Time to Install Energy-Efficient Windows!

Our climate is devastating our energy budgets. The cost to heat and cool our DFW area homes is skyrocketing! Homeowners looking to save energy and, at the same time, make their home more attractive and modern, turn to replacement windows.

Let’s face it. Homes built more that 15 years ago have inferior windows. From the 60’s and 70’s aluminum framed single-pane windows to the 80’s and 90’s cheap, entry-level vinyl framed double pane windows, these are all costing you money.

They leak air. Air you already paid to heat or cool is just escaping out into the atmosphere. During hot days, the sun is radiating heat and UV light into your home. It’s contributing to heat gain and fading your furniture.

The Solution: DFW Energy-Efficient Windows

First, a little bit about The Window Experts.

We’re not like any of the other contractors in the home improvement industry. There are several replacement and new window sellers who concentrate on one brand. Not us. We have evaluated and selected the Best Products from dozens of window and door manufacturers. We give you a choice because, no one window manufacturer can offer a deeper selection of brands, styles and window types.

Another way we are different is in our employees. Not sub-contractors, employees who are trained and compensated in order to recruit and retain the Best People. Compare our sales process for one thing. Our “No-Sleazy Sales People” is unique. No high pressure 3 hour presentations where the sales rep will not leave! You’ll get our best deal and allowed to think about your decision. You’ll only get a courteous and respectful employee at every level of our company.

Finally, we have honed our craft and developed our specialty only after testing and implementing the Best Processes. While other companies are still trying to string together a few perfect jobs, our processes result in perfection every time.

In Texas, “If You Don’t Like the Weather…

…Just wait a few minutes”! That’s how the saying goes anyway. We do actually have seasons in the DFW area. We have hot, humid days, heavy rain and hail, high winds and Tornadoes, and snow and ice storms. The Window Experts has window frames and glass units made specifically for these changing conditions.

Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you know there are several prominent home designs. Each design has unique features. Would you install the same brand, frame profile, grid pattern and opening style on all the different styles? No. Windows on a Mediterranean style home don’t really fit in on a Colonial style or Craftsman style home. Likewise for Contemporary and Tudor style homes. They require different window styles…something more period correct.

We already mentioned the “other guys”. They will show their own “brand” of vinyl double-pane windows regardless of home design. We will show you a dozen different brands and a deep selection of frame materials. You’ll be able to select windows that look right on your home on the exterior as well as the interior.

What Makes An Energy-Efficient Window?

Frame Material
Glass Package
Installation

Frame Material – You want your frame material to contribute to energy efficiency. Vinyl is a much better insulating material than some of the aluminum frames in years past. You need air channels to help keep heat transfer at bay. Single extruded aluminum framing would heat up and radiate heat into your home. The most energy efficiency comes from some of the more modern materials. Like composites, fiberglass and wood clad with aluminum (wood window with long lasting aluminum outside.

Glass Package – Single pane glass is completely inefficient. Two or more panes of glass separated by air or one of the inert gases sealed with a perimeter spacer is what is referred to as the “insulated glass unit” (IGU). Glass on modern windows is stronger than single pane glass. Microscopically thin coatings on the glass filter out damaging UV rays and reflect the sun’s energy back out.

Installation – A good window installed poorly is a poor window. A great, leak-free window installation starts with accurate measurements, custom ordering and professional installation. Windows that are ordered specifically for each window opening. Careful removal of old windows, preparation, and flashing before installing your new custom windows results in our “Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee”. Professional installation, every window, every job.

Ready To Get Started? Call or Complete our Request Form!

So, Why Are DFW Homeowners Trading Up To Energy-Saving Windows?

Homes built in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s have really inefficient windows. No double pane. No Low-E coatings. High maintenance wood or heat radiating aluminum. Windows that no longer open or no longer lock. They are worn out and leak like a sieve.

Even newer homes built with cheap builder grade double-pane vinyl have room for improvement. Homes built in the past 10 years may have “energy-star” windows but, things have changed.

Which Windows Do We Recommend for DFW?

For DFW Energy-Efficient Windows, we will show you at least three great brands.

Vinyl Windows – Our favorite vinyl replacement window is Anlin Windows and Doors. These are premium quality vinyl framed windows with superior features from other vinyl windows in the market.

Fiberglass Windows – For fiberglass, it’s hard to beat Infinity from Marvin. Their Ultrex fiberglass is up to 10 times stronger than vinyl. Coated with acrylic in 7 exterior colors and 5 interior colors that are 3 times thicker than other coated or painted window frames.

Wood Windows – If you want real wood interior window frames but want to skip the maintenance of wood exterior frames, you can’t beat Sierra Pacific Windows aluminum clad wood windows. Aluminum exterior, wood interior. Best for craftsman style interiors.

Here are some window improvements Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners are looking for:

Very Low SHGC – In order to battle the hottest and brightest of days, you want a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. A maximum rating of 0.25 is the entry point. Shoot for lower numbers for better protection against heat gain.
Low U-Factor – A U-Factor is the number that helps prevent heat loss in the winter. A rating of 0.3 or lower will help improve winter comfort.
Visible Transmission (VT) – Low-e coatings, while beneficial for reflecting UV light, can reduce visible light making the room darker or give the windows a tinted look. A VT of 1 means 100% of visible light enters the room. Basically, clear glass. Number for VT around .7 will block out about 30% of natural light. The lower the VT rating the darker the room will be. Consideration of this number is largely a matter of taste.
EnergyStar – EnergyStar.gov is the agency that tests windows, doors, and skylights for energy efficiency. This is considered a minimum standard to meet. We have many windows exceeding EnergyStar specifications.
Air Leakage Rate – This is a number that is not always on the NFRC label for new replacement windows. It’s a calculated number on windows subjected to 25mph wind load. It is how many cubic feet of air can penetrate per minute. Generally, a number of .3 or lower is a reasonable number. That’s 3/10 of a cubic foot over one minute’s time.
Design Pressure (DP) – This metric rates the wind or snow load pressure of a given window or skylight. 15-50 (DP15 to DP50) is a common range. Higher numbers mean stronger windows. Tropical force winds require DP50. Inland areas are fine with DP30 range.
Condensation Resistance – Energy efficient windows are effective at eliminating temperature differences between the outside glass surface and the interior glass surface. Typically, you won’t get interior condensation unless you’re not running your A/C and it is very humid (uncomfortable) in your home. Outdoor condensation can still happen on humid days but, the windows should not sweat.

Understanding the NFRC Label

All new and replacement window, door and skylight will have an NFRC label affixed. The National Fenestration Ratings Council test these products and rate them on above specifications.