Crack the Code for Solid Residential Window Replacement

Considering an upgrade? Tired of dealing with drafty windows that drive up your energy bills? Or maybe, you’re ready for a fresh, new look for your home this summer. Whatever the reason, choosing the best residential window replacement can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, and unknown window lingo,

How can you crack the code to choose the best residential window replacement?

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the best residential window replacement for your Louisiana home. From energy efficiency to our preferred manufacturer, we’ll give you the code so you can make an informed decision – and love your home again!

First and foremost, let’s talk about energy efficiency. This is HUGE for Louisiana homeowners. The summers are scorching, so energy-efficient windows are crucial to keep energy bills from exploding. Not only will energy-efficient windows help keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round, but they can also save you money in the long run.

Here’s what to look for:

The NFRC Label

The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) is an independent, non-profit organization that establishes window, door, and skylight energy performance based on five factors. The label can get complicated, so here’s a quick cheat sheet:

1. U-Factor – The insulating value of the entire system. The lower the better.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – The amount of heat from the sun passing through the glass. From 0-1, the lower the better.
3. Visible Transmittance – The amount of visible light passing through glass. From 0 – 1, the higher the brighter.
4. Air Infiltration – Measures air entering or escaping. The lower the better.
5. Condensation Resistance – The moisture it takes for glass to condensate when exposed to extreme interior/exterior temperature changes. From 0 – 100, the higher the better resistance.

If you want more info, check out this blog post.

ENERGY STAR Certified

This is a bit easier, as it comes with a color-coded map.

ENERGY STAR is a government-funded program, that provides simple and unbiased energy-efficiency information about tons of products available in the U.S.

Simply put, since Louisiana is in the Red Zone (the Southern Climate Zone), ENERGY STAR recommends a U-Factor of < 0.32 and a <0.23 SHGC. Remember the NFRC label above?

Our Preferred Manufacturer

At Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement, we’ve helped Louisiana homeowners love their homes for over 25 years.  We’ve seen a wide range of product quality, which is why we install ProVia windows. ProVia offers versatile styles in their durable doors and windows, and they are ENERGY STAR certified.

ProVia offers several “glass packages.” According to their website, this means you can choose the “combination of window glass construction, energy-efficient coating, and insulation, to provide varying levels of energy efficiency.”

Here are the four components:

1. Low-E Glass – Special coatings that reflect infrared light, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. These low-E coatings also reflect ultraviolet light, which helps protect interior furnishings from fading.
2. Multiple Panes – Two panes of glass with an air or gas-filled space in the middle insulate much better than a single pane. And, three panes are better than two.
3. Gas Fills – Energy-efficient argon or krypton gas between the panes. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases insulate better than air.
4. Super Spacer® – A warm edge spacer keeps the glass panes the correct distance apart. ProVia’s Super Spacer, a non-metallic, dual-seal insulating glass spacer, insulates the pane edges, reduces heat transfer through the window, and offers the lowest U-Factor among dual-seal systems. Super Spacer performed the best among other dual- and single-seal units in the world’s toughest IG (insulating glass) durability test.

And just as we have the experience to choose the best residential window replacements, we pride ourselves in being the best choice to install those windows. But, if you want to shop around, make sure to do your due diligence. Make sure the company is reputable and has been around for a while, with numerous positive reviews from past customers. Make sure they install products with warranties and offer warranties on their work, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

We know budget is another important factor when choosing the best residential window replacement, but don’t just choose the lowest quote. While it may be tempting, cheaper upfront quotes may not pay off in the long run. Again, consider the long-term savings on energy bills that energy-efficient windows can provide. Consider the potential increase in property value with high-quality, attractive windows. And don’t forget, consider paying twice, as low-cost contractors rarely stand by their mistakes.

Choosing the best residential window replacement for your Louisiana home isn’t easy. There’s a window code to crack, energy efficiency levels, style options, and a spectrum of trustworthy contractors. There are many factors to take into account, but use these tips to help you choose the best product and contractor.

Choose wisely (we trust you 😉) and love your home again!