November is a pretty good month for those of us here in Dallas and Fort Worth; the leaves are changing, temperatures are in the 70's, and the heat of summer is in the rear view mirror. Unfortunately, we only have a few more weeks until it starts to get chilly. And that can spell trouble for your windows (and your energy bills).
Why? Windows are one of the main entry points for cold outdoor air. See all that red and orange in the above picture? That's where the cold is coming in, and where the indoor heat is seeping out.
So how do you know if your windows are doing a crummy job? Here are some things to look for:
1) Single Pane Windows: Windows that have only one pane of glass are usually not sufficient to keep the cold air out.
2) Warm or Cool Spots: On a day that is either hot or cold, feel the window and check for any hot or cool spots. Finding them means the window is not insulating well.
3) Loud Outdoor Noise: Poor insulation can allow sound into the home. Excessive amounts of noise are an indicator of ineffective insulation.
4) Drafts: If you notice hot or cold drafts while sitting near your windows, this is a sign of poor insulation.
5) Foggy Windows: This is a sign that the spacer around the perimeter of the window and between the panes has failed from years of contraction and expansion, letting air and moisture enter between the panes, causing the fogginess.
So what are your options if your windows are insulating poorly? You can either choose to replace only the glass with energy efficient Low-E glass, or choose the replace the window entirely (frame, parts, glass).
Even though it's going to cost more, replacing the entire window will ultimately be the best decision for most homeowners when you look at your overall return on investment. According to Angie's List, window replacement was one of the 5 remodeling projects with the best ROI. The list was based on surveys of remodeling professionals.
Which brings us to the next question; what kind of windows should you buy? This doesn't have a clear cut answer. As a company that takes a supermarket approach to remodeling, we don't try to push a certain window material or manufacturer to our customers. For example, even though wood windows require a lot more maintenance in order to avoid structural problems, we know that a lot of our customers ultimately prefer it because of wood's aesthetic qualities.
During our 30+ years of experience we have found that vinyl windows are by far the most popular type of window with our customers. Why?
1) Energy Efficient: Vinyl has excellent insulating properties, which keeps hot and cold temperatures out of your home and keeps money in your wallet.
2) Affordable: Vinyl tends to be the least expensive window material.
3) Low-Maintenance: Unlike wood, vinyl never has to be painted and can last over 40 years.
That's one of the reasons Brennan Enterprises developed our very own line of energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows. The Brennan Traditions line was designed by window experts that understand the demands of installing windows in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, and our expert staff can help homeowners determine the right windows for their home.
Click here to download a full color Brennan Traditions Brochure.
If you are looking to replace those windows before winter comes calling, Brennan Enterprises has been installing windows since 1979 in Dallas and Fort Worth. We are:
- A+ BBB
- 5 Star Rated Contractor by Home Services Review
- Angie's List Super Service Winner 2007-Present
- NARI Remodeler
To schedule a complimentary, pressure-free appointment with one of our window consultants, call 1-877-627-7341 or click here to schedule online.
Check out our reviews on Angie's List! (Super Service Award Winner 2007-present)
For a limited time, Brennan Enterprises is offering 20% off ALL window products. Click on the button to schedule your appointment today!