When it comes time to replace your home’s windows, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The options you have for styles and designs might be overwhelming, though the most important decision you’ll make is choosing energy-efficient windows to enhance your home.
High-performance windows help you control heat transfer, allowing you to take better control of your energy usage. You may have heard about thermal windows and wonder if they’re right for your home. Pinnacle Home Improvements provides top-notch window installation services with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and comfort. Our thermal window solutions are just one of the innovative solutions we offer for home improvement services.
In this article, we discuss insulated windows, their benefits, and how we install these high-performance windows.
What Are Thermal Windows?
Thermal windows, or double-glazed windows, are a type of insulated windows. These energy-efficient windows slow the transfer of heat from outside your home to inside, and vice versa.
Double-glazed windows have two panes with non-toxic gas—typically argon—in the space between these panes. There are also thermal windows with three panes, known as triple-glazed windows, that are also effective insulated windows. With different varieties and options, you can also find thermal windows that have UV-blocking glass to add more protection to your home.
Choosing double-glazed windows will help you minimize heat transfer, which will lead to lower energy bills. Most of the heat transfer that occurs for homes happens with the windows. When a home has older windows, particularly single-pane windows, they are less adept at blocking outside temperatures. You’ll wind up running your heating and cooling systems more often to keep comfortable while spending more on your electric bill.
How Can Thermal Windows Benefit Your Home?
While it’s certainly an investment to upgrade your home to have these high-performance windows, doing so gives you several key benefits. When you don’t have energy-efficient windows in your home, they allow your climate-controlled air to escape. You’re wasting this heated or cooled air, and on top of that, you’re forcing your HVAC system to work harder to create the same output.
In time, that added wear and tear on this integral appliance will lead to costly repairs and may even cause it to break down before the end of its lifespan. Updating your windows to double-glazed windows will be more cost-effective in the long run as it will lower your energy costs and prevent overworking your HVAC system.
Additionally, without insulated windows, you and your family will struggle to stay comfortable. In winter, you may need to add more layers of clothing even while indoors. In summer, you may never get relief from those sky-high temperatures.
Double-glazed windows provide insulation for heat transfer, which also minimizes the noise from outdoors. You’ll enjoy more peace and quiet, especially while you sleep. You’ll also have added safety and security to keep your home and your loved ones better protected.
Common Misconceptions About Thermal Windows
As you consider thermal windows for your home, you may have heard a few myths. Some claim that double-glazed windows are only for cold climates, but that’s simply not true. These insulated windows are also beneficial for those who live in warmer locations.
Additionally, you may have been told that energy-efficient windows are expensive. While it’s true that you’ll need to invest in the cost of installation, in the long term, your energy savings will far surpass these costs. There may also be additional tax credits or rebates to explore, which can quickly make the cost much more affordable.
Another common myth about thermal windows is that they are difficult to maintain. This couldn’t be further from the truth as the durable materials used for the window unit are often easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. Certain materials also resist moisture, warping, and wood rot, meaning that you will save even more over the years by not having to do much to care for them.
Pinnacle Home Improvements’ Installation Process for Insulated Windows
At the start of our Alpharetta window replacement service, here is what you can expect.
Choose Your Insulated Windows
You’ll need to choose the type of energy-efficient windows and their features from our vast selection. We can review the frame types, glazing options, gas fills, and styles that are available and show you their advantages.
While this is an important part of the process, you will also want to look at the U-Factor ratings and ENERGY STAR performance levels to help you decide. These ratings simplify the process and help you find windows that provide the best energy efficiency for your home.
Along with the industry ratings, you may want to consider choosing double-glazed windows with gas between the inserts and Low-E coatings that additionally help mitigate heat loss. A low U-Factor will provide the best thermal resistance for colder locations.
Our window replacement professionals will guide you through every option and help you understand these energy-efficiency ratings, allowing you to make the best choice to fit your needs.
Installing Your High-Performance Windows
Once you have selected the energy-efficient windows for your home, the installation process will begin. Our team will first ensure the proper removal and disposal of your old windows. Then we’ll begin installing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions to uphold your warranty.
Installation techniques will vary based on the construction of your home. Wood, masonry, and other materials will impact the installation process. The type of window will matter as well as any other siding, stucco, or brick present in your home.
Windows require flashing and air sealing, which our team will install as per building codes and manufacturer requirements. After each window is in place, we will conduct inspections to ensure everything has been done correctly, allowing you to have full peace of mind and newfound comfort with your insulated windows.
When you are ready to upgrade your home with new energy-efficient windows, contact Pinnacle Home Improvements for a free quote on our services.
