrooms. "Test-drive"
all the models. Open and close the windows. Get to know them
well.
It's also very important to get accurate measurements.
There's always a little leeway when you're fitting replacement
windows, and there are ways to make small adjustments, but
we're talking about a matter of about an inch either way -
not a lot of room for error.
When you're considering what type of windows
to buy, you'll find your choices are numerous. Depending on
its use, you'll be able to pick any one of the following styles.
There are single-hung, awning, bay, bow, fixed frame, slider,
double-hung
and casement
replacement windows. That's a lot of thinking for
you. But if you've done your homework, you'll know when you
see it, which style is best for your home.
Replacing your windows needn't be a chore
Have fun with your project. Replacement windows
are going to give you all kinds of advantages with your home.
They'll make it look more attractive. They'll make it more
energy-efficient, thus saving you money. They'll make your
cleaning easier. They'll increase the value of your home.
All these points add up to the bottom line - it's worth it!
So don't be intimidated by the size of the
job. If you make a plan and follow it step-by-step, you'll
soon be able to sit back and see the fruits of your labor.
Enjoy!
About The Author
Gareth Marples a successful homebased
freelance copywriter, one of experience and diversity.
He provides tips and advice for consumers purchasing bay
windows treatment, exterior
window shutters and double
hung windows. His numerous articles offer moneysaving
tips and valuable insight on typically confusing topics.
This article on "How
Replacement Windows Work" reprinted with permission.
© 2004 - Net Guides Publishing, Inc
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