Window Replacement Combats Cold & Maximizes Winter Energy Efficiency

Will Window Replacement with Ringer Really Combat the Cold?

Have you ever considered window replacement to help beat winter cold? Even though I’m a northerner I don’t consider myself a winter fan. I’ll take 100 degree heat over 20 degree cold any day.

That’s why I feel so comfortable in my home now that I have energy saving Ringer replacement windows. I also realize things about them that I didn’t anticipate. Although these windows were specifically designed to keep out summer heat, they significantly improve my winter comfort as well. On top of that, window replacement with Ringer has significantly reduced my utility bills.

How Do I Maximize Winter Energy Efficiency with Window Replacement?

How can you be sure the new replacement windows you buy will maximize your home’s winter energy efficiency? If you’re shopping for this purpose, the following information will help ensure that your window replacements will be effective. We’ll examine issues such as overall window quality, construction techniques, and materials. In addition, we’ll help you to determine if you’re buying from the right company or contractor. Will they use proper window installation techniques? Do they offer regular home maintenance?

1. Great Window Construction Requires Strong Frames & Sashes

High-quality construction is critically important to the long-term winter energy efficiency of replacement windows. This is because mechanical joints in aluminum and wooden window frames wear out over time and then sag and leak. By contrast, our vinyl window frames are fusion welded into a single unit with corners joined by permanent diagonal seams. These fusion welded corners are more durable and better support heavy glass window panes than small corner joint pins.

At Ringer Windows we also use reinforced metal sashes to improve glass support and prevent sagging. That’s because we know bending is caused by cheaply made sashes unable to carry the glass weight. Believe it or not gravity can be tough on windows, especially large ones which are more susceptible to sagging sashes! This sagging allows air leakage where the upper and lower sashes meet in single or double hung windows. Finally, sagging sashes may lead to seal failures in double pane or triple pane glass.

2. Materials Like Argon Gas & Low-E Coatings Are Essential

Materials play a large role in determining window replacement winter energy efficiency. And one of the most important materials in this regard is dense argon gas. That’s why high-quality double pane windows like ours include it between panes to block cold and improve U-Factors (a U-Factor is the fenestration thermal rating describing a window’s insulating value). If a seal failure occurs, the argon gas escapes and the window will no longer insulate well at lower temperatures.

Double pane glass is another winter energy efficiency improvement with Ringer Windows. Pairing this feature with Low-E coatings is an excellent way to combat cold in Texas. Low-E glass coatings are well known for helping lower the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) during summer. However, they also help reflect IR (infrared heat) back into your home for winter heating! For this reason glass with a low-e factor of at least 366 is a great home winter defense.

In addition, many folks ask if two glass panes are better how about three? Yes, triple pane windows do have lower U-Factors than double pane ones with the same low-e glass. However, the increased weight and cost may outweigh winter efficiency benefits especially in Texas where it doesn’t get that cold. I recommend reading my blog post about triple pane windows for a more detailed discussion. At Ringer Windows, we listened to friends and neighbors about their interest in triple pane window thermal efficiency ratings. They’re certainly one way to improve winter efficiency, but we recommend considering an upgrade to Low-E i89 double pane glass instead. This is because the additional 4th reflective indium layer on the inside surface will reflect more heat from your furnace into your home.

The final material advantage we have at Ringer Windows is our fine 100% virgin vinyl. This durable product is made into window frames with insulated air chambers ideal for winter energy efficiency window replacement. Vinyl also has a low conductivity of heat energy so any loss will be significantly less than with metal windows.

3. Professional Window Replacement & New Construction Installation Required

To end those cold winter months, you need well-made windows with great materials and professional installation. Most people don’t realize that high-quality installation is critically important for windows to provide their best winter energy efficiency.

New construction window installation is more forgiving than replacement window installation. Therefore, it primarily requires a framed opening and a window with a nail flange. However, the window must still be installed properly and insulated, and professional drywall and siding applied with durable sealing materials. If so, the new window will provide the necessary protection against winter cold.

New construction window installation

Replacement window installation is a little more complex and requires strict adherence to a particular method once chosen. And there are a variety of methods to choose from for window replacement installation. However, the most important success factor in a well sealed, insulated job is selecting an experienced installation company.

Believe it or not, using a replacement window for new construction works perfectly! On the other hand, installing a new construction window for a replacement application is never a good idea. Unless, of course, you’re planning to remove the exterior siding to reveal the wood frame. To make installation easier we place an accessory groove around the perimeter of every Ringer window. This groove is designed to receive a variety of trims and mull strips which extend to interior or exterior gaps in uneven openings. Lastly, insulating around the window with a long lasting, high-quality caulk will provide the final touches.

4. Regular Window Maintenance is a Must for Winter Energy Efficiency

Keeping your home winter energy efficient requires regular maintenance. This includes an inspection of caulking around your windows both inside and out at least once per year. Don’t let those small caulk cracks turn into large ones! Annual maintenance will ensure that your windows continue to combat the cold and provide maximum winter energy efficiency.

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