Replacement Windows in Albany for Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are several different options available when you’re looking for replacement windows in Albany NY that will maximize energy efficiency and be suitable for our local climate.

Your goal, when looking for the right set of windows, is to combine a good glass option - rated for Albany NY climate - with a frame option built for cold as well as hot temperatures; do to the fluctuating weather in New Albany during the winter and summer months.

And of course you want something that will meet your aesthetic appeal to really make your window project stand out.

In this article, we will show you how to pick windows that are NFRC rated for the Albany area, and how to understand the rating system so you can make an educated decision for all of your future home improvement projects that require window replacements. We will also go over some of our opinions on frame materials as well as manufacturers that we think offer better products based on our non-biased opinion and experience installing windows in Albany.

We’ve been installing residential and commercial replacement windows in Albany for over 10 years and have learned a few things along the way. This bit of information can be useful to DIY home enthusiasts or any homeowner that’s looking to install new windows.

Energy Star

When you’re shopping for energy efficient windows, the first things you want to understand is the Energy Star zone system and which zone you live in. A zone is a geographical area of the US that Energy Star uses to help homeowners determine the most energy efficient window rating for their area. To simply put it, an energy efficient window for Arizona climate will not be the most energy efficient window for New York. So Energy Star breaks up the country into 4 zones Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern.

After knowing your zone, you want to understand the rating system and how energy efficiency is measured. Even though it’s a little technical, the recommended ratings is listed in easy-to-understand tables for every zone, and therefore makes it easy to match window rating labels for the required zone rating without having to be technical.

Lets take a look at the table with ratings recommended for New York weather.

Ideal U-factor ratings for northern climate is 0.25 or less. According to the table, less than or equal to 0.27, equal to 0.28 0.29 0.30 will also work.

Ideal SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) 0.35-0.60 if you have proper working air conditioning. If however cooling the area is a concern, do to whatever reason, an SHGC rating that’s less than 0.32 is better.

Ideal Air Leakage should be less than or equal to 0.30

Take a look at a typical NFRC rating label. This is the label you should look for when shopping for windows.

As you can see, the U-factor rating for the window is 0.27, the SHGC is 0.35, and the Air Leakage is less than or equal to 0.30. Using the blue table above, you can see the window has the recommended ratings for Northern Zone climate and therefore will have better energy efficiency compared to windows rated for other areas. Try to shop around and look for windows with the ideal U-factor, SHGC, and Air leakage ratings to get the maximum energy efficiency from windows in the Albany area.

Appeared first on   Sure Windows
Replacement Windows in Albany for Maximum Energy Efficiency posted first on https://surewindows.blogspot.com

Vinyl vs. Wood Replacement Windows

For a huge, all-encompassing renovation--the kind where walls get taken down and siding removed--you'll be getting new-construction windows. Anything less than this and you'll be getting replacement windows.

Between 1990 and 2005, wood dropped from accounting for almost half of all windows sold to about a quarter. Guess what took wood's place?  You guessed right:  vinyl.

When the sales rep speaks to you, most likely you'll be steered toward vinyl windows.  That's because in the majority of sales calls he or she makes, customers will want vinyl windows.  Why?  Cost.  Wood windows have a certain charm that vinyl can only hope to impart.  Yet for the majority of homeowners, hard, cold cash has a charm that beats wood's allure every time.

	Vinyl Windows	Wood Windows
Materials	Vinyl windows are made largely of high-quality extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Some metal and other types of plastics are used for the sash mechanism.	Wood windows are usually wood on the inside (typically pine or Douglas Fir).  Exteriors are wood covered with extruded aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass.
Colors and Finishes	Do-it-yourself vinyl windows off the rack tend to be white.  Windows from distributors come in a range of muted colors.	Natural wood color, stained wood, or painted.
Maintenance	Vinyl replacement windows never need painting or sealing.  The flip side of this is that you cannot paint windows (i.e., to change color), even if you wanted to.  You're stuck with the color you chose upon installation.	Wood-exterior windows need painting or sealing, not just at the time of installation, but throughout their lifetime. Painting wood windows is a very exacting task and needs to be done frequently.  Windows with aluminum cladding never need painting.
Insulating Factor	Good.  Vinyl is a poor conductor of temperatures, which is a good thing for you.  Vinyl window frames, though, are largely hollow.	Excellent.  When it's cold outside, try this--feel the frame of a wood window. You'll find that wood-framed windows are excellent at inhibiting the transmission of cold or heat from the outside. So it's a great energy-saver.
Cost (Window Only, No Labor)	Vinyl is about 25% cheaper. A Jeld-Wen 36" x 60" Vinyl Double Pane New Construction Double Hung Window currently runs $264.	Wood windows are costlier.  Call it the law of supply and demand, the price of beauty, or just the fact that fewer companies make wood windows--but you will pay more for wood. Pella 36-1/4-in x 60-1/4-in 450 Series Wood Double Pane New Construction Double Hung Window currently goes for $329.
Appearance	Fair.  Vinyl windows are no longer the pariah of home renovation.  With the addition of better colors besides just white and tan, vinyl windows are considered more attractive than they were in the past.	Excellent.  The point of wood windows is usually to keep the interior natural or stained, with sealer on top, thus keeping the wood grain visible.  Vinyl simply cannot duplicate this.  Or, if you wish to have the look of solid colors, you can paint wood.
Turnaround	Excellent.  Vinyl windows are plentiful from many different manufacturers, so it's not difficult to obtain them on schedule.	Good.  The number of wood windows manufacturers has been dwindling over the years, but still this is not exactly a rare commodity.
Resale Value	Good.  Within the right context, buyers accept that vinyl windows will be part of the home.	Excellent.  Well-maintained wood windows catch the attention of buyers.

Original Source: Vinyl vs. Wood Replacement Windows

Why Choose Replacement Windows over New Construction Windows

One of the major responsibilities of homeowners is to make sure their windows remain efficient. If signs of deterioration begin to show up, then it’s time to consider getting replacements.

When starting your research, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of choices, plagued by different terminologies you know nothing about. Renewal by Andersen®, the leading company for window replacement in Phoenix, AZ, and the local area, shares some helpful insights about your options.

Replacement Windows vs. New Construction Windows

You have two main options when it comes to your windows: replacement and new construction. While the latter has its own advantages, replacement windows are more popular in general because of their cost-effectiveness and easy-to-install properties. Also called retrofit windows, these windows are installed on top of existing window frames. Since there is already a frame in place, window replacement in Phoenix becomes easier and more efficient. In addition, they offer other significant advantages.

Benefits of Installing Replacement Windows

These windows are perfect additions to any home thanks to the benefits they offer, including:

• Improved Energy Efficiency – Since they are custom-sized to order, replacement windows can adjust into any frame size. You can install and seal them tightly to ensure lower risk of energy loss. You don’t have to worry about compromising your home design, as they are available in a wide range of colors and styles.

• Hassle-Free Process – These windows offer a seamless Phoenix window replacement. Unlike their counterpart, replacement windows don’t require a redo of your wall or siding during the installation.

• Easy Installation – You can avoid the stress of disturbing other parts of your home by getting replacement windows. Experts can install them without problems, resulting in less mess and noise to deal with.

When it comes to quality replacements in the region, Renewal by Andersen® of Phoenix is the company you can trust. We have an impressive selection of products, including casement, double-hung, specialty, and bay and bow windows. Available in many colors, styles, and sizes, we can recommend the options that will work best for your home. We can also install them in the most proficient manner, ensuring lasting protection for your valuables.

First published here: Why Choose Replacement Windows over New Construction Windows