Windows have an important role to play in indoor comfort, especially during summer. They’re designed to protect you from intense sunshine as well as let in fresh air. The best ones can even help you lower utility costs and improve air quality inside the home.
Of course, not all windows perform the same way. Here’s how to tell if a unit is going to help you with your cooling needs or not:
The Best Design
Window style is not just for aesthetics. Some designs work better than others in ventilating areas inside your home. For example, double-hung windows are a staple in many houses across the country. They’re composed of two staggered sashes that slide vertically to open or close the unit. This easy operation allows you to better control the air coming into your home. Similarly, casement windows in Atlanta open wide to let fresh air in when it gets too stuffy indoors.
Picture windows feature slimmer frames and bigger glass areas. Unlike other windows, they can’t be opened or closed to allow for ventilation. However, they have the most potential when it comes to insulation. If you pick the right glass option to go with it, you can keep warm air outdoors during the summer.
The Right Material
Windows are comprised of several parts, the most prominent of which are the frame and glass. Traditionally, wood was the favored window framing material, but many homeowners are looking for an alternative that performs better and is easier to maintain.
Composites have emerged as a response to this search. Renewal by Andersen®, leading replacement window and door company, has come up with Fibrex®. It’s a composite that’s as sturdy as wood, minus the time-consuming maintenance. Its superior thermal expansion properties allow it to survive even the toughest temperatures without rotting, peeling, warping, or rusting like other materials do. It can outperform aluminum about 700 times in terms of keeping heat out on warm days.
Fibrex on its own has excellent insulating features, but your best bet is combining it with high quality glass packages for optimal cooling benefits.
High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass is our most energy-efficient glass option. It works especially well in hot climates. The glass is covered with spectrally selective low-emissivity coatings that reduce solar heat gain while still allowing maximum amount of natural lighting. Together, SmartSun glass and Fibrex can bring your cooling bills down a notch this season.
Proper Installation
You can’t discount the value of proper installation when it comes to cooling. Improper handling can create cracks and gaps where cooled air can leak out your home. According to Green Building Advisor, roughly a third of your home’s total energy spending can get wasted through drafty, inefficient, and poorly installed windows.
When it comes to achieving that perfect fit, turn to the only experts in windows installation Atlanta homeowners trust to work on their houses. With our superior units and excellent replacement process, we’ll help you make it through the upcoming warm season without overworking your cooling systems.
Call us at (866) 609-5033 for a free in-home consultation and estimate today.
