Replacing windows in a home or business is a major investment. It enhances the property’s visual appeal, increases energy savings and raises its value.
Choosing the right window type and frame material affects the cost. Learn how to navigate these factors to minimize the cost of your new windows.
Energy Efficiency
With Florida’s scorching temperatures, energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners. Energy-efficient windows minimize airflow to prevent cold drafts in winter and hot spots in summer, lowering heating and cooling costs and reducing reliance on your HVAC system.
Look for double- or triple-pane windows with gas fills such as argon to limit heat transfer. Low-emissivity coatings reflect infrared light and UV rays, preventing excess sunlight from heating your interiors and protecting fabrics and furniture from premature fading.
Awning and casement windows hinge at the top or open from the side, allowing you to access hard-to-reach places for ventilation without opening the window fully. They can be customized with frame colors and finishes, grid patterns, and custom sizes to match your aesthetic preferences. Energy-efficient home windows add comfort, reduce utility bills, and boost property values. They can also qualify you for energy rebates and tax credits.1
Durability
Many homeowners love wood replacement windows for their timeless appearance and durability. They can withstand high winds and harsh weather without warping or swelling. They also feature vibrant colors that won’t fade, and narrow frames allow for expansive views. However, they require more maintenance than other unit types and are prone to cracking from freeze/thaw cycles. Newer units, like Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex material, combine the strength of wood with vinyl’s low maintenance and energy saving benefits.
Double-hung windows are popular among homeowners for their ability to control ventilation. The top and bottom sashes move independently, giving you a variety of window opening options. Garden windows protrude outward to provide a unique space for growing herbs or flowers, and sliders are easy to open with minimal effort. They are a good choice for spaces that have limited vertical openings, such as kitchens. Moreover, they can help reduce cooling costs by deflecting sunlight from the inside of your home.
Aesthetics
Whether you want to reduce cooling costs or simply revamp the aesthetic of your home, window replacements can make a dramatic difference. With their sleek design, they provide clear views and enhance the natural light in your home. Plus, you can add customized features like decorative glass to personalize your windows.
Double-hung windows are a popular choice for homeowners in Kissimmee FL because they offer greater control over ventilation. They feature a top sash that opens vertically and a lower sash that moves horizontally to provide versatile airflow.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open using a crank mechanism to allow for superior ventilation. They are also known for their ability to reduce glare and heat.
Garden windows protrude outward to provide a unique space for herbs or small plants. They are a great option for kitchens and other areas that require frequent opening and closing. They also work well in narrow spaces.
Security
Besides aesthetics and energy efficiency, another important role of replacement windows is keeping the home safe from external threats. This includes protecting the safety of family members, deterring burglars, and minimizing the risk of accidents due to broken window glass.
One of the best ways to protect your home is by installing impact-resistant windows. This specialized glass is designed to withstand significant force, making it much more difficult for intruders to break in through the window.
You can also enhance your home’s security by adding tamper-resistant hardware to your windows. These systems have multiple locking points that distribute force more evenly, making it harder for intruders to bypass or manipulate locks and handles.
Alternatively, you can install security window film to fortify your existing glass. Kepler’s K-Shield security window film is applied on the interior surface of your windows and doors, spreading out impact forces instead of allowing glass fragments to ricochet around the frame.