Replacement Windows in Albany for Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are several different options available when you’re looking for replacement windows in Albany NY that will maximize energy efficiency and be suitable for our local climate.

Your goal, when looking for the right set of windows, is to combine a good glass option – rated for Albany NY climate – with a frame option built for cold as well as hot temperatures; do to the fluctuating weather in New Albany during the winter and summer months.

And of course you want something that will meet your aesthetic appeal to really make your window project stand out.

In this article, we will show you how to pick windows that are NFRC rated for the Albany area, and how to understand the rating system so you can make an educated decision for all of your future home improvement projects that require window replacements. We will also go over some of our opinions on frame materials as well as manufacturers that we think offer better products based on our non-biased opinion and experience installing windows in Albany.

We’ve been installing residential and commercial replacement windows in Albany for over 10 years and have learned a few things along the way. This bit of information can be useful to DIY home enthusiasts or any homeowner that’s looking to install new windows.

Energy Star

When you’re shopping for energy efficient windows, the first things you want to understand is the Energy Star zone system and which zone you live in. A zone is a geographical area of the US that Energy Star uses to help homeowners determine the most energy efficient window rating for their area. To simply put it, an energy efficient window for Arizona climate will not be the most energy efficient window for New York. So Energy Star breaks up the country into 4 zones Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern.

After knowing your zone, you want to understand the rating system and how energy efficiency is measured. Even though it’s a little technical, the recommended ratings is listed in easy-to-understand tables for every zone, and therefore makes it easy to match window rating labels for the required zone rating without having to be technical.

Lets take a look at the table with ratings recommended for New York weather.

Ideal U-factor ratings for northern climate is 0.25 or less. According to the table, less than or equal to 0.27, equal to 0.28 0.29 0.30 will also work.

Ideal SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) 0.35-0.60 if you have proper working air conditioning. If however cooling the area is a concern, do to whatever reason, an SHGC rating that’s less than 0.32 is better.

Ideal Air Leakage should be less than or equal to 0.30

Take a look at a typical NFRC rating label. This is the label you should look for when shopping for windows.

As you can see, the U-factor rating for the window is 0.27, the SHGC is 0.35, and the Air Leakage is less than or equal to 0.30. Using the blue table above, you can see the window has the recommended ratings for Northern Zone climate and therefore will have better energy efficiency compared to windows rated for other areas. Try to shop around and look for windows with the ideal U-factor, SHGC, and Air leakage ratings to get the maximum energy efficiency from windows in the Albany area.

Appeared first on   Sure Windows

Storm Windows in St. Louis – Right choice for your Home

Indeed, windows contribute a lot to the enhancement and safety of your home. Having your house with vinyl storm windows could be the right equipment to install in order to protect from violent storms and severe fierce weather. But, there is something more about vinyl storm windows; such type of window also stands in quality, style, and elegance. When compared to traditional wooden or other kinds, they are stronger, attractive with less maintenance and repairs.

Storm Windows

The window is perfect for the home located in those parts of the region where there are hurricanes. Many times, the houses of these regions struck and damaged by storming the house with violent winds and rain. But for those people who are wise enough considering their windows, not as the luxury but necessity ready to face these weathers. The storm windows have mastered the art of protecting the homes, handling severe weather to sustain maximum damage by these natural calamities.

Protective Materials

These days, apart from being protective of every home, the replacement storm window in St. Louis is in demand because of its elegance and style. There are exterior storm windows which are available in many stylish designs that will fit your home. It is like hitting two birds with one stone. The storm windows would not just rest assures your home safety during storms but also offers additional appeal. Earlier, these types of windows are made from aluminum and woods, but today, there are many kinds of windows available in the market with rolling shutter made from high-quality heavy duty vinyl.

Complete security

How many times did you hear the news that some group of burglars steals and destroys homes? The window is able to provide you complete security to protect your family and possession in any kinds of intruders. Though the windows look beautiful that could look like very fragile, they provide ample protection from both bolting debris and strong winds. The storm window is made with double panel glass that has protection strip in between of the panes. This makes sure that the glasses are firm and holds them being shattered.

Light

For your lighting cost, the windows are also use-able to control the light into your home on a fine weather. It provides not just protection against the storm but also protects you from extreme heat s well. Installing windows made of materials like wood is not costly but this may consume a lot of time for installation. The small investment could be tricky especially if you found a window contractor that has the lack of experience in this kind of business. Whether you are into Glass Block windows installation or storm windows, you must determine that you have made the right choice when hiring contractors.

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