Window Replacement Ellicott City, MD is a project best left to professionals. Attempting DIY installation can negatively impact performance and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Choose a company with an extensive showroom and experienced staff to help you make the right choices for your home. Factors to consider include size, type, insulated glass & more.

While many window retailers and installers promote the idea that replacing old windows with new energy efficient models will help you save money on your heating and cooling bills, it’s important to know that not all replacement windows are created equal. In fact, the type of window you choose can have a large impact on your energy savings and the environment.

Most manufacturers have a range of window types to choose from, including double-pane, single-pane and awning windows. Double-pane windows have two panes of glass with an insulating gas between them, which helps to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering the home. In addition to this, double-pane windows also provide superior sound dampening properties.

If you opt for double-pane windows, it’s best to consider a higher Energy Rating (ER). The ER on your window is based on several factors, including U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Air Leakage and Visible Transmittance. The higher the ER, the more energy-efficient your window will be.

In addition to reducing your energy bills, the right window can help you earn rebates from your local government. Rebates are offered by states and cities as a way to encourage homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. You can find information on available rebates by visiting your state or city’s website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR®-certified models can save homeowners 12 to 13 percent on their home energy bills. This is due to the improved insulation and design features of the new windows, which are designed to prevent heat from transferring into or out of the home.

Another factor in determining how much energy you will save with new windows is the amount of “embodied” energy they require to be made and installed. The embodied energy of a window includes the energy used to extract and manufacture the raw materials, as well as the energy used for transportation and installation. According to engineer Keith Haberern, a single window requires approximately 2.3 million BTUs to produce and install, which means that it would take four years of energy payback before the environmental costs are recovered.

Comfort

Comfort View Products manufactures a full range of new and replacement window products at their 80,000 square foot facility in Newnan, Georgia. These window products are distributed by a large network of distributors throughout the Southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Window replacement offers homeowners the ability to customize their window style to match their unique preferences and home design. Replacing all windows at once also allows for consistency of window color and style throughout the house, while ensuring that each window meets ENERGY STAR guidelines for maximum energy efficiency. In addition, a homeowner may be eligible for local window rebates through programs such as NYSERDA’s Comfort Home Program. These rebates can offset the cost of a home performance upgrade by up to $200 per window.

Appearance

Windows can have a huge impact on the overall look of your home. Whether you want your replacement windows to match the existing frames or to give your home a completely new style, there are many options available. Frame material, size and color are all important factors to consider when choosing a window for your home. The type of window you choose should also complement the architecture of your home. Some window styles offer more design flexibility than others. For example, Marvin replacement windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your space.

When considering the appearance of a window, it is important to consider how visible it will be. Generally, replacement windows on primary street-facing or highly visible elevations of buildings that are three stories or less in height must match the historic window in all aspects that can be perceived from ground level. Variations in details and substitution of materials are permissible when they do not diminish the character of the building or its surroundings.

Another consideration is how the replacement window will operate. For example, will it open and close? A replacement window need not operate in the same way as the historic window, but it must be operable and meet egress requirements. The type of window you select will also determine the amount of light it allows in and its overall appearance from both inside and outside your home. Some window types provide unique features such as skylights that appear in ceilings to brighten spaces or single hung round top windows that blend form and function.

Maintenance

When windows aren’t well-maintained, they can become difficult to open and close. This can lead to diminished home security and energy efficiency, as well as increased utility bills. Homeowners should regularly inspect their windows to identify signs that it’s time to consider window replacement services. Common indicators include drafts around the frame, condensation between double pane glass, visible damage or warping, and poor window operation. By addressing these issues promptly, homeowners can maximize the lifespan of their windows, improve their home’s indoor climate, and reduce utility costs.

If the frames and sashes are severely damaged or warped, it may be more cost-effective to replace them with new windows rather than repair them. This is particularly true in older homes where wood rot has deteriorated the structure of the frame. However, if the damage to the frame is limited to a small portion of the surface or doesn’t impact the functionality of the window, repair might be a more practical option.

Window replacement can also be a good choice if the original window is too difficult to open or close. This often occurs when the meeting rails that hold the upper and lower sashes are misaligned. This problem can usually be resolved by adjusting the sash weights or cords.

Another sign that it’s time to consider window replacement is if there are cracks or broken glass in the frame or sill. These issues can compromise the structural integrity of the window and could lead to additional problems, such as leaking or insect infestation.

Many historic windows require frequent maintenance to prevent problems like rotting, fading, or sagging of the window frames and sashes. This can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but modern replacement windows are designed to be low-maintenance and come with factory finishes that resist stains and fading, reducing the need for routine cleaning.

Annual lubrication of moving parts can help extend the life of replacement windows and ensure their proper function. By rubbing silicone-based lubricant onto hinges and tracks, homeowners can minimize friction that causes wear and tear and keep their replacement windows in top condition.