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A replacement window can be a significant investment, which is why you should do your research before making a purchase. To help you get started, Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville, your go-to choice for dependable windows and replacement doors in Tennessee, shares what you should consider.
If you want to get the best returns on your investment, we recommend buying energy-efficient units. The potential energy savings are quite significant, given that window heat gain and loss is responsible for 25%–30% of the average household’s cooling and heating energy use.
Only windows that pass stringent performance standards receive ENERGY STAR certifications. However, how do you pick one from dozens of windows with an ENERGY STAR certification? Check the label. Four ratings, which determine a window’s energy efficiency, should be written there.
Depending on your climate, you would need to focus on a particular factor.
Warm Climate – Those living in warm climates should look for a window with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which indicates how much solar heat can pass through a window’s glass. The lower the SHGC, the less heat that passes through. To take full advantage of the ample amount of sunlight, make sure the window also has a high visible transmittance rating. The closer this figure is to 1, the more light it will let in. If you want to maximize natural lighting, we recommend choosing windows with wide glass areas, like sliding or bay windows.
Cold Climate – Homeowners living in cold climates meanwhile should look for a window with a low U-factor, which gives you an idea of a window’s insulative capability. It’d also be great if it had a high condensation resistance rating. The closer the rating is to 100, the better a window can resist condensation.
Temperate Climate – For those in temperate climates, like Knoxville, we recommend installing windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs. Regardless of your area’s climate, make sure to pay attention to a window’s air leakage rating. The closer the rating is to 0.1, the more air can pass through your window, even when closed.
Keep in mind the opening mechanisms of certain types of doors, like sliding doors, can be prone to damage without regular maintenance. Energy-efficient windows won’t have much of an impact on your energy bill if outdoor air keeps entering your home because your doors don’t close properly. Depending on the state of your exterior, you might need to replace your doors as well.
An energy-efficient window’s performance can be enhanced by other factors, like its:
Frame Material – Some materials are better insulators than others. However, you should also take into account how easy it is to maintain. Wooden frames have great insulation capabilities and a timeless aesthetic, for instance, but need a lot of upkeep to maintain their appearance. Vinyl frames, on the other hand, don’t need a lot of maintenance but usually require added insulation to make them more energy-efficient. Fibrex®, a composite material made of reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer, is exclusive to Renewal by Andersen custom windows, has the upper hand over the two because it mimics wood’s classic appeal but is easy to maintain like vinyl. Plus, it has excellent thermal insulating properties.
Window Glass – Not all glazing has the same energy efficiency. In general, windows that have low-emissivity coatings are more energy-efficient than windows that have standard glazing. Renewal by Andersen windows with High Performance™ Low-E4® are 56% more energy-efficient in summer and 47% more energy-efficient in winter than a standard dual-pane window.
There’s no guarantee that pre-manufactured windows will be a great fit for your home. The only way to make sure your windows will be installed properly is by customizing them.
Renewal by Andersen customizes each window according to our customers’ needs and preferences and handles the entire installation process, guaranteeing you make the most of your investment. From bay windows to sliding windows, our catalog will surely have something for you and your home.
Want to learn more about our premium products?
Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville offers a wide variety of premium windows and doors, including patio doors. To schedule a free consultation with a design expert, call us at (866) 609-5033 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Oak Ridge and Maryville, TN, as well as nearby areas in Tennessee.