Joliet’s Guide to Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows
Once winter officially makes its presence known, it can get quite chilly up in the north to northwestern side of Chicago. Since the season is still a good month or so away, now’s the perfect time to seal your home against the frigid months ahead. Are you contemplating upgrading your windows in the beautiful northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois? If so, you’re making a smart move, especially if you’re considering energy efficiency as a priority. Windows with energy-saving glass enhance your home’s comfort year-round and slash those dreaded energy bills. With Joliet’s right window replacement services, you can trade the old for the new and shut the oncoming cold out once and for all. In this comprehensive guide, you can learn everything you need to know about selecting the perfect energy-efficient windows for your lovely home. What Makes a Window Energy Efficient? Before discussing the nuts and bolts of window selection, let’s see what sets an energy-efficient window replacement apart. Energy-saving windows are designed to be formidable barriers against the relentless exchange of heat between the interior and exterior of your home. They are not a novelty by any means. On the contrary, they have been around long enough to form a niche in the window industry worth an impressive $10.60 billion. Terms to Know Check out the terminology below if you’re new to windows with energy-saving glass. These terms are, to some extent, the parameters of energy-efficient windows. On the other hand, they also comprise terms you’ll want to avoid when shopping for window replacements. U-Factor: The Insulation Maestro The U-factor is your window’s insulation MVP. It quantifies a window’s insulation capability, with lower values being the heroes here. A good score for windows generally falls between 0.20 and 1.20. Windows with low U-factors are like the Fort Knox of insulation. They’ll keep that winter chill out and your precious indoor comfort in, a blessing for anyone living in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with its volatile temperature swings. Low-E Glass: The Year-Round Comfort Guardian Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass features a subtle coating that plays a dual role. In summer, it blocks out the heat from the sun, helping you keep cool. In winter, it reflects solar heat into your home, keeping it cozy. This duality is the primary reason these windows comprise 50% of the window sales in the commercial market and constitute 80% of all window sales in the residential market. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that adapts to your comfort needs, making it a must-have in a region like northwest Chicago with its dramatic weather changes. Insulated Glass: Layers of Insulation Insulated glass windows are like a multi-layered security system for your home’s comfort. They have multiple layers of glass with an insulating gas, like argon, between each layer, effectively reducing heat transfer, leading to less of that precious indoor warmth escaping during winter and less sweltering heat entering during summer. Windows with this energy-saving glass are the unsung heroes in northwest Chicago, where temperature extremes are the norm. Non-Insulated Glass: A Chink in the Armor Non-insulated, single-pane glass windows offer minimal insulation, allowing heat to escape easily. In the frosty winters of the northwest suburbs, these windows can leave you shivering and your energy bills soaring because your HVAC will be forced to work extra hard to warm your home. Even if you don’t have a problem paying more for your utilities, you don’t want the hassle of prematurely repairing and replacing a faulty HVAC system. Thus, it’s best to steer clear of windows with non-insulated glass if energy efficiency is your goal. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: Balancing Light and Heat The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) determines how effectively a window blocks heat from the sun. A lower SHGC is ideal for hot climates because it reflects that the window transmits minimal solar heat. Conversely, a slightly higher SHGC may be more suitable in colder areas like the suburbs of northwest Chicago because they portray a window that emits more solar heat during winter. That said, achieving the right balance between natural light and temperature control is key, and understanding SHGC helps strike that balance. You do not want a window with a too high SHGC, as it could make for more sticky summers. Factors to Consider Consider the following factors when selecting energy-efficient windows for your Chicago-based abode. Climate Your region’s climate is a pivotal player in window replacement selection. In these Chicago suburbs, where winters can be ruthlessly frosty and summers unerringly sweltering, prioritize windows with low U-factors and Low-E glass. These features will ensure your home maintains a bearable temperature regardless of how extreme the weather is outside. Cost Energy-efficient windows can represent a hefty financial investment, but they pay off, and then some, in the form of energy savings over time. Consider your budget and explore various options. Keep in mind that some energy-efficient features may qualify for local or federal tax incentives or deductions, which can sweeten the deal. Window Installation Selecting the right window replacement service could make or break your final product. It could mean sealing that slot in your wall against the outside elements, including water, air, and pollutants. There are many ways to check that a window is installed properly. Check the level, bowing, and sash if you don’t feel a draft after installation. If the latter is hard to open, something went wrong during installation. Preparing for Winter in Joliet Preparing your windows and exterior doors for energy efficiency during winter in Joliet, Illinois, is crucial to keeping your home warm and reducing heating costs. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Weatherstripping: Check the weatherstripping around your windows and exterior doors. Weatherstripping serves as a barrier against drafts. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, gaps, or flattened weatherstrips, it’s time for a replacement. High-quality weatherstripping ensures a tight seal, preventing cold air infiltration and heat loss. 2. Caulking: Inspect the caulking around window frames and