Once your old windows wear out, they are likely so inefficient that when you get replacement windows in Carmichael, CA, your main goal is to get the most efficient windows possible. You’ll want other things in your new windows, of course, like a certain style, the right color, and so on. But efficiency might be your top priority. How can you find the most efficient replacement windows? Here are a few tips:
Watch For The Energy Star Label
The first thing you should watch for is the energy star label on any new windows you consider. This label means that the windows have been submitted for certification, something the manufacturers do not have to do. They have passed the tests and meet certain efficiency levels for your particular area of the country. Ignore windows without this label as they have either not submitted themselves for certification or they have not passed. Using the label as your first line of defense can take you in the right direction.
Get Good Numbers
Your secondary ideal is to start comparing the numbers on the other label the windows hold. All windows are going to have ratings labels and it’s good for you to know what the numbers mean. That way, you can easily pick out the windows with the best numbers. You can also ask professionals in the store to help you decipher between the labels. The window with the best numbers is going to be the most efficient and if that’s your goal, head that way.
Add Upgrades
There are many different possible upgrades you can add to windows and many of them lend a hand to efficiency. Windows today come with double pane glass, but when you add another pane and upgrade them to triple pane glass, that gives you further insulation and efficiency. Not only do you get an extra pane of glass, but you also get the space between the glass, which helps the efficiency even more. Another popular upgrade is the low-E coating for the glass. This coating blocks the heat and UV rays from the sun but allows the natural light through to the home. It reflects heat back outside in the summer and back inside in the winter so it works well for efficiency at any time of the year. And you can also add inert gas fillings between the panes of glass instead of air. Those fillings are denser than air and allow you further insulation and efficiency as well.
When you are getting replacement windows in Carmichael, CA, if efficiency is your main goal, you will want to keep these tips in mind as you move down the road toward installation. The professionals at Southgate Glass can give you a free, in-home consultation and go over some of the options in person. We can also make recommendations based on your home’s needs. Some upgrades will work better than others on your home and if you’re on a budget, you want just the right ones for the right results.