Window Myths Debunked: Common Misconceptions About Windows in the Midwest

Replacement windows are a big investment, which is why you should do your research before making a purchase. To help you get started, Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati, a top local window replacement company, debunks some of the most common window myths below. 

All Windows Are the Same, More or Less; Their Differences Are Just Hyped by Sales Talk

Windows from national brands tend to have more cutting-edge features than windows from regional manufacturers. To a certain extent, sales talk tends to exaggerate such features, but the savvy consumer should be able to see through the marketing talk by focusing on a product’s certifications and ratings. 

New Windows Won’t Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label as proof that a window can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Replacement windows have to undergo independent testing and meet stringent criteria set by the Environmental Protect Agency to earn this certification. 

However, just because a window is ENERGY STAR-certified, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suited for your area’s climate. Look at these specific ratings:

1. U-factor – This is a measurement of a window’s insulative capabilities. The lower a window’s U-factor is, the better it can prevent heat transfer. 
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – This gives you an idea of how much heat from the sun can pass through a window. The lower the SHGC rating, the less heat that can pass through a window. 

The ideal U-factor and SHGC ratings for you will depend on your local climate, but as a general rule, windows with low U-factor ratings perform better in cold climates, while windows with low SHGCs are more suitable for homes in warmer climates. 

Avoid Sliding Windows and Patio Doors; Heat Can Easily Leak Through Them

Old sliding patio doors or sliding windows were certainly prone to air leaks, which could make the home uncomfortably stuffy on hot summer days and miserably drafty on cold winter days. Fortunately, manufacturers have developed new features to address these issues. For example, Renewal by Andersen windows are built with our innovative Fibrex® material. This composite material is made from reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer and provides unparalleled energy efficiency. Aside from its excellent insulating capabilities, Fibrex window frames are resistant to temperature extremes and twice as strong as vinyl, making them suitable for the extreme temperature shifts of the Midwestern climate. 

If you want to increase your home’s energy-efficiency, we recommend new windows with glass coatings. Our High-Performance™ low-E4® SmartSun™ glass can block 95% of UV rays, which would otherwise cause your valuables to become faded, and are 70% and 49% more energy-efficient than a regular dual-paned window in summer and winter, respectively. 

It’s worth noting that in the same way that one feature alone won’t make a window energy-efficient, energy-efficient windows can’t singlehandedly improve your home’s energy-efficiency. To see a huge improvement, you may need to make some modifications to other parts of your exterior, like your doors. 

Summer Is the Best Time to Install New Windows

Some homeowners put off installing new replacement windows until summer, thinking it’s the best time for home improvement projects. While it’s true you don’t have to worry about heat leaking out of your windows in the summer, the scorching temperatures can cause their own set of problems. 

Fall is arguably the best time to install new windows—contractors can work more efficiently in the cool, dry autumn weather, and business also tends to be a little slower, which means you may have more flexibility in scheduling your project.

Installing Windows Yourself Can Save You a Lot of Money

To try and save money, some homeowners attempt to install the windows themselves. However, we don’t recommend DIY window installation, as even the slightest error can lead to a host of problems, from seal failure to poor energy efficiency. For best results, leave the window installation to a qualified window contractor. 

Renewal by Andersen’s Signature Service 

When you buy a Renewal by Andersen window, you won’t have to worry about finding or vetting contractors. We have complete oversight of the manufacturing and installation process, from the customization of the window right down to its installation in your home. 

Want to know more about our premium products? Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati offers a wide variety of windows and doors, including French patio doors. To schedule a free consultation with one of our design experts, call us at (866) 609-5033 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Cincinnati, OH, and nearby areas.