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Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Energy Efficient Minneapolis Replacement Windows

At Window Outfitters, we believe in the benefits that energy efficient replacement windows have to offer to homeowners here in the Minneapolis area, and so do many of our customers.

People contact us ready to buy Low-E windows or triple pane windows because they believe those windows will save them a great deal of money. Low-E and additional panes of glass help, there are a number of things that make a window energy efficient.  

Many homeowners don’t know about all the different elements that affect the energy efficiency of a window, but we’re here to educate consumers before they choose new windows. It’s important to understand a little about all the factors that make a window efficient so you can make an informed choice.

Factors Affecting the Energy Efficiency of a Window

Multiple Panes:  Once the standard, single pane windows are rarely installed in homes today.  Many historic and older homes still have them, but most people decide to get windows with two or more panes. That’s because there is space left in between the panes of glass to trap air that acts as an effective insulator. This is very important and will make the house more efficient overall.  But you can take it a step further with the next factor. 

Insulating Gas Quality: If you opt for multi-pane windows it’s not the glass itself but the space in between the glass that’s making the major difference for you. Air helps, but to maximize the insulating quality of that window it’s important to pay attention to the gas that’s between the panes of glass in the window. Gas is a better insulator than air, and it will make the windows even more effective at their job. There are several types of gas that are used, and some window companies even use a blended mixture.  Some gases are better insulators than others, so pay attention to the type of gas and ask which is the best type for your home and budget.  

Low-E Coating: Windows with a Low-E coating are highly desirable for southern exposure on homes that are most concerned with keeping heat out of the house. They may not be as desirable for areas of the house you may actually want to warm up, such as a northern exposure. Low-E windows block out UV radiation that heats up a home, while still allowing natural sunlight to come through to brighten up the space.

Window Frame Material: Believe it or not, the material that your window’s frame is made out of affects its energy efficiency as well. Fiberglass windows are really good at insulating against the outdoors just as wood is, but more measures must be taken in metal windows that don’t insulate against the heat or cold as effectively.

Quality of Replacement Window Installation: When buying windows it’s important to have them installed properly. That means it pays off to work with a quality installation company like Window Outfitters because the windows will function like they are supposed to. If they’re installed improperly they will be much less functional overall.  At Window Outfitters are crews are trained in manufacturer installation techniques and specifications, so you can be assured it will be done right.  

These are just some of the basic factors.  Understand more about energy efficient windows in another post – click here to read.

Consider all these factors when buying new windows and you’ll find it easier to obtain options that are energy efficient. We’ll help you navigate all these different elements when it’s time to replace the windows in your home.  We’re happy to help at Window Outfitters, THE replacement window company for the Minneapolis area.  Our goal is to make sure that you get the window solution that is going to do the best for you.

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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