Are your windows costing you money?
Whether you’ve just purchased an older condo or thinking of replacing windows in your current condo, it’s important to not just replace your windows but upgrade them as well to ensure you’re making a lasting and energy efficient choice.
Here are some things to consider when deciding to replace your condo’s windows:
Age
How old is your condo? If your condo is 30 or more years, as many of the beautiful mid-century modern homes are here in the desert, you may want to replace your windows. Homes from the 1960’s and 1970’s weren’t typically confined to industry standards as they are today. These homes tend to have single paned windows that don’t effectively control climate. This may cause higher usage of energy to cool or warm homes. Recent technology has improved windows significantly. Windows today offer better energy efficiency, ease of use, sound reduction, lower maintenance and more safety and security.
Material
- Glass type
You should consider what type of glazing or glass you should use to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Certain window glazes and glass may provide better insulation, light quality, and condensation resistance. For example, windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings often are more energy efficient than windows without.
- Frame type
There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials, but vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and some composite frame materials provide greater thermal resistance than metal. While durable, light, and almost maintenance free, metal or aluminum window frames conduct heat very rapidly, which makes metal a very poor insulating material. Check to see what type of material your current windows are to ensure you have the best material to withstand our desert’s climate conditions.
Style
The style of a window can affect how well your window insulates. Single-hung, double-hung, and sliding windows leak more air than casement, awning, and hopper windows. Updating the style of your window is an investment that pays for itself when you consider how much you could be saving by upgrading poorly insulated style windows.
Installation
Lastly, installation must be mentioned as it cannot be overlooked when discussing window efficiency. Flashing and proper caulking may be the cheapest parts of window installation, but if they’re not done right, air and water leaks could cause various problems that could have been easily prevented. If your windows are not installed correctly, you might not get the savings or comfort you expect.
Palm Springs Window Replacement
If you’re ready to replace or upgrade your windows, California Window & Door can help. We work with quality window experts and products that provide our customers with the best materials, the latest styles and lasting designs that best fit your home. With so many options to choose from and our expertise to guide you, call today for a free quote, (760) 773-1053.
Always check with your HOA prior to making any home improvements.