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 How to choose
windows for energy efficiency
Matthew Hakeman, a product specialist when it
comes to windows, gives a few pointers in this video about choosing
an efficient window. Hakeman says that the easiest way to identify a
good window is to look for the Energy Star label. This label is
often found on a lot of home appliances, and is “a great way to
point you in a direction - this is where you need to start your
search.”
Hakeman also says that two-pane glass windows are still considered
among the higher standards of windows to choose from. “This is
generally your gold standard, and is a product that will last for a
long time and provide exceptional energy efficiency,” says Hakeman.
This is because two-pane windows contain argon gas in between the
panes. This pocket of gas makes it difficult for warm air to pass
through the glass from the inside of the house, keeping the home
warmer in the winter than a single-pane window.
“What we’re seeing is more homeowners choosing a triple-pane
window,” says Hakeman. A triple-pane window provides a little extra
insurance against warm air leaving a home, which helps to cut costs
on heating bills.
Hakeman adds that a triple-pane window does cost a little bit more,
but it is worth it in many parts of the country. This is because of
the window’s increased ability to prevent condensation on the inside
of the window panes. Condensation on window panes can often lead to
problems and indicates the seal of the window is failing. If the
seal is failing, you may begin to lose more warm air in the winter.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a window is that of
location. For example, a window over a kitchen sink might be a
casement or a sliding window. These types of windows might be easier
to access or open and close. A poor choice would be to choose a
window that extends too high, making opening or closing it
difficult, as the kitchen sink would likely be an obstacle.
It’s important to choose a window that is appropriate for the
location and will help conserve energy in your home, and you want
the window to last. “This is something you don’t want to turn around
and do again in five years,” says Hakeman.
On a related note, when purchasing a window that will last, you
always want to check the warranty, and ask the experts any questions
you may have.
Buying
replacement windows - Watch before you buy
Justin Howe, a window specialist operating out of
South Texas, also provides a few pointers for those looking to
replace their windows. Specifically, Howe discusses a few questions
to ask when deciding which window to purchase for your home with
regard to warranties. The first question to
ask concerns any warranty provided on the window installation. Howe
says that a lot of sales people will talk a lot about a product
warranty with regard to the window itself. Howe says that warranty
information for the window is important, but what customers need to
be aware of is who will service the window under the warranty.
“Sometimes window dealers are buying the window product through a
distributor, not getting it directly from the manufacturer. If
something goes wrong with it, it may not necessarily be the company
putting your windows in,” says Howe. As a result, the window
warranty may have to be sent to the distributor, and the distributor
may have to step in, or you may find yourself stuck in a loop,
unsure of who will handle the problem.
The easiest path is to look for a window serviced
directly by the manufacturer. “It cuts out a lot of extra steps,”
says Howe.
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 The second question is to make sure any service
labor is covered under the warranty. Howe says you want to be sure
that service labor is covered under warranties, as you don’t want to
save money on replacement parts, only to find that you still have to
pay a lot of money for the additional repair work. This is
especially true for very large windows, which may require more
people to repair or replace, which means more labor costs to pay.
The third question concerns the actual installation warranty of new
windows. Howe says to be sure and identify who is providing the
warranty, and how long it is active for. “If there’s improper
installation…you want to know that you’ve got somebody available to
come back and fix it for you,” says Howe.
Howe says that in his experience, most contractors offer either
two-year or five-year warranties. “That’s a reasonable amount of
time to expect the contractor to warranty that installation,” says
Howe.
The last question to ask is what is covered under the installation.
What makes up the actual purchase of the product and its
installation?
Most companies are going to supply the windows and the installation,
but they do not always cover the actual details. Howe says you want
to be sure that as a customer, you are getting everything under the
installation that you expect to get.
Howe says to ask about the specifics, such as what kind of supplies
will needed and whether or not they will be included; or other
things, like who will cover the cost of necessary paint on the trim.
“These are seemingly obvious things, but details that may not
necessarily be included in your basic installation package. Before
you go and decide on a company and decide on a window, make sure you
have those details,” says Howe. Otherwise you have to include
additional labor with the rest of the process, leading to
frustration and higher costs.
Choosing a window can be a difficult choice, especially once you
consider all of the possible window selections that are out there.
But if you take a moment and listen to the advice of those who are
already knowledgeable, you might have an easier time picking out a
new window.
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You can find a reputable window dealer and installer
through these local businesses:
AAA Windows, Siding, Doors
Larry Adams
230 S. Logan in Lincoln
Ph. 217-732-9200
Shew's Design
Mark Shew
133 Ball Dr., Lincoln
Ph. 217-737-5543
Matthew Construction
Brad Matthews of Lincoln
Ph. 217-414-2105
Taylor Made Construction
Chuck "Paco" Taylor
Ph. 217-737-0168
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