Winter has once again tightened its grip on the majority of the country, leading people to make preparations for the cold temperatures setting in and the even more treacherous weather yet to come. Although dragging out the cold-weather wardrobe, having your home’s heating system inspected and making sure all your weather stripping is intact are important parts of the process, your windows shouldn’t be ignored. They’re charged with helping to keep outside elements where they belong, so make sure they’re up for the task at hand.
As the staff of AM Richards Glass Co Inc in O’Fallon MO can tell you, your windows are crucial to comfort and energy efficiency. If your home is decked out in cracked, decaying wood window frames, it may be time to start thinking about replacements. Vinyl is said to be your best bet in this department because it’s a virtually maintenance-free option. At the same time, this particular material is designed to offer a higher level of protection against inward drafts and escaping air.
Aside from being insulated, vinyl frames have built-in chambers made to prevent heat exchange. In short, warm air stays inside during winter months and outside in the summertime. These tend to cost a bit more upfront, but most homeowners insist they pay for themselves via reduced energy bills.
When it comes to window panes, a bounty of new, more energy-efficient alternatives are available. Single panes offer little in the way of protection, but they’re quickly becoming a thing of the past. Double-glazed windows have become the new norm. They’re equipped with double panes and an insulative barrier in between to prevent a great deal of heating and air conditioning from escaping your home’s grasp.
Despite the greatly improved efficiency of double-glazed panes, they’re not the most highly rated on the market. Triple-glazed windows have made their appearance, and many come armed with an additional Low-E coating to increase their reflective abilities. Some also offer a generous supply of protective gasses hidden between their panes to further hold out the great outdoors.
Your windows are a vital component in your home’s energy efficiency. If they’re coming apart at the seams or simply outdated, they’re probably not living up to your expectations. Consider having them replaced with one of the today’s more advantageous alternatives, and Visit the Website of AM Richards Glass Co Inc in O’Fallon MO to learn more about the options available to you.
