If you are thinking of
doing away with your single-glazed windows at home, or your old windows that
have long become inefficient, there are good and bad news for you. The good
news is that home windows these days are offered in a wide range of styles,
designs and prices. Ironically, this is also the bad news. Given these
overwhelming possibilities, shopping for new window replacements in Katy is practically like being adrift in an ocean of
options. If you don’t have an idea what to look for, the whole shopping
experience can be time-consuming, stressful and can even end you up spending
more than you should for windows that don’t even meet your needs at home.
Here’s some useful information that will help you effectively go about the
process of shopping for new windows for your home.
Why It’s Important to Buy
Energy Efficient Windows
In recent years, thanks to
improved production techniques and designs, modern windows are seen as an
effective tool in helping concerned homeowners fight out soaring energy costs.
With their improved insulating capabilities and tighter seals, current day windows
can protect against huge energy loss at home making it possible for you to
minimize your monthly energy consumption while enjoying a comfortable indoor
temperature. However, to be able to maximize the energy saving benefits of
modern windows, you have to find energy efficient units.
Not all windows are the
same though. Some that are touted to be energy efficient are actually not at all
what they are cracked up to be. And since energy certified windows are
generally more expensive than regular windows, you have to be careful with your
choice to be able to get the value that you’re paying for. A good guideline is
to check if the windows you are looking to buy meet the performance levels
imposed by the federal government's Energy Star program. They should be energy
star certified.
It is important to take
note though that just because a window carries the label, it doesn’t
automatically mean that it qualifies for the federal tax credit. Its U-factor
and solar heat gain coefficient should both be less than or equal to 0.30. The
former measures the units’ insulating abilities while the latter the units’
ability to block heat transfer.
How much should you pay
for quality units?
If you are looking for
quality windows, in general, you have to be willing to spend a bit more. The
unspoken rule is that you will get the kind of quality that you paid for. With
careful research, you can find good quality windows at about $400 each. Expect
the cost to go up though if you invest in window accessories. These add-ons can
have you spending about $800 per window. They won’t help boost the energy
performance of your units though. So if you are on a limited budget, you really
don’t have to invest in them.
Looking to replace you
windows at home soon? To get a free quote on new window installation with no
strings attached, visit Zen Windows Houston homepage today.
Good post! thanks for sharing.
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