Brrrrr - That cold front was really nice and refreshing but, I'll bet it sure gave your home's heater a work out. And if you have old windows (single pane, builder grade), a lot of that heat just escaped into the atmosphere. Let's call a spade a spade. Leaky windows are "Money Leaks"!
New Replacement Windows are built better in many ways:
- Better Frames - Vinyl or Thermally Broken Aluminum
- Double Pane Glass
- Huge Air Gap of 3/4 inch or 7/8 inch!
- Argon Gas between the panes
- Low E Glass coatings - prevents heat exchange "pass thru"
All of these features work together to help you keep the heat inside your house where you can enjoy it.
The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) gives windows a rating for thermal retention. It is what is known as the U Factor rating. Energy Star windows have a pretty flexible rating for U Factor and it is scaled like this:
- Northern Climate: .35 or less
- North Central Climate: .40 or less
- South Central Climate: .40 or less
- Southern Climate "Texas": .75 - .60 or less
But, is "Energy Star" certified enough? Not really...
Here in Texas, you would be hard pressed to find windows with the U Factor in the recommended range of .60 to .75 because most windows available are better that that. In fact, in order to get a Federal Energy Credit anywhere in the US, the windows must meet .30 or lower! That is lower (better) rating than what they recommend in North Dakota and Minnesota!
I can tell you this for sure; Energy is not getting any cheaper. So I am happy that the Federal Rebate program requirements are so stringent. I am also happy to say that All-Tex Exteriors has plenty of options available so that you can not only meet the requirements for the rebate but, to ensure the comfort and safety of your family as well!
How about having us out for a consultation...we don't charge for that! We hope to see you soon!
