Investing in energy-efficient windows can contribute to a healthier environment and significantly impact your utility bills. To ensure you make an informed decision about window replacement, consider the following information.
Federal and state criteria Always prioritize windows that meet both federal and state energy efficiency standards. Look for the Energy Star certification at the federal level and adhere to California-specific guidelines like Title 24. When it comes to frames, go with materials like fiberglass, vinyl or wood for optimal energy performance.
Energy-efficient glass packages Select windows that have low-E film on the exterior (which helps reflect sunlight) and argon gas between the panes (which improves insulation).
New construction vs. retrofit New construction windows are ideal if you have existing leaks, as they allow for new flashings to prevent future issues. As such, they’re the best option if you’re planning on living in your home for the long term. Retrofit windows are more cost-effective because they keep the existing aluminum frames intact. They’re best for rental properties or situations where leaks aren’t an issue.

Tips for Installing Energy-Efficient Windows

By Dimitar Georgiev Owner of Abstract Windows Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Video: Maintaining Windows and Patio Doors


maintenance is important for the windows
and the patio doors uh for example uh we
recommend our customers once in a while
once per 6 months uh to lubricate uh the
patio door rowers and the heavy window
rowers also with silicon spray also to
make sure that the whip Hol are clean
all the time for proper
drainage um and um
they can clean the the windows with a
regular Windex or glass
cleaner uh we advise them not to use
razor blades on the outside because they
can scratch the exterior Energy
Efficiency lowy coat so no razor blades
on the glass just a normal towel with a
glass
cleaner and um no heavy chemicals maybe
for the frame if the frame gets dirty
just normal soap and water will it the
old fashion

way

Video: New Construction Windows vs. Retrofit Windows


the question when uh when uh home owners
uh face when they replace their Windows
is uh new construction versus
retrofit uh there is certain uh ways to
uh figure uh which uh installation
method is better for their homes let's
say for example if they have existing
leaks we have to do new construction
installation with new flashings to
prevent the future leaks and to make
sure that we can uh waterproof the
openings and uh new construction also is
great if you want more glass less
frame um if you plan to live in the
house uh not to sell it like for the
next 10 years plus it's also good to do
uh new
construction um and retrofit is uh the
less expensive way to do it you keep the
existing aluminum frames it's a good
option for rentals also it's a great
option if you don't have any leaks you
just need to improve a single pain old
windows with a new double pain U Energy
Efficiency windows and if you have a
small aluminum frames existing you can
uh install insert Windows as a retrofit
that's a great way of
improvement uh of uh Improvement on a
budget

Video: Tips for Installing Energy-Efficient Windows


always use energy efficient windows that
meets federal and state criterias
Federal is the energy star and state is
uh California state is Title 24 that
includes certain frames
fiberglass vinyl and wood frames are
great for Energy
Efficiency as much as uh proper glass
packages with uh lowy fume on the
exterior to reflect the sun the sun
waves and uh on the
interior um to have in between the glass
the Argon

gas

Dimitar Georgiev: A Window of Opportunity

Companies Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise