Windows Selection: Double Pan Helps a Good Air Insulation
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Windows are one of the most important selections you can make about your home. They provide light and ventilation, and also affect the look of your home.
There are several different types of windows, including double-hung, bow, and hopper. Let's briefly discuss the factors that are important in making your selection for new windows, then we'll jump right into installing.
If you've read our section on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. Another important factor with windows though is U-Value. This is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. If you live in a colder climate, I would recommend a value of 0.35 or less. So remember, the most efficient windows have a high R-Value and a low U-Value.
Fixed windows do not open, so they don't provide any ventilation. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house. There are many, many other types of windows, for special applications.
Window Insulation
Windows are basically holes in the wall. No matter how thick your wall, how thick your insulation, if you don't have good windows, you will lose money in heating and cooling every year. Your home will also be less comfortable because of the quick change from warm to cold in the winter, and from cool to hot in the summer. The higher the insulating value of your windows, the longer the room stays comfortable after the furnace kicks off.If you've read our section on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. Another important factor with windows though is U-Value. This is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. If you live in a colder climate, I would recommend a value of 0.35 or less. So remember, the most efficient windows have a high R-Value and a low U-Value.
Double-Pane
Today, there is absolutely no reason to buy windows that are not double-pane, except maybe if you live in a climate that is 75 degrees year round. If, however, you live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you'll want to have the best windows you can afford. When looking for a window, make sure they are double pane. These types of windows have two panes of glass separated by an inert gas. This separation and gas provide much better insulation than just one or two panes of glass alone. In addition, these windows don't pass as much sound as single pane windows.Different Window Styles
Another option to consider is how your windows open and close. The most popular type of window today is the Double-Hung window. Each sash is in it's own track and moves up and down independently of one another. These windows are generally much easier to clean because you can remove each sash, or just tip it down to clean both sides of the window.Fixed windows do not open, so they don't provide any ventilation. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house. There are many, many other types of windows, for special applications.