How to Choose Windows For Your Newark, Delaware Home
Does your home currently have aging, drafty windows that need to be replaced? Have you noticed that your gas and electric bills continue to rise? If so, it may be time to invest in new windows for your home. In addition to dramatically improving the exterior and interior appearance of your home, new windows can increase your home’s resale value and can help you save money from month to month on your energy bill as well. However, figuring out which windows to buy or who to buy them from can be a frustrating experience. With so many contractors in Newark, Delaware, how do you know who to trust? There are a few guidelines to consider when having new windows installed that, if you follow them, will help you make a strong investment.
First and foremost, you need to consider the efficiency ratings of the windows that you’re looking to purchase. Windows are a long-term investment, and as such, you want your windows to be as insulated and energy efficient as possible. While this may cost you a few more dollars initially, you’ll make up this cost in the future, thanks to more manageable energy bills. Important efficiency ratings to look at when purchasing your windows are the R-value, the U-factor, and whether or not the windows have low-E, or low-emissivity, glass.
To start, the R-value is simply an indication as to how resistant the windows are to heat transfer. So, the higher the number, the stronger your windows are. A solid R-value will fall somewhere between 2 and 3. The U-factor is basically the reverse idea of an R-value, and calculates the rate at which the window conducts heat. For U-factor ratings, the lower the numerical expression, the better. Strong U-factor numbers typically fall between 0.17 and 0.3. Finally, low-E windows contain glass that is specially coated to allow only certain wavelengths of ultraviolent energy from the sun to enter your home. So, this clear coating on your windows can end up saving you bundles if you live on a hill or in an area that has plenty of sunshine.
Once you find energy efficient windows, you need to choose the styles of your windows. Depending on the architecture of your home and the locations of the windows within your house, you can choose from a variety of styles, like:
– Single-hung or double-hung windows
– Bay or bow windows
– Awning windows
– Basement windows
– Picture windows
– Horizontal slider windows
– And more
In addition to selecting the types and styles of windows, choosing the contractors who will install your windows is another major factor to consider. If windows are not installed properly, all of their efficiency factors become obsolete. When looking for Newark, Delaware contractors, check to see their track record with installation projects. If they have only performed a few hundred installations, they may not carry the necessary experience to install your windows properly. Also, check to see if they’ve won any awards from review publications like Angie’s List or see if they are members of the Better Business Bureau. An accredited company that’s been in business for at least a decade, has factory-trained installers, and plenty of good references should have the know-how to get the job done the right way.
By following these important steps when purchasing windows for your Newark, Delaware home, you will ensure that you’ve done everything in your control to purchase efficient, stylish, and properly installed windows. Spend some time researching on the Internet, and make sure to ask your friends, family and coworkers for recommendations, to find the company in Newark, DE, that will satisfy all of your requirements.
J. Daniels has many years of experience in publishing articles pertaining to windows for residents of Newark, Delaware, and many other topics for residents of other cities.
J. Daniels has many years of experience in publishing articles about windows for residents of Newark, Delaware, and many other topics for residents of other cities. http://www.pinnacleenergyinc.com/
Author Bio: J. Daniels has many years of experience in publishing articles pertaining to windows for residents of Newark, Delaware, and many other topics for residents of other cities.
Category: Real Estate
Keywords: windows