Windows are a major component in a home because they provide our home with light, warmth, and ventilation. However, if windows have major air leaks, don’t close properly, or are failing to act as a solid barrier to the environment, it’s time to consider replacing them with new energy-efficient windows. When it comes time to replace the older windows in your home or build a new home, make sure you consider selections that add both style and return on investment to your house. There are dozens of different types of windows on the market today, so the choice can seem quite daunting at first. If you start by researching different frame materials and then move on to operating styles, this stressful decision can turn into a straightforward one.
Frame material: Value of Vinyl Windows
Window frames come in plenty of options such as vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and some composite frame materials. Costs play a major role both in the price of the units themselves and in their long-term return on investment with energy savings. When considering the purchase of replacement windows, vinyl windows are a smart, durable choice for your home.
Insulating value: Vinyl windows provide greater thermal resistance than metals, which contributes to the overall energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers to keep sunlight from breaking down the material. This great insulating value can help you reduce energy bills. Combined with a strong glass package, these windows are extremely energy efficient and a solid investment for the home. They’re also at least ten percent less expensive to purchase than wood windows.
Great appearance: You never need to worry about upkeep with vinyl windows, such as the scraping and repainting hassles you have with wood frames. Vinyl windows resist rotting, decay, and insect infestations, as well as provide years of effortless beauty in the home. There are also many architectural styles, configurations, and choices available to homeowners with vinyl windows. Combine design options, great looks, and even hardware choices with cost and maintenance savings, and you’ve got a mix that is hard to beat!
High quality: Vinyl windows require a low level of maintenance over a long period of time. With vinyl windows all that’s needed is a quick washing to keep them looking new year after year. Vinyl frames have great moisture resistance. In other words, vinyl is not an organic food source, so mold cannot grow on vinyl window frames. However, homeowners have to do their part too. Keeping the home well ventilated and clean during all seasons of the year makes it easy for vinyl windows to remain the most effortless and reliable windows imaginable in the home.
Window Styles
When people refer to a “style” of windows, they generally mean the function and structure of the window unit. Different styles of windows create large or small openings for individuals according to their needs, such as ventilation or security. How the windows operate also affects your home’s energy efficiency because some operating styles have lower air leakage rates than others. You may also want to consider the design perspective because some of the windows can serve as a nice architectural accent. To gain a better understanding of what windows “do” and the benefits they offer, here’s a fast look at window styles.
Single or Double Hung: In single hung windows, the bottom sash opens upwards, and the top sash in inoperable. Double hung has both sashes (top and bottom) operate independently on a window. This allows you to keep the bottom sash closed and open the top sash for ventilation in the home. These are a great style choice if you have young children or pets at home because it enhances the ability to get fresh air into a room from the top of a window while keeping the bottom sash closed for safety. Both single and double hung windows have effective insulation and help you save energy by keeping the sash sealed properly. Generally, single hung windows tend to be cheaper and more affordable than double hung.
Casement: The sash can be hinged on the left or the right side, and the window cranks open a full ninety degrees for maximum ventilation. If you rely on breezes for fresh air, casement windows are more suitable for you in comparison to the double or single hung windows. They are also more effective for energy saving purposes than sliding windows because the sashes close by pressing against the frame, thus having lower air leakage rates.
Awning: With a crank-out awning window, the sash is hinged on top, and the window opens out and upwards. Awning windows are weatherproof, have a higher level of insulation and provide enhanced security. Additionally, they have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows since the sash closes by pressing against the frame.
Basement/Hopper: These are similar to awning windows, but the sash is hinged at the bottom and the window opens from the top out for ventilation. Hopper windows have excellent insulation, so you can count on them to keep the cold out of your home. This is a functional window type that fulfills your need for both ventilation and security because it is too small to allow people crawling into your room.
Bay or Bow: Bay windows are created by pulling together three windows at either 35 or 45-degree angles. The windows can be a combination of fixed and operable units, or they can all be operable or all be fixed. These focal point windows are oftentimes found in key areas of the home including living rooms, kitchens and master bedrooms. Bow windows are more “rounded” in appearance than a bay window. They are generally created by placing windows at 10-degree angles. Whereas a bay window has three units, a bow window can have three, five, seven or nine separate windows mulled together as desired. However, because they allow excessive natural light and heat to enter into your room, these can increase your energy costs.
Picture: A picture window does not have the capability of opening at all. It offers a nice and clear view as well as excellent weatherproofing, but a large amount of natural light means unwanted solar heat gain. Thus, it’s a fixed unit usually installed to maximize views.
Slider: You can have multiple window panels that slide open horizontally on a track with a slider window. This is a great option for older homeowners since the sliding action of the window is easy on the back and shoulders. Nevertheless, sliding windows are not as energy efficient as other styles because they are not able to provide as tight a seal as other styles and have higher air leakage rates.
Garden: The unique garden window extends the space outwards from the window. Ideal for over a kitchen sink area, this window adds much-needed shelf space, which allows room for placing plants or other items. On the other hand, it isn’t suitable for all climates because it tends to let water in and causes a potential risk of developing a leak.
Windows should be checked annually to ensure that they are in solid, working condition with no leaks or cracks, especially if your location experiences severe weather. Replacing old windows can reduce your utility costs significantly. Choosing the right windows and considering different styles of windows will help you save energy, enhance the look of the room and protect your property. 
Ning Qin
Home & Yard Magazine
