Window replacement costs can vary, depending on the type of window and installation company. For example, argon gas-filled windows may cost more upfront but can save homeowners hundreds in energy bills.
Choose a local installer with a proven track record of quality work and customer service. Look for accreditation from leading manufacturers and affiliations with industry associations. Also, check out online reviews and local references.
Bay and bow windows
Adding bay or bow windows adds an eye-catching architectural feature to your home and more interior space. The curved shape of these styles allows you to install a window seat, bench or mantle for displaying photos and trinkets.
Unlike other replacement window types, these are designed to fit inside existing window openings and don’t require any structural changes. They can also improve your energy efficiency and boost home security. Window World offers an array of options in these style categories, including Low-E glass and Energy Star certifications. Use our Window Style Finder to find the best option for your home.
Jalousie windows
Jalousie windows, or louvre windows, feature horizontal glass slats that open and close together to allow air flow. These windows were popular in the 1940s through 1960s and provided excellent ventilation for homes in warmer climates. However, the invention of air conditioning caused them to lose popularity.
Fortunately, they can still be repaired by a professional. A hardware expert can re-lubricate the mechanism, which will restore its ease of operation. This type of repair is also an inexpensive alternative to replacing the entire window. You can also upgrade to energy-efficient jalousie windows with smart features, aligning them with the growing trend towards green living.
Low-e glass
The type of glass you choose is critical to the energy efficiency of your new replacement windows. A high-quality window with low emissivity will reduce your home’s cooling costs, keep interior temperatures stable, and protect your furniture and other belongings from UV light that can cause sunburn and fade colors over time.
This type of glass is often laminated together with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral, to create a strong and durable window. It reflects ultraviolet rays and infrared heat to reduce cooling costs, and it can be used with argon gas between the panes for improved insulation in colder climates.
Argon gas-filled
Argon gas-filled windows improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy costs. They also help reduce the formation of frost and condensation between the window panes. They are safe and nontoxic. Argon gas is 25% denser than air, so it can form an effective insulator around the window and prevent heat transfer to the outside.
While argon-filled windows are fairly affordable, they can lose their insulation effectiveness over time. This can be due to damage, poor installation, or climate conditions. In these cases, the argon gas may leak out through the spacer between the window panes. Window professionals can check the levels of argon gas in double-pane windows by using a metering device.
Triple-pane windows
Triple-pane windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want a high level of energy efficiency and increased strength. They can help reduce cold spots and drafts in the home, and they offer year-round energy savings. You should look for a window with an Energy Star label and a climate zone rating.
Triple pane windows have three glass panes with a spacer in between to keep them uniform. They can be filled with krypton or argon gas to increase insulation. These windows also block harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture and flooring from damage.
Krypton gas
Krypton gas is a noble, colorless, and odorless inert gas that increases window insulation to prevent heat from escaping your home during the summer and keeping winter heat inside your house. It can be used in double or triple pane insulated glass units (IGUs) to increase energy efficiency and lower solar heat gain coefficient and U factor.
Krypton, not to be confused with Superman’s kryptonite, is one of the rarest atmospheric gases, making up only 1 part per million of Earth’s atmosphere. It is also injected into some incandescent light bulbs to extend the life of the tungsten filament and produces a bright, white light when conducted under an electric current.
Garden windows
Garden windows are a popular choice for kitchens and laundry rooms. They allow light to flow into the home and provide a perfect shelf for plants and decor. They can also open up space in the home and add a unique architectural design.
Choose windows with Low-e glass and argon gas for improved energy efficiency. These windows are more expensive than standard designs but will save you money on heating and cooling costs in the long run. They are often available in custom sizes and colors, which can enhance the appearance of your home.