Every homeowner will be faced with the chore of replacing their exterior windows at some point in time. While it may be tempting to base a purchase on looks, in the long run choosing the most energy efficient replacement vinyl windows can save a large amount of money in heating and cooling bills. Even a small amount of money saved per month will add up to a substantial amount over the lifetime of the window.
Rotting of old wooden window frames or difficulty in opening are clear signs that they are ready to be replaced. If there are noticeable drafts around the windows or the glass is cold to the touch, it may be wise to replace them to improve energy efficiency.
Vinyl Windows are the Ideal Replacement Choice
Vinyl windows are made from a plastic called Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), which is durable, resistant to rotting and an excellent insulator. Typical replacement vinyl windows are very easy to open and swivel inward which makes them easy to clean. In addition to lowering your energy bills they can also improve the overall beauty of a home, and increase the resell value as well. Replacement vinyl windows can be bought is a wide variety of colors and sizes, and they can even be custom made to fit any size window enclosure. Most modern vinyl window replacements offer improved security features as well including child-proof opening devices for a higher level of safety.
Considerations When Purchasing Replacement Vinyl Windows
The most important factor to consider before purchasing replacement vinyl windows is the energy efficiency of the window - and the best models will have a low U-factor. The U-factor is a measurement that indicates how well the window prevents heat from escaping. Generally the U-factor will range from 0.2 all the way up to 1.2, although some models may even go beyond these numbers. If the U-factor is under .35, the window will receive an Energy Star rating which indicates it is one of the most energy efficient models available.
Another value to consider is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) which measures how well the window pane restricts heat from sunlight. The SHGC will always range between 0 and 1, and a lower value is preferred as it indicates that the window blocks a large amount of solar heat. The Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) measures how well the window resists condensation and ranges from 0 to 1. A value of over .55 is considered good and indicates that under normal conditions, only a very small amount of water will condense on the replacement vinyl windows.
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John Beres - John has been a technical writer for over 9 years. Although the majority of his work is considered proprietary information, he has twice ...
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