Step Four
Choosing the Best Vinyl Replacement Windows for Your Home
Now that you’ve reviewed vinyl window components, window styles and current vinyl window technologies, you’re ready to select the best vinyl windows for your home. To help you choose, consider the following questions:
Does direct sun overheat your home?
- Yes – Choose sealed units with LowE3 coating and argon gas inside the sealed unit. This lowers the amount of solar heat gain compared to other units, while providing excellent energy efficiency.
- No – A LowE2 unit should suffice while still providing optimum energy efficiency.
Do you want the sun to heat your home more?
- Yes – Choose sealed units with LowE2 coating and argon gas inside the sealed unit. This gives you more solar heat gain than LowE3 coatings but while maintaining excellent energy efficiency.
- No – Choose LowE3 coating and argon gas.
Does direct sun fade your carpets and furniture?
- Yes – Choose sealed units with LowE3 coating and argon gas inside the sealed unit. Argon blocks about 95% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays while providing excellent energy efficiency.
- No – A LowE2 coating should suffice.
Are you concerned about break-ins?
- Yes – Choose laminated glass, where the laminated plastic interlay makes it very difficult for anyone to break it and enter your home.
- No – Tempered glass is still a good choice for safety. Laminate glass may not be necessary.
Do you want to restrict outside noise?
- Yes – Choose laminated glass, which provides greater noise insulation than other sealed units. 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.
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