3 Most Popular Types of Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows

Energy efficient replacement windows have become big business. More and more people have replaced their old windows (retrofitting, as it’s known) with windows that will stop heat escaping, cutting their energy bills, and eliminating a lot of outside noise. There are several different types of energy efficient replacement windows on the market today. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ratings

Not all energy efficient replacement windows are created equal. You should look for those that are Energystar rated and have passed an NFRC ratings standard. With passes from both these two, the window has been checked and is properly energy efficient.

Vinyl

Vinyl has overtaken other materials to become the frame of choice for energy efficient replacement windows. This is largely because of its ease of installation and its durability. Unlike other frames, it won’t warp or bend, and it doesn’t need to be painted. All it requires is an annual cleaning with soap and water.

The cost of vinyl energy efficient replacement windows is also low, meaning they’re quite affordable for most people, and various government plans offer credits that make them even cheaper. Because vinyl is a very stable material, the windows seals on vinyl energy efficient replacement windows tend to stay intact for many years before they need to be replaced.

Wood

There’s little doubt that wood replacement windows are the most luxurious option. That also means that they tend to be the most expensive. That means replacing several windows at once will be the type of operation to break a bank balance. Wood is not always a good material. While it offers esthetic advantages, it’s prone to warping, much as the older style wood windows were, and like all wood, it can rot even though this is far less common these days.

Wood needs to be properly sealed or painted and checked regularly, which involves replacing the sealant or paint every few years. In terms of maintenance, it’s far more demanding than vinyl. The potential problems with wood, which can even include splitting, make it an overall less desirable material for energy efficient replacement windows than vinyl.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows have come a long, long way since the early days of the 1960s and 1970s. Those windows were very basic and not especially efficient. The modern aluminium energy efficient replacement windows look and act a great deal better. The frames are no longer bare metal, but usually coated in a material like vinyl. The construction is a great deal sturdier, leaving them less prone to bending and warping, as long as they’ve been installed properly.

More than anything, aluminium energy efficient windows suffer from their previous reputation. These days they’re virtually as good as vinyl, although a little more expensive, and they require less maintenance than wood. Like vinyl, they enjoy a very high thermal efficiency, making them a good investment in the long term. With all types of energy efficient replacement windows, you should look for products made by a reputable manufacturer. These will be under warranty in the event of a problem or failure.