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Windows are vital components in every building. They help in lighting the house and regulating the temperatures for your well-being.
However, choosing the right windows for your climate is not easy. You have to consider factors like energy efficiency, design, and frames, as well as your budget when choosing the right type of windows for your house.
Whether you plan to buy new windows for your new home or replace the old/damaged ones, this article will help you select the right windows for your environment.
Consider Your Budget
Your budget is one important factor to consider when choosing windows. In most cases, the cost will depend on your windows dimensions and the materials you want to use.
Some window materials like wood and aluminum are the best cheap options if you are in warm climates. On the other hand, vinyl is a cost-effective option for cold climates.
In addition, the window installation company you hire may influence your window replacement cost, so it is vital to shop around before settling on one service provider.
Know the Window Frames You Want
There’s no doubt that your window’s frame is a critical component. Usually, glass is encased in a variety of materials, including aluminum and wood, but the ideal choice will depend on your climate.
For example, if you live in wet and humid areas, aluminum is the best option for your window frames because of its sturdiness in storm-prone and coastal locations.
In addition, the window replacement cost for aluminum is cheap, with the average price ranging between $2,800 and $13,800 per piece. Other common materials for window frames include:
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Wood
Wood is another material often used in window frames. While it offers excellent insulation, there are certain drawbacks to using wood over vinyl or aluminum window frames, such as the need for frequent maintenance.
Professionals advise against using wood in wet or humid environments because of the material’s propensity to decay. However, high-quality lumber may be used for sturdy windows, provided you reside in dry climates.
Vinyl
If you live in a cold region, vinyl can be a good choice for your window frame material. A well-built vinyl window can be a cost-effective option because of its low cost and ease of installation. It helps you save energy by insulating the glass and reducing air leakage.
Fiber-Glass
Fiber-glass is best suited for houses in warmer regions because of its high temperatures and salt air corrosion resistance. Unlike wood, this material doesn’t warp, but it is more costly because of its durability.
Consider Design
Your specific needs have a huge impact on the window designs you choose. While some people prefer easy to open windows, families with small kids will go for windows that are not easy for small hands to open and lock. Here are a few window designs you can consider:
Casement Windows Design
These are windows that open outward with just a simple turn and are your best option if you live in a windy place.
When the wind blows in and approaches your house, they tighten their seals. However, you need to check their hinges and seals for wear and regular tear to keep them running smoothly.
Double-Hung Panes
Unlike single-hung, double-hung windows are more efficient in most climates.
They have two operating sashes that move in both directions, up and down, allowing for ventilation at the bottom and top.
However, if you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions, you may want to look at other options.
Glass Considerations
Besides window frame and design, glass is another important factor to consider when choosing the right window for your climate. Some of the things to consider when buying window glass include;
- U-value – measures the heat loss resistance of a unit.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – measures the amount of heat that enters your house via the windows.
- Low Emissivity (Low-E) – the capacity of a window covered with a thin metallic coating to reflect heat rather than absorb it.
If you live in hot and sunny climates, look for low SHGC glass with a low-E coating instead of a reflective one. Low-E has a coating that blocks ultraviolet light from coming into your house, allowing the most visible light to pass.
By reducing the amount of IR light passing through your window, you may reduce the amount of heat that gets in. Homeowners in cold areas should choose double or triple pane windows built with low-E glass.
With a low-E glass, you’ll be able to filter out specific kinds of light from entering your house, allowing more sunlight into your home during the winter months to keep it warmer.
