As summer temperatures heat up, you naturally want to keep your family comfortable without seeing your energy bill go through the roof. One effective way to do this is by upgrading your home's windows and doors for summer efficiency. These upgrades will also help lower your energy bills and keep your family cool in the summer and cozy in the winter as well. After your initial investment, you'll save money on reduced energy bills for years to come. Our real estate agents share the following considerations to help with your window and door upgrades:
Professional InstallationUpgrading your home's windows and doors isn't the type of project you want to tackle on your own. For these products to perform correctly, they need to be correctly installed. In addition to allowing you to reap all the benefits of your upgraded windows and doors, a professional installation will ensure that your warranties on these products remain valid.
ENERGY STAR and NFRC LabelsThese labels will help you make smart decisions when buying new windows and doors. An ENERGY STAR label tells you that the product is energy-efficient, and the NFRC label lets you compare specific information from one product to another. The NFRC label may use some confusing terms, but once you know what to look for, using this valuable tool is easy. For example, the label has a number for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, which simply refers to how well the product can resist unwanted heat gain. The range is from 0-1, and the lower the number, the better.
Low-e Glass or Glazing Low-e (also called low emissivity) windows and storm doors undergo an application when they're manufactured in order to reduce heat transfer. This process helps reduce your summer cooling costs, and you won't be able to see this after it's applied, so it doesn't affect the glass' clarity.
Framing MaterialsSome frame materials provide more heat resistance than others. The best choices are vinyl, wood, and fiberglass, while metal provides the lowest level of heat resistance.
Multiple PanesA single pane window makes it easy for hot air to come inside your home in the summer and for your cooled air to escape. Choose double or even triple panes to maximize your windows' energy efficiency.
Inert Gasses Between PanesIf the spaces in between your window panes are filled with air, they're not the most efficient. Opt for panes filled with inert argon or krypton gas instead. They're non-toxic, clear, and odorless, and they'll minimize heat transfer between the inside and outside of the window.
Warm Edge SpacersSpacers are small brackets located where the glass seals to the frame, and they help provide a tight hit. Choose the warm edge type to help reduce heat transfer as well as condensation.
Ongoing MaintenanceYour new windows and doors will require minimal maintenance. Over time, check to make sure any caulking and weatherstripping around them is in good condition and doesn't need to be replaced.
If you're interested in buying a home in the Richmond area, contact us today. We have extensive knowledge of listed properties and would love to show you Richmond homes for sale that help you live your desired lifestyle.
