Finding the Best Replacement Window Ratings
When you buy replacement windows you should look at the replacement window ratings before buying. You may think that simply by buying replacement windows you are already saving energy and may not give much thought to how much energy you could save.
Replacement window ratings allow you to determine how much energy you are saving, the difference in replacement window ratings means a difference in money you save in energy bills. There are several ways to find the best replacement windows out there and get value for your money.
Consumer Ratings
Consumer ratings allow you to read about what other people's experiences have been like with a particular product. These reviews cover not just replacement window ratings but also other things like a customer's experience with a manufacturer, how easy the windows were to install, and the difference in their energy bills. All this information can help you to find the right replacement windows.
Contributing Factors
There are several factors that contribute to a window's ability to resist the transfer of heat. The first is the material that the glazing material is made from. Glazing material varies from plastic, glass and treated glass.
Treated glasses have an advantage over clear glass and different types of treated glass offer different benefits. Plastics have a better solar transmittance than glass and are cheaper but they are not as durable as glass.
The layers of glass also affect your replacement window ratings; the more layers of glass the better your replacement window ratings. The spaces between the layers are also very important. Too wide and too narrow and you will have windows with lower replacement window ratings.
The type of window frames also affects replacement window ratings. Vinyl frames have a moderate to high ability to resist heat flow and are easy to maintain. They are also cheaper and widely available. They are not are sturdy as metal frames but can be reinforced for extra durability.
Other Options
Besides changing your windows you can do other things around the house to save energy. In the winter insulating shades, shutters and drapes can help you from losing heat. These insulating devices are removable and they even double up to reduce heat in the summer. A combination of things can help you to get the best out of replacement windows and save energy. A combination of replacement windows, frame material and drapes can help you reduce heating and air conditioning bills.
