Replacing outdated windows with new energy-efficient options is a great way to lower your energy costs, eliminate drafts and boost curb appeal. To ensure a quality project, choose a reputable window installation company with local offices and an established reputation in the community. Ask for a list of references from past customers.
Energy Efficiency
Windows are essential to a home’s curb appeal and function, but they also play a major role in your house’s energy efficiency. Inefficient windows can lead to costly heating and cooling bills. But with high-quality, energy-efficient windows, you can save money while enjoying a more comfortable home.
One factor that affects a window’s efficiency is its U-factor, which indicates how quickly the window allows heat to escape. A lower U-factor means the window holds onto conditioned air and keeps out unwanted heat. The type of material used for the window frames is another important factor in determining how well it will perform in your Birmingham area climate.
Look for windows made of materials like aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, and vinyl that can stand up to the heat and humidity of your Birmingham home. These high-performance windows reduce heating and cooling costs by insulating the home. They also help you avoid respiratory problems and lost work days that can be caused by stale indoor air.
Maintenance
When you choose a window replacement company, look for one that offers a variety of window options with different energy efficiency features. For example, vinyl windows are a better insulator than aluminum. Also, a window with a lower U-value will slow the transfer of heat and keep cool air in during the hot Alabama summers.
New replacement windows improve the insulation in your home, reducing heat loss during the winter and cooling costs in the summer. In fact, heat or cold air lost through traditional and outdated windows accounts for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy costs.
A local installer will know your area’s climate and can recommend the best window for you. Plus, they can offer maintenance services that keep your windows in excellent shape. For instance, they can clean the frames and screens to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, they can help you get the most out of your window warranty. By opting for a comprehensive warranty, you can rest assured that your windows will last for years to come.
Warranty
A good warranty protects you in the event something happens to your new windows down the road. Look for a window manufacturer that offers a lifetime limited warranty, and also provides other protections like a transferable lifetime labor guarantee.
You may be surprised to learn that old, dated windows can pose safety and security threats even if they don’t break or shatter. Condensation between the panes and rotting window frames that let in water and cold air are just two of the many problems old windows can cause.
A new, insulated double or triple pane window will reduce outside noise and your energy bills immediately. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to suit your home’s aesthetic.
Installation
A professional local window installation company will help you select the right windows and customize them for your Birmingham home. They can also help you save money on your energy bills. Heat loss and gain through your windows account for 25%-30% of your residential heating and cooling costs. Champion’s replacement windows, sunrooms, and siding meet all Energy Star manufacturing specifications and requirements.
Condensation between the window panes, rotting wood frames that let in moisture, and high energy bills are signs that your old windows need to be replaced. New windows can also improve your curb appeal, if they replace out-of-date styles that detract from your home’s style.
Look for a Birmingham contractor with extensive experience in installing new and replacement windows. Search online for customer feedback, and request references from past customers. Check that the window installer you hire is certified by major manufacturers and industry groups, such as the Fenestration Industry Alliance. It is also a good idea to find out if they offer financing options and a labor warranty.