If you are adding new windows to a home or replacing current windows, it makes a lot of sense to choose the best quality products that will last a long time. But only some replacement windows are considered “high performance,” which is a designation worth learning more about as a homeowner.
Here is an explanation of what high-performance replacement windows are and the various factors to consider when choosing them for the rooms of your house.
How Replacement Windows Perform Highly
High-performance replacement windows may also be referred to as advanced window technology, high-efficiency windows, or enhanced comfort windows. Compared to traditional replacement windows, high-performance windows are designed to make you more comfortable in your home and conserve energy. These replacement windows excel in the categories of energy efficiency, noise reduction, and durability. High-performance replacement windows also help minimize the effects of the sun and keep you cool inside on even the sunniest of days.
When you choose high-performance replacement windows for your home, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best of the best with your upgrade.
Standards of High-Performance Replacement Windows
In order for a replacement window to be classified as high performance, it must meet or exceed certain criteria for excellence. To evaluate a window’s performance, you can refer to the federal government that rates replacement windows for their energy efficiency. Almost all Marvin windows meet or exceed Energy Star standards because they have passed rigorous performance tests that are conducted by third-party reviewers. The U.S. Department of Energy advises that if you’re looking for high-performance windows, also look for a label on the product. This is an independent organization that tests and rates replacement windows to give you a better idea of how a window will perform after it is installed in your home. The windows that we sell at Veracity Window and Door have NFRC labels, which we can tell you more about and explain the ratings when you visit our showroom.
Meanwhile, U-factor is a measurement of how much heat energy is gained or lost. This is another standard for high-performance replacement windows to consider. A low U-factor is better than a high U-factor for saving energy. Also, SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) is a measurement of how much solar radiation comes in through your replacement windows. A lower value SHGC is desirable for replacement windows to keep more of the sun’s energy out of your house and lower your summertime cooling cost.
Benefits of High-Performance Replacement Windows
There are many reasons why homeowners choose to have high-performance windows installed in their homes. Here are some of the top benefits of high-performance windows and why you might want to consider them for your next project.
- An eco-friendly choice with high energy efficiency
- Save money on your monthly energy bills
- Quality products that will last for decades
- Tight seals to reduce air leakage
- Feel more comfortable on hot and cold days
- A beautiful, timeless design that you’ll love for a long time
- Peace of mind that you are getting the very best windows for your home
Styles of High-Performance Replacement Windows
Something else to know about high-performance windows is that the style of window you choose impacts its level of performance. Due to their construction and functionality, some styles of windows are simply more efficient and durable than others.
For example, Marvin’s Ultimate Casement Windows have very high efficiency and are considered high performance because they have multipoint locks that seal very tightly to keep inside air in and outside air out. This is important on hot and sunny days when you’re trying to keep your home cool and also on cold winter days when you have your heater running indoors.
Other styles of replacement windows that are generally very energy-efficient are picture windows and special shape windows. As long as these windows are properly sealed, these windows are great options because they don’t typically open up and therefore don’t allow air drafts to flow in. Many double-hung windows that we offer at Veracity Window and Door are extremely energy efficient because of their advanced design improvements and excellent craftsmanship.
Materials Used for High-Performance Windows
The types of materials used to create a window affect how high performance it is as well. If you want great performance, consider tri-pane windows with krypton gas between the layers of glass for awesome energy efficiency. Krypton helps control temperature extremes, while three layers of glass save more energy than just two layers of glass.
Marvin is a great brand name to know for high-performance windows because of the insulating glass these windows have with their multiple panes. Additionally, Marvin window frames have been made with advanced materials to reduce air leakage and increase efficiency for many years. Wood is a great insulating material and a classic choice for windows. Aluminum cladding can be added to windows to add extra weather durability.
Another important material used in high-performance windows is a low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coating that reflects sunlight. This is a great feature to have if you want to prevent your flooring, furniture, and curtains from fading over time due to sunlight coming in the windows.
What to Look for in a High-Performance Window
There are various things that make a high window performance, so if you are paying extra for that designation, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting as many high-performance features as possible. As you shop for the perfect windows for your house, here are some features to look for in the product offerings.
- A reputable brand that is known for making high-performance windows
- Energy Star rated for high efficiency
- Thermally broken framing
- High-quality finishing
- Durable weather-stripping
- High-quality hardware for window operation
- Low-E glass coating for sun-fading protection
- Window style that coordinates with your other home décor
- Great customer reviews from other homeowners
Aesthetics of High Performing Replacement Windows
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for the sake of function for modern windows. High-performance windows can be just as stylish and beautiful as standard, traditional windows – or even more so!
For example, Marvin has over 150,000 options to choose from that are Energy Star rated, which means that you don’t have to limit yourself to windows that are purely functional. These windows are also custom made-to-order, so you can pick from a wide variety of combinations and styling details with the high-performance windows you select when working with Veracity Window and Door.
Installing High-Performance Replacement Windows
High-performance windows should be professionally installed to maximize their effectiveness and allow you to get maximum benefits from your windows.
Veracity Window and Door is a full-service window supplier that offers professional installation for your high-quality windows. This service helps you make the most of your new window purchase and feel confident that you’re getting all of the best benefits from your selection. Our window installers work throughout San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles to make homes look their very best. Our experienced installers know all of our high-performance window products well, so we save you time, money, and headaches with each project we take on. You’ll also have peace of mind that the job was done right because we offer a great warranty on all our work.
Shop for High-Performance Replacement Windows Near You
As you can see, there are many great reasons to choose high-performance replacement windows for your home. We love high-performance replacement windows and can introduce you to the very finest ones from all the best industry brands.
Our architecturally designed showrooms let you see these windows in real-life settings so you can bring your new construction or renovation plans to fruition. We have many years of experience working with high-performance replacement windows and can offer expert guidance and advice every step of the way during the purchase and installation process.
To schedule your free consultation or to learn more about high-performance windows from our team of experts, please fill out our online form or call us.
