Window replacement can help improve your home’s energy efficiency, reducing both cooling and heating costs. This upgrade can also help protect your house against the shattered glass that results from severe Florida storms.
Costs vary depending on the type of windows you choose. Consider your style preferences, local climate, and energy-saving goals before determining a price for your project.
Impact Windows
The main benefit of impact windows is that they help protect homes and businesses from hurricanes and severe weather. This is because they create a barrier between high outdoor pressures and the internal lower pressure of your property. This helps prevent windows from bursting, which often leads to extensive interior damage.
They also reduce homeowner’s insurance rates. This is because they are an effective alternative to storm shutters or panels. They can even save homeowners money during the winter, as they allow them to keep their home at a cooler temperature without increasing energy consumption.
Another benefit is that they can significantly cut down on noise pollution. This is because they help to block out a lot of the outdoor noise, which can be caused by children playing, garbage trucks driving by, or planes flying overhead. This makes them a great choice for homes in urban or suburban areas. They can also add a significant amount of value to the home, as they are typically favored by buyers and appraisers.
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass units, or IGUs, help regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency. These windows are a great upgrade for homes in warm climates and can ease the strain on HVAC systems, potentially reducing monthly energy costs.
This type of window features two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer, which manufacturers fill with air or dense gas that acts as insulation. It helps reduce heat loss in winter and cooling costs in summer.
IGU windows are available in a variety of styles and colors, including bay and bow windows that extend outward for more room and awning windows that hinge at the bottom and open outward for ventilation. They’re also rated for energy performance using official metrics, such as solar heat gain coefficient and U-factor. For example, a high SHGC rating means that the window blocks a significant amount of heat-producing sunlight, while a low U-factor indicates less heat transmits through the glass.
Low-E Glass
With their microscopically thin coating of metallic oxides, Low-E windows reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that flows through your home. Natural light still comes in but without the damaging rays that fade carpets, paintings and furniture.
The metallic oxide layer also helps your heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently by reducing the temperature swings that can cause wear and tear. The result is that your energy bills are lower.
Morgan Exteriors offers a variety of Hard Coat and Soft Coat Viridian Low-E double glazing products that meet the requirements for ENERGY STAR certification. These windows save homeowners hundreds of dollars in annual energy costs. Plus, they help to protect the value of their homes and can qualify them for rebates and tax credits.
Energy-Efficient Frames
Windows contribute to heat gain and loss in homes, which can dramatically increase a home’s energy costs. Energy-efficient windows are designed to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping, which reduces the amount of energy required to keep the home at a comfortable temperature.
The window frame’s insulation is also crucial when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency. There are many different types of frames available, including aluminum clad, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. The best choice for your home depends on your style preference and your region’s climate.
To help you choose a frame that is right for you, look at the window company’s energy ratings and certifications. They will usually be displayed on ENERGY STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) stickers. A good option is a vinyl or composite frame with a low air leakage (AL) value. These frames insulate well, making them a great choice for Florida’s hot and humid weather. They also resist corrosion from sun and salt water.