How to Select the Best Windows for Your Home in Utah
How to Select the Best Windows for Your Home in Utah - Our Guide - Salt Lake Window Company
An aspect of proper home maintenance is window replacement. Just like you replace and upgrade appliances over time, your windows also need replacing to improve the livability of your residence, boost the aesthetics of your home, improve noise insulation, get access to more natural light, and allow easier cleaning. But perhaps the most crucial factor in replacing windows is the drastic reduction in energy costs. Around 45 to 61 percent of your home's heating energy can be lost through subpar windows, and approximately 79 to 86 percent of heat can be gained. It all hinges on the window you end up choosing. Then again, selecting the best window suitable for your home is not easy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach because it's dependent on a number of factors, the most important of which is the climate.
How the Weather Affects Your Windows
The area where you live is what heavily affects your decision when choosing windows. If you reside in Utah, a region that experiences four seasons, the window should have features like insulated protection, excellent solar heat resistance, and spectrally selective coatings.
Across the state, the most popular window type is the horizontal sliding window, which comes in multiple variants: single or double sliders and single-hung. These styles are user-friendly and allow for less air infiltration compared to other types. For optimum performance, they can be paired with energy-efficient glass. It's best to avoid single-pane windows because they provide little solar resistance, which can result in higher energy bills.
To aid you in choosing the best windows for your home, here is a handy guide that you can serve as a reference, categorized by the climate in your area:
If you live in a warm climate:
The southern part of Utah can experience weather as warm as low 100s in the summer. Your priority, then, should be cooling your home and preventing heat from coming in. Choosing double-glazed windows with a lower SHGC is recommended since they deliver good insulation, especially in homes using frequent air-conditioning.
If you live in a cold climate:
Central Utah experiences cooler weather with a high of 83 degrees and a low of 48 degrees on average. If you reside in this area, you should opt for windows that are triple or double-glazed and feature high SHGC coefficient and low U-factor. These types of windows maximize winter solar heat gains and minimize heat loss. You can also consider windows with high visual transmittance and low air infiltration like casement windows.
If you live in a mixed climate:
If you reside in an area that experiences a mixed climate, it is advised that you stick to windows with a lower U-factor, about 0.40 or less. That way, less heat is transmitted, allowing you to reduce the cost of air conditioning and improve the overall comfort in your home. But you also have to consider the direction the windows face as it affects the optimal SHGC value.
In conclusion
The number one factor to consider when choosing the best windows to replace your current ones is the climate. If you're due for a window replacement in Utah, get in touch with us to see how we can help.