Window Replacement
On average, homes lose about 20 percent of their heat through windows and doors. Replacing windows and doors can reduce drafts and help solve this problem. Not only do they improve the energy efficiency of your home, they also improve its appearance, resale value, and durability.
Choosing the right windows for your home can be very confusing. Some window coatings can make the window virtually self cleaning. Some windows are better at keeping the heat out and some are better at keeping the heat in. Some windows are better at keeping the noise out. Ecohome Solutions can help you make sense of it all make sure you select the right windows for your home. But equally as important is choosing the right window, is making sure that it is properly installed. If the window is not installed correctly it can; void the manufacturer's warranty, cause leaks and drafts and allow exterior noise into the home.
- Research indicates that up to 70% of all windows installed by builders were not properly installed. Window specialty contractors were not as bad with up to 30% of windows installed incorrectly. Improper installation of windows can result in energy inefficiency, shortened life of the window and it will void the manufacturers warranty.
- Contrary to popular belief, even old windows are not the weakest point in the performance of most homes. However, replacement of single paned windows or even some double paned windows can yield energy savings.
- As part of the performance evaluation, an Ecohome advisor will test the energy performance of the existing windows. Four actual measurements: the estimated SHGC value along with the UV, Visible Light, and Infrared Transmission values are provided in the home performance report.
- In SW Idaho, a replacement window should have a minimum U-Factor of .40. The shading coefficient and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) will depend on the direction the window is facing.
- Window treatments including insulating shades, draperies, exterior shutters, sun screens and reflective films are all worthy of consideration.