There are so many different types of window replacements available in the market today, each with varying degrees of energy-efficiency that consumers may be unaware of. To help consumers make informed decisions, the Department of Energy (DOE) has compiled a brief overview of the following different types of window frames and their benefits and features: Aluminum
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), windows on average account for 25%-40% of annual heating and cooling costs in older houses. Homeowners who already have high performance windows, such as fiberglass window replacements and vinyl replacement windows, can look into more possible ways to save energy and reduce utility cost for their home
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Smart phones, smart cars and now smart windows. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California have developed a new material, called nanocrystals, to make ordinary windows smarter. Smart windows are more energy-efficient than its counterparts as the nanocrystals fused into the glass can transform the composition of the sunlight, such
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently updated and released the Energy Star Most Efficient criteria for 2013 and a proposed version of it for 2014. The Energy Star Most Efficient will cover 11 products categories including residential windows. For window replacements to be eligible for Energy Star label, residential replacement windows must be
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As energy use across the country rises due to rapid increases in electronic devices and appliances in homes, California’s per capita energy use has been almost flat for the last 35 years. This trend has been described as the Rosenfeld Effect, named after former Commissioner of the California Energy Commission Dr. Arthur H Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld
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According to PG&E, standard aluminum frame windows does not provide proper insulation that windows should for your home and could be costly on your energy bill. Instead, they recommend vinyl windows, fiberglass windows, or vinyl-coated wood windows as they are effective in sealing outside air from coming into your home. PG&E also recommend dual-pane glass
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PG&E, the largest utility provider in Northern California, offer some recommendations on how to upgrade your home’s window. PG&E present two options; either improve the efficiency of your home’s existing windows or consider new window replacements. For existing windows, caulking or weather-stripping are a cost-effective way to insulate and seal air pockets in order to
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PG&E announced they will no longer offer rebate for high performance dual-paned windows for single-family homes, but still encourage the use of energy-efficient windows. PG&E recommend homeowners in the market for windows replacement to look for 0.32 or less SHGC and a 0.35 or less U-factor. After deciding to replace the windows in your home,
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If you are looking at the windows in your home and think that they need to be replaced, then they probably should be. Leaky, poor performing windows can cost you a lot of money on your energy bills due to wasted heat and air condition. A quick test will let you know if your windows
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J.D. Power and Associates recently conducted a windows and patio doors satisfaction study and found that customers tend to be less influenced by price when purchasing windows or patio doors than by brand names that have high customer satisfaction with Simonton brand ranking the highest in customer satisfaction. J.D. Power and Associates has been measuring
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