As football begins and the leaves start to turn, now is the time to start thinking about the colder weather. If you spent last year (or several years) noticing that your windows are starting to leak and cause problems for energy efficiency, now is probably the time to consider replacement windows in Salt Lake City.

Identifying Inefficient Windows

Sometimes you may not be able to tell that you have inefficient windows, so it’s important to know what some of the subtle signs of energy loss can be. There are a few ways that you can identify a problem, including:

• Increases in your energy bills from one year to the next, seemingly without other explanations
• Areas of your home (near windows or doors) that are colder or hotter than the rest of the house
• Obvious drafts when you sit near a window or door
• The age of your windows

If you notice these signs, it’s important to get started on planning for new windows before the colder weather sets in.

Replacement Window Options

Today’s energy efficient windows are made up of several components that help keep warm air inside your home and cool air out in winter (or vice versa in the summer). Generally these windows include two or three panes, a gas filler in between the panes, and a low-energy (low-e) coating on the exterior that helps reduce heat transfer. You can also reduce heat loss through the windows by adding window coverings to windows that are exposed to high levels of heat (such as direct sunlight) every day.

What to Shop For

When you’re looking for new windows, there are a couple of things you should be paying attention to:

1. U-factor: this is a measure of how much non-solar heat is gained or lost through the window. A lower U-factor means that the window provides better energy protection.
2. Window material: Some materials on the exterior of your window provide better insulation than others; for example, aluminum window frames don’t provide the same level of protection as fiberglass.
3. Gas filling: The type of filling that you get will depend on your climate and your needs, but having gas between the panes can significantly reduce heat loss and transfer.

 Appearance

 Of course, when you’re going to spend money on new windows you want to consider the appearance. Fortunately today you can find an array of window materials, colors, and styles that will allow you to not only get great energy efficiency but also provide a boost to your home’s exterior.

If you’re ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency, new windows are a great way to do it. Talk to DTI today to find out about your options for Salt Lake City replacement windows.