When choosing your new replacement windows for your home, it can be exciting to try out some new styles, shapes or sizes. But besides the aesthetic appeal, it is important to look into what else you are getting with your windows. For those who live in extreme climates, or that have drastically different seasons, it is crucial to look into the additional features beyond just the overall appearance. We’ll go over what you should look for when getting replacement windows installed in your Michigan home below.
Best Home Replacement Windows For Living In Colder Climates
Replacement windows for your home are one of the best home improvement projects you can decide to do. They can make your home look better in terms of curb appeal which can increase the value of your home. Not only that but new replacement windows means better energy efficiency for your home. So that means you’ll save year over year on energy costs. The return you’ll get on the replacement windows you have installed in your home is usually one of the highest when compared to other home improvement projects which is why so many homeowners decide to replace their windows first. If your home will be exposed to colder temperatures, even if it is for a short time each year, you will want to make sure your new windows have the following:
Lots Of Insulation
Insulation is crucial in creating an effective barrier to separate the interior and exterior of your home. Without enough insulation, or sub-quality insulation, it can make it easy for this barrier to start cracking. That makes it easier for heat to escape, and makes it harder to keep your home warm enough.
Beyond just the basic insulation, you can also create additional insulation by choosing the right frame material. Window frames with proper construction can provide the necessary conductivity to keep your windows insulated. Most materials can be properly insulated, but it really comes down to the quality of the construction.
Multi- Pane Glass
To provide greater separation from the cold air outside and inside your home, you can also consider upgrading to more than one pane of glass. Double and triple pane options are available for home windows, and help retain your home’s heat. They also help around the warmer months to keep your home cooler.
Gas Filled Sections
When you go with a double or triple pane window, you can also choose to get the sections in between the panes filled with gas. Gasses like krypton and argon are commonly placed in the empty spot between panes because they are denser than air. This makes it harder for air to pass through the glass and affect the temperature inside.
Low U- Factor
The U-factor is a measurement to determine how well a window will prevent heat loss. The Lower the number, the better the windows will be at holding in heat.
Warm Edge Spacer
Spacers are required in multi pane windows to keep them the right distance apart. It is important to make sure that these spacers are made with non-conductive materials to make it harder to transfer heat and form condensation.
Low- E Coating
Low- E coatings help you save money on your energy bills by making the windows more energy efficient.
Low Air Infiltration
You don’t want any drafts in your home. To guarantee the least amount of space in your windows for air to flow through, you should look for the CFM measurement. The cubic feet per minute, or CFM, tells you how much air is able to get in. Ideally, you want to have windows with a CFM of 0.3 or less.
Storm Windows
Storm windows provide you with an additional pane you can put in or remove as needed. This is an easy way to get more insulation, without costing so much money.
SHGC
The solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, allows heat from the sun to naturally help heat your home. If you live in colder climates and the other additions just aren’t enough, it is recommended that you opt for a window with a higher SHGC score. But this will work all year round, so it is recommended that you don’t install these in more seasonal climates.
You can get a quote on replacement windows for your home by calling All Point Construction at 734-407-7110. They offer a no-obligation quote and consultation that is absolutely free. Plus, they are fully licensed and insured. Call today for more information.
