Windows can account for 25-30 percent of your home’s heating and cooling costs. If you have old, single-pane windows, replacing them with energy-efficient models can reduce your utility bills significantly.
Look for Energy Star-partner models with low U-factors and high Visible Transmittance (VT) ratings, which allow more natural light into living spaces without compromising insulation. You’ll also be able to claim a federal tax credit on these upgrades, which can further offset the cost.
Renewal by Andersen
This company offers a comprehensive start-to-finish process. Their website features a well-organized map of links that guide homeowners through the entire replacement window process, starting with scheduling an in-home consultation.
Energy efficiency is a key feature of Renewal by Andersen products. Their windows reduce energy loss and increase home comfort. They are made of Fibrex material, which is twice as strong as vinyl and can withstand extreme temperatures. They are also designed to be durable and require less maintenance.
The company also focuses on green manufacturing practices and a limited amount of toxins that off-gas during construction. Their products are backed by a long-term, transferable warranty. Their parent company, Andersen, has a history of environmental stewardship and is an ENERGY STAR partner. Their product line includes windows, doors, and screens. They offer several frame materials and glass options, including Sun and SmartSun glass. Each option balances cost, energy efficiency, and light transmittance. The company has a dedicated team that works with each homeowner.
Window World
If you are looking to replace your windows with energy-efficient options, consider a company like Window World. This home improvement company has been around for over 25 years and offers a variety of products to help you live comfortably in your home. They are also known for their industry-leading warranty covering product, parts, and labor for life.
They use Low-E glass and argon gas insulation to increase efficiency. Their SolarZone insulated glass features a warm-edge spacer system and low-emissivity coatings that reduce solar heat gain without blocking visible light transmission. This helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year, even in hot or cold weather.
Window World is a company that specializes in energy-efficient replacement windows, doors, and siding. They manufacture their windows through a nationwide network of franchises, and their products are designed to be affordable and easy to maintain. The company’s vinyl windows are very durable and come with a lifetime guarantee. They are one of the most economical window options on the market and are available in many styles and colors.
Marvin Windows & Doors
Many homeowners choose to install Marvin windows & doors because they are made-to-order and come with a strong warranty. They also offer a variety of design options and customization options to suit any home style. However, they are a bit more expensive than some other brands.
The company offers a wide range of styles, packages, and features, including options for energy efficiency. Their glass coatings help manage how much heat is reflected or conducted from the inside of a house. These coatings can be paired with various frame colors and wood stains.
ENERGY STAR guidelines are a good place to start when choosing energy-efficient windows, but every home is unique. Your local Marvin dealer can recommend the best products for your climate zone.
Their Ultimate impact rated products are designed for those who demand beautiful aesthetics, design flexibility, and rigorous impact performance. They can meet Miami-Dade County and state of Florida code requirements. These products can be used for new construction or to replace existing windows.
Pella Windows
The company’s website is well organized and provides the information customers need to make their decisions. The homepage features a beautiful shot of the company’s windows and an inviting message that suggests customers can find those windows for their own homes.
Pella offers eight product lines, each with a variety of window styles and materials. Most models are available in wood, aluminum-clad wood, and fiberglass. A few of the more popular models are Energy Star-qualified, which helps to reduce a home’s energy bills and lower its carbon footprint. These models also offer low U-factors and high VT ratings, which maximize the amount of natural light entering a home.
Pella also offers two specialty series for homes in storm-prone areas. These include the Hurricane Shield Series and the Defender Series. The latter is designed to hold up during hurricane-force winds and demanding coastal conditions, while the former resists damage from intruders and UV rays. Both are made from durable materials that offer long-term performance and protection for homeowners.