Have you ever walked into a home improvement store to look at what is available in terms of replacement windows, or started researching online to see what the best option for your home might be? You probably discovered pretty early on that there are a lot of options out there, and comparing them is not simple. Just about every manufacturer claims their windows are energy-efficient, high-quality, and durable. So where do you go from there?
Decide What Type of Frame Material You Want
A good starting point is to decide what type of frame material you want in your replacement windows.There are a few different options when it comes to frame materials for replacement windows in San Diego, including vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, fiberglass is the most energy efficient, but it is also the most expensive. Aluminum is the strongest, which gives you the option of thinner frames, but it also not a very good insulating material. Wood will give you a classic look, but it is expensive and requires regular maintenance.
Most of the replacement windows sold in San Diego have vinyl frames. This is because vinyl, as a material, is relatively inexpensive, but it is also energy-efficient, durable, and requires very little maintenance. To be clear, it isn’t the most energy-efficient or durable material used in window frames, but for the price, it is definitely a great option!
Once you decide what type of frame material you want to go with, you can start comparing the various brands of replacement windows sold in San Diego. Comparing windows with different frame materials is like comparing apples to oranges!
Look at the Numbers
If energy efficiency is an important concern of yours, as it is for most San Diego homeowners looking to purchase replacement windows, you need to know how to determine which windows will do the best job of insulating your home. Fortunately, there is an independent third party that evaluates almost all of the replacement windows on the market. This organization, called the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) tests windows and puts out the following ratings:
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Indicates how well a window unit keeps out heat from the outside
- U-Factor: Tells you how well a window keeps heat in
- Visible Transmittance: Measures how much natural light is let in through the window
- Air Leakage: Measures how much air will pass through window unit
If your main concern is keeping out the summer heat, look for replacement windows with a low SHGC rating. However, if you find yourself running your heater a lot in the cold winter months, you’ll want to look for windows with a low U-Factor rating.
Find the Best Replacement Window Installer
Purchasing high-quality replacement windows is only the first step in making your San Diego home more energy efficient. The windows you buy also need to be properly installed. Don’t hire just any contractor or handyman to install your new windows. Your best bet is to work with a replacement window company that has their own team of professional window installers, like BM Windows in San Diego. This company not only has high-trained and skilled installers, they also offer a lifetime guarantee on their work!
