Energy Efficient Replacement Windows in Ojai, CA; Window Frame, Glass, Design & More

Windows give our homes light, warmth and ventilation, but they can also have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of our home. Windows account for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, making them an important part of new and existing homes. 40% of existing homes in the United States have single-pane windows. To make your home more energy efficient and help you save money, you should consider replacing single-pane windows with newer, more efficient windows. Windows that are energy efficient are designed to prevent heated or cooled air escaping from your home. The increased insulation will reduce your homes energy use and your energy bills! Another benefit of energy efficient windows is that your home will be more comfortable. It’s good to know which window upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck without blowing the bottom line.

Factors in Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

1. Window Frame. Wood windows have the best insulative value but require more upkeep. Wood frames may not be the best choice for humid or rainy climates due to the potential for rot. Vinyl windows are less expensive, but they don’t have to be “cheap”. Vinyl can be a practical choice and still offer energy efficiency. Aluminum windows are the best at efficiency but are practical on rainy and humid climates. Wood-clad windows give you a low-maintenance exterior of vinyl or aluminum encased in a temperature-transfer-resistant wood interior.
2. Window Glass. The material that windows are made of is important but what inside the frame is too. One of the best choices are those that have Low-E glass, with a vacuum-sealed argon fill. These are more expensive but can do a lot for a home’s utility bills. These windows work by keeping UV rays out in the summer and prevent heat escape in the winter. Two numbers you need to look at are the U-value which measures a windows resistance to heat loss and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) which measures how much heat enters a home through the glass. The lower the numbers, the better the windows will perform.
3. Window Design. There are window designs that are more efficient than others. Double-hung windows are windows where the bottom slides up to open it. They can be efficient choices in cold climates but may not be the best choice because of air intrusion between the sliders. Casement windows are popular when wind is an issue. These have a crank that swings the window out to open it. These seal tighter in windy conditions because the wind pulls the window towards the house. These windows require maintenance with the seals and hinges. Picture windows are those that don’t open. They come in many shapes and sizes and can still be efficient. Look for ones that have gas-filled interiors.
4. Window Installation. Proper installation is important. Buying expensive windows that aren’t installed correctly doesn’t make much sense. Avoid contractors that want to use sealants or foams to make a window fit as these materials are not waterproof and can cause problems the future. The best option is pre-installation waterproofing that is done before the window are installed.

Window Installation & Replacement in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California

If you’re ready to install or replace windows in your home, contact McKay’s Painting to discuss the options available.