Your New Home Windows and Their Energy Efficiency

Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact a home’s energy efficiency. You can reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows in your home.

Gone are the days when a homeowner’s interest in windows was limited to whether they could find stylish window treatments. Today, energy-conscious homeowners want to minimize the costs of heating and cooling their homes, and selecting the right windows is a crucial step. So how far should you go when choosing energy-efficient windows? The key is knowing what window upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck without delivering a blow to your bottom line.

Energy Efficient Windows Start with Installation

Proper installation is critical to getting the most out of your replacement or storm window investment. A properly installed double or triple pane window can mean the difference between enjoying energy savings and feeling the breeze (around a poorly installed frame). Which is why we custom measure and design every window to ensure a perfect fit.

Windows are a great opportunity to update your home aesthetic while enhancing its physical structure – a winning combination which will make a clear difference!

After you’ve chosen your new window style and all the design elements with your Design Consultant, our team will get to work removing your old window and replacing it with your brand-new window.

Here’s the exact process you can expect:

■ Preparing For Your New Window

All of our windows are custom-ordered – which means that we will measure the space multiple times to ensure that we get the best fit possible. Ordering custom windows in this way achieves two goals:

• The window is created to your exact specifications so you can always count on receiving exactly what you want
• The window is fitted specifically to your space so the seal will be as tight as possible, increasing its energy efficiency

At this time, our consultant will also review the property you have near and around your window and advise you of what needs to be removed from the area to prevent breakage. As a policy, any fragile or valuable items will be removed by you only, to prevent any damage to your items.

■ Removing Your Existing Window

Our team will remove the existing window carefully, taking with it any trim that’s on the inside of your home. We will save the trim for reuse after the window is installed, unless it becomes broken or is unusable. The old window, unusable trim, and any debris will be cleaned up and disposed of carefully.

Our team will inspect the opening for moisture, mold, mildew or rot. If we find any, we will alert you and discuss a plan for replacement of the rotted materials. Additionally, we will give you the opportunity to perform a visual inspection.

Next, we will use low-rise spray insulation around the area to increase your home’s energy efficiency and prevent any air from leaking into your home.

■ Installing Your New Window

We will set the window into the opening using appropriate fasteners to keep it there permanently.

After this, we will spray more low-rise foam insulation around the window to create a more airtight seal. In addition, we use caulk around the outside trim to ensure that it’s weatherproof.

We will replace the interior trim with new material or the materials we saved and ensure that it’s sealed and installed tightly.

Outside, our team will bend a piece of aluminum coil around the existing wood trim to match the window. This coil protects the wood so that it doesn’t rot or chip and also creates a beautiful finished look. We finish the outside with an exterior-grade caulking to aid in weatherproofing your newly installed window.

■ Your New Window Is Guaranteed

ALCO stands behind not only the workmanship we provide, but the products we use.

If your new window is still under manufacturer’s warranty and there is a defect with the materials, ALCO will provide labor free of charge to repair or replace the product that we installed.

Additionally, any product we install on or in your home will be free of defect due to faulty workmanship for the lifetime of the product’s manufacturer warranty.

That means if you need your window(s) repaired or replaced because of something ALCO or the manufacturer did, we’ll come and do the work for free.

Choosing a window for your home means deciding what function you want your window to have as well as the look that you want to achieve.

The types of windows that are available versus even 15 years ago has expanded, which means you have more options for your home than ever before. The most popular types of windows are:

Double Hung Windows

Double Hung Windows are the most common replacement window type in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

The main characteristic of double-hung windows is that both the top and bottom sashes (both parts of the window) are able to open. This is especially helpful when you want to open the top window to protect children and animals, or simply to change the airflow throughout your home.

Additionally, the top sash will tilt-in for easy cleaning – a must-have on the second or higher floor of your home.

These windows do not project, which means they stay flush with the wall of your home. You won’t have to worry about windows extending into deck or patio areas or over walkways.

This also allows you to leave your windows open in the rain, provided the wind isn’t driving the rain against that particular wall of your home. Because they are flush with the side of your home, they still offer a small measure of protection from the elements even when they’re open, unlike other styles of window like hopper or casement windows.

Double hung windows come in many different materials – like vinyl, fiberglass, metal and wood – although vinyl is the most common type of replacement window.

Double Hung Windows Offer Many Options for Energy Efficiency

You can find these windows with Argon, Xenon or Krypton gas filling in between the panes (Argon gas increases the R-Value by ½ point or more, where the R-rating is the measurement of thermal resistance or how little heat the window allows to pass through. The higher the R-rating, the more efficient the window.)

Traditional double-paned windows have between 2.0 and 3.0 R-Rating.

Many window companies, like Alside, offer energy efficiency packages for your windows that combine multiple methods (from glass coating to gas filling) to increase the overall energy efficiency of your new windows.

Double Hung Windows Offer Many Style Options

Hardware for the double-hung window can be as varied as the design in your home. Whether you choose decorative or functional handles or a window with built-in handles, your options are nearly unlimited.

Additionally, you can choose the interior finish to match your décor – from light colored woods like pine to darker color woods like dark oak or cherry. Your individual options will depend on the manufacturer and ALCO can discuss those with you during your initial design consultation.

Picture Windows

If your home has views that you want to see unobstructed, a picture window is your best option. But no longer are these simple panes of glass with little to no design (although those are still available if you prefer a blank canvas!)

Now, you can find picture windows with double panes and grid designs – which not only enhances the design element, it also makes the window easy to replace should a pane become chipped or broken.

This new design also increases the energy efficiency of the windows, as the double panes provide more insulation than a single pane window.

The downside of picture windows is that they are non-opening windows – this means that they will not add to the ventilation of your space, and they must be cleaned from the outside using a ladder or extending brush.
When you’re choosing a picture window, you’ll want to choose one with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the amount of heat from the sun that your windows block.

Because your picture window is likely to be in a place where your interest is in preserving the view, you don’t want to rely on heat and light blocking drapery, especially when your window can be used to reduce that energy loss.

This is accomplished by changing the Low E Glass Formula to either increase or decrease SHGC. A good number to strive for, especially for west-facing windows that receive the brunt of afternoon sun, is 0.25 SHGC.

Design Options for Your New Picture Window

Picture windows do not carry any hardware – as they don’t open. However, you can choose finishes both interior and exterior to meet your specifications – and in many cases, you can paint your window to match your aesthetic.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are windows that swing out using a crank mechanism. They’re best suited for areas where the window will not obstruct decks, patios or walkways.

Casement windows come in multiple materials, including vinyl, metal and wood, and can easily be customized to fit any design aesthetic you desire. Additionally, you can get windows without the muntins (the bars in between your windows) or with the muntins, depending on your preferences.

The hardware on these windows can change the way your window looks and help you match your existing décor even more – the cranks are available in multiple finishes straight from the manufacturer, or you can find replacement cranks online to match your exact aesthetic.

Casement windows are the only window type that will allow you to open the entire window – which is ideal if your home doesn’t have central air conditioning or even if you simply like the feeling of having your windows completely open.

Additionally, you can take advantage of side breezes that happen if your home sits at a specific angle that doesn’t permit the wind to come in through traditional windows. For homes that are built very close together, this is a great way to take advantage of the breezes that come through that small space.

Casement Windows are Highly Energy Efficient

Casement windows offer excellent protection against air infiltration because the wind outside actually presses the window up against its seals – which means the rate of drafts and energy loss through a loose seal is greatly reduced. Casement windows are generally recognized as one of the best windows in regard to air loss.

When you’re looking at Air Leakage Ratings (AL Rating), you want to choose the lowest AL Rating possible for your budget. This is the measure of the rate of air leakage through the window in the presence of a specific pressure difference. Not all companies measure and publish the AL Rating, but those that choose to measure it are required to have a rating of 0.3 or lower.

Lastly, casement windows are difficult to break into because of the shape of their latches – casement windows have hooked-shaped latches instead of straight-screw latches like double-hung windows. If security is a big concern, you may want to consider casement windows as a solution for you.

Sliding Windows

Slider windows are ideal for tall spaces where you cannot open a casement window but a double-hung window doesn’t provide the aesthetic design you’re looking for.

Sliding windows are just that – they slide from side to side in order to open them. They run along a track, much like sliding glass doors. They don’t require a lot of dexterity to open them, which makes them a good solution for most homes.

Slider windows are more durable than other styles, as well, because of their construction. Instead of relying on springs and pulleys, slider windows run on a track and use simple mechanics that won’t fail as quickly over time.

Many sliding windows are now being designed with tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning from the interior, no matter what floor you’ve installed your window on.

Sliding windows have multiple options with the size of the windows, the number and style of panes, and the materials with which it’s constructed. You can choose from multiple colors and finishes – which means you’ll be sure to find a sliding window to meet your needs.

When you’re considering energy efficiency, you’ll want to consider the Air Leakage Rating (AL Rating) in addition to the U-Factor (the measurement of how well your window prevents heat from escaping in general.)

Generally speaking, the lower the rating (both U-Factor and AL Rating), the more energy efficient your product is.

The first thing you want to look for in a sliding window is a dual or triple pane option – then you have the option of including insulators in between the panes, like Argon or Krypton gas.

Then you can choose the type of spacer you want in between your panes (this is not the muntin – the cross shaped bar in your window – but an unseen piece of the window itself). Aluminum is the most common, but is thermally conductive, which means it will aid in heat loss. You can choose stainless steel for a stronger, more durable option or foam for a stronger vapor seal.

No matter what you choose for your sliding window, you can find one that meets your budget, aesthetic and energy requirements.

Bay & Bow Windows

If you’re thinking about installing a large window in your living space, consider a bay or bow window. Both styles will provide you with expansive views, as the windows themselves are larger than most standard double hung, casement, or slider windows. These windows will give you the view that a picture window provides, but with the ventilation and cleaning options of a double-hung window.

Additionally, this style of window will make the room appear larger than it really is because of its bowed construction.

Bay & Bow Windows: Enriching Your Home and Enlarging Your Space

This style of windows helps to make your room appear larger with physically more space, but can also give a design element that your home is missing – a ledge or windowsill. These windows in a kitchen, for instance, provide space for an herb garden; in the living room, a cozy spot for the family cat; in your home office a place to display your prized family photos.

Bay windows are a series of 3 windows of varying sizes. The window in the center is typically the largest of the three windows, and the angle is typically sharper than a bow window.

Bow windows are a series of five or six windows, all of the same size. The size and number of the windows allows the entire piece to bow more gradually than the bay windows, which gives it a curved appearance rather than the sharp lines of the bay window. Bow windows also tend to require more hardware than a bay window, which is a consideration if you want a completely unobstructed view.

Bay & Bow Window Energy Options

Bay and bow windows, because of the multiple options with layout and design, offer varied degrees of energy efficiency. When you’re choosing your window, consider the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), as you’re not likely to cover this large area with heat and light blocking drapery. The SHGC is used to measure how well windows block heat that radiates into your home from the sun.

This is especially important if your window is located on the east or west-facing side of your home. This is where the sun is strongest – west giving you afternoon sun, east giving you morning sun – and these sides of your home are typically more difficult to control heat and temperature fluctuations without the use of drapery.

SHGC is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, and the lower the number, the less solar heat is transmitted into your home. On the west-facing side of your home, strive for an SHGC of about 0.25 to prevent the summer sun from raising your energy use substantially.

Bay & Bow Windows Can Increase The Value of Your Home

Both Bay and Bow windows are said to increase the value of your home, and many homebuyers say that the window is the first thing they notice when they tour a property. Many ALCO clients who have this type of window installed say they only wish they’d done it sooner!

Basement Windows

Basement windows are unique in the home, mostly because of their location. They’re often located very close to the ground, and sometimes are even partially or fully underground in a window well.

Although it’s sometimes filtered, basement windows can provide a measure of natural lighting where you would otherwise rely on artificial lighting. Basement windows can also provide a source of ventilation for temperature or to clear a room of fireplace smoke and heat. They also increase the value of your home.

Basement windows are typically sliding windows – opening from side-to-side and with very little mechanical parts – and are very durable. You will also see hopper (open from the top of the sash) and awning (open from the bottom of the sash) depending on your window’s location and what’s best for your home.

What Energy  Efficient Measurements Should You Look For In Your Basement Windows?

As basement windows typically aren’t getting a lot of light and wind is not often a factor, you don’t have to worry about the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or Air Leakage ratings the way you do with windows on main and second floors.

For your basement windows, you should look for windows that meet your needs in regard to the U-Factor. The U-Factor measures how well your window prevents heat from escaping (or entering ) your home. Typical ratings are between 0.2 and 1.2 btu/h per square foot.

If your basement is a common gathering place for your family and you require more efficiency from your windows, you’ll look for the lower U-factor. (The lower the U-factor, the greater the window’s resistance to heat transfer.)

We Can Help You Choose The Right Window to Prevent Water Penetration in Your Home

Most manufacturers offer energy efficiency packages that combine several methods of insulation and protection – from insulating glass units, multiple panes, and the introduction of Argon or Krypton gas in between the window panes.

Basement windows, like all windows, are not impervious to flooding, so extra care should be taken if your windows are below grade or using window wells. When you work with ALCO, we can help you ensure that your window-wells drain properly to prevent water intrusion.

Hopper Windows

A hopper window is hinged at the bottom and opens at the top inward, and is most often found in basements because of the ventilation they offer and the amount of light being let in from only one sash.

Energy Efficiency of Hopper Windows

Hopper windows, like casement windows, have a seal that increases when wind pushes up against it, which means that your Air Leakage (AL) rating is not as much a consideration as other ratings.

The main rating to be concerned with is the U-Factor – the measurement of how much or little heat is lost through your window. . Typical ratings are between 0.2 and 1.2 btu/h per square foot, and the lower the U-Factor, the less heat is lost through the window.

Why Choose Hopper Windows for Your Home?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to choose a window with the lowest U-Factor possible for your design aesthetic and your budget.

Hopper windows work like casement windows with a crank mechanism to open and close them. It’s possible to open these windows completely as long as nothing is in the way of the window’s design.

The cranks, like casement windows, also offer an additional design element that can be tailored to meet your home’s aesthetic. The cranks are available in different styles and finishes, either from the manufacturer or after installation. ALCO can help you find these details during the project.

These windows are also extremely easy to clean because they open inward.

In some instances, you can pair a hopper window with picture windows or casement windows to meet your design aesthetic – and hopper windows are available in a variety of materials, finishes and colors to match your home.

Storm Windows

Storm windows can be installed on both the interior and exterior of the primary window, and are made of a variety of materials. Some storm windows, like those made of laminated glass offer a high degree of resistance to breaking during storms or from intruders, while others’ primary function is to reduce the airflow from outside and to reduce your energy costs.

Storm windows are ideal in historic environments where the windows serve to maintain history and in apartment or rental situations where replacing the window isn’t an option.

Storm windows not only protect your home from the elements, but the window as well. This is helpful again in historic environments where the window is an architectural part of your home.

Storm windows come in a variety of materials, from aluminum to vinyl, and can be customized to meet your home’s aesthetic needs.

Another application of storm windows is in the increase of energy efficiency throughout your home. Low-emissivity (low-e) windows are coated with an ultra-thin, virtually invisible layer of metal that reflects infrared heat back into your home.

This means that installing storm windows on your home in the winter will allow you to retain more of your home’s heat, reducing your energy loss and potentially decreasing your energy bill by 12-30%.

However, there are risks of condensation building between your original window and the storm window. In order to minimize this risk, ALCO can ensure that your original window is as air-tight as possible before installing your new storm windows.

Garden Windows

Like a bay window, garden windows extend slightly from the house, although they’re typically smaller than bay windows. Garden windows have an interior ledge that’s designed to hold flowers, herbs, or other plants – and the window’s shape is designed to capture more sunlight for those plants to thrive.

In addition to the deep design, garden windows have side venting windows that allow air in when opened. These side windows are casement windows, which allow for a tight seal and heightened security (as casement windows are difficult to open from the outside.)

Garden Windows are Designed to Mimic a Greenhouse – A Consideration for Energy Needs

Garden window’s design comes directly from the concept of a greenhouse – the sun’s heat is captured through the glass and the area inside is heated moreso than in a traditional window. Garden windows are most effective with the R-value (the measurement of how well a window blocks heat transfer) lower than other windows.

You can find garden windows in many different materials and finishes, the most popular being a vinyl window because of its ability to avoid rot and its low maintenance requirements. Additionally, vinyl has a greater resistance to condensation, which is especially a consideration if you’re growing more tropical-style plants.

Some people choose a garden window for the aesthetic value rather than the ability to grow plants – in this case, there are many options for energy efficient windows like low E glass and Argon insulation. These options will reduce the impact the sun’s heat has on your home.

When choosing a location for your garden window, the same consideration should be taken as with bay or bow windows – as garden windows extend from the side of your home, they can interfere with walkways, patios and other high-traffic areas.

Storm windows are ideal in historic environments where the windows serve to maintain history and in apartment or rental situations where replacing the window isn’t an option.

Storm windows not only protect your home from the elements, but the window as well. This is helpful again in historic environments where the window is an architectural part of your home.

Storm windows come in a variety of materials, from aluminum to vinyl, and can be customized to meet your home’s aesthetic needs.

Another application of storm windows is in the increase of energy efficiency throughout your home. Low-emissivity (low-e) windows are coated with an ultra-thin, virtually invisible layer of metal that reflects infrared heat back into your home.

This means that installing storm windows on your home in the winter will allow you to retain more of your home’s heat, reducing your energy loss and potentially decreasing your energy bill by 12-30%.

However, there are risks of condensation building between your original window and the storm window. In order to minimize this risk, ALCO can ensure that your original window is as air-tight as possible before installing your new storm windows.

Egress Windows

An egress window is simply a window that’s large enough to facilitate escape in case of an emergency. The type of window doesn’t matter as long as it opens large enough for an adult to exit the home.

Although code and law varies from city to city, egress windows are required by law in all bedrooms of your home. In most homes, this is done at the time of construction; but if you add a bedroom or finish a basement with a bedroom after your home is constructed, you will be required to install an egress window in that location.

No matter what the specific code in your city, an egress window must meet the International Residential Code Criteria

Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in.

If you’re installing an egress window in a basement, your best option will be a casement window. These windows open fully so you can meet the space requirements with a smaller window overall.

At ALCO, we’ll work with you to determine what the code for your area is and how you can meet that code with your window choices. We’ll help you design a window to meet your aesthetic requirements and home décor needs.