Florida homeowners have a variety of reasons to invest in energy efficient replacement windows. Outdated windows contribute to high energy bills by letting in unwanted heat and forcing air conditioners to work harder.
Moreover, they compromise the security and protection of homes and buildings as well as detract from their overall aesthetics. Replacing old, outdated, and damaged windows with energy-efficient impact windows can solve all of these issues.
Double-Pane Glazing
Adding double-pane windows to your Fort Lauderdale home is one of the best energy efficient upgrades you can make. It’s a simple, yet effective solution to help lower your energy bills, while making your home more comfortable year round.
The main advantage of double pane windows is the layer of insulation they add to your house. This is because the glass itself is a poor conductor of heat, while the space between the two panes acts as an insulator. This reduces heat loss during the winter and prevents the sun’s harmful UV rays from heating up your home in the summer.
The gap between the windows is commonly filled with an inert gas such as argon, krypton or xenon to increase their resistance to thermal transfer even more. These gases also provide added protection against air leaks, which are common with single pane windows. This makes the upgrade not only energy efficient, but also an effective deterrent against unwanted intruders.
Triple-Pane Glazing
Adding an extra pane of glass to your windows makes them more durable, energy-efficient, and capable of protecting your home from inclement weather. With triple-pane windows, you can expect to save money on your energy bills year-round and experience less stress on your HVAC system in the summer and winter.
Triple-pane windows offer superior insulating capabilities, thanks to the spaces between the three glass panes which can be filled with argon or other insulating gas. This reduces the temperature of your windows and prevents heat transfer through the glass surface, making it easier to keep your home at a consistent temperature.
Milgard triple-pane windows are designed to withstand Florida’s diverse climate conditions, while also providing reliable and long-lasting performance. With options that include low-E glass coatings, argon gas fills, and frame insulation, you can enjoy a high level of energy efficiency for your home while improving its aesthetic.
Alside Windows
Alside windows are made of vinyl and offer a wide range of customization options. They are a good choice for Fort Lauderdale homeowners seeking energy efficiency and aesthetics.
The company’s ENERGY STAR-certified products meet strict performance standards across all U.S climate zones. Their Low-E glass coating reflects heat away from the home in summer and keeps it inside during winter. This can reduce your energy bills and prevent faded furniture from damaging your interiors.
Other features that can help make your home more energy efficient include a sloped sill for optimal drainage, a bulk seal to prevent air leakage, and an insulated spacer system. They also come with a heavy-duty screen and are available in a variety of colors.
One thing to keep in mind about Alside is that the brand’s warranty isn’t as strong as some of its competitors’. However, the company has been around since 1947 and is likely to be around when you need warranty support down the road.
Atrium Windows
Atrium manufactures a line of energy efficient new-construction and replacement windows. They also offer a wide selection of impact windows that protect the interior of your home from intruders while blocking out sunlight and lowering noise levels. Additionally, the multi-layer laminated impact glass will reduce both cooling and heating costs by reducing energy consumption.
The company has a number of different window lines that are targeted for builders, consumers and architects/designers on a regional basis. They have a few plants across the country that produce different window lines including Safe Harbor hurricane impact resistant windows, Silent Guard sound proof windows and Paradign 8300 series vinyl double hung windows.
The Paradign 8300 windows are a solid mid range vinyl window and probably worth a bid, but any window is only as good as the installer that installs it. If you go with Atrium, be sure to get a quality professional contractor. Several companies like Reliabilt and Ellison rebrand the Atrium window series and sell them through their dealer networks.