Step 4: Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home
Now that you’re more familiar with window terminology and options, you’re ready to choose the windows that are right for your unique home. Answer the following questions to help determine which windows suit your home the best:
1. Does direct sun heat your home too much?
- Yes! Choose sealed units with LowE3 coating and Argon gas inside the sealed unit. This will give you a lower amount of solar heat gain compared to other sealed units, while providing excellent energy efficiency.
- No. Instead of LowE3 coating and argon, you might only need LowE2 for optimum energy efficiency.
2. Do you want sun to heat your home?
- Yes! Choose sealed units with LowE2 coating and Argon gas inside the sealed unit. This will give you more solar heat gain than LowE3 coatings, but still gives excellent energy efficiency.
- No. To avoid excess heat from the sun, choose LowE3 coating and Argon gas for your windows.
3. Does direct sun fade your carpets and furniture?
- Yes! Choose sealed units with LowE3 coating and Argon gas inside the sealed unit. This glass coating blocks about 95% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, while providing excellent energy efficiency.
- No. If ultraviolet radiation is not a concern, a LowE2 coating should suffice for your windows.
4. Are you concerned about break-ins?
- Yes! Choose laminated glass, where the plastic interlay laminated between the two pieces of glass will make it very difficult for anyone to break the glass and get into your home.
- No. Tempered glass should be purchased for safety’s sake, but laminate glass may not be necessary.
5. Do you want to restrict outside noise?
- Yes! Choose laminated glass, which provides greater noise insulation than other sealed units. Also ensure your windows have multiple interior chambers, for optimum sound abatement.
- No. No special glass is necessary. A multi-chamber is still recommended for insulating purposes.
Next Steps:
We hope our buying guide has helped you decide which windows are the best fit for your home, and are best suited to provide you with years of energy efficiency, safety, security and, of course, great looks and style.