If you replaced all of the windows in your house, but left openings around the windows, would you still feel a draft? I think we all know what the glass is not the only part of a window that can be energy efficient. How can you figure out if your new replacement windows are truly energy efficient and if you will see the benefits you are expecting from your new windows?
Regrettably, you won’t know just from the manufacturer’s marketing or the NFRC sticker on the window. Manufacturers can choose to publish their NFRC numbers, but these can vary all the way up to <=.30. To put it simply, this number is the highest allowed in residential new construction homes. This “proof” is really not going to be enough to determine if these new windows will end your drafty window situation.
Below are a few attributes to decide if a new window you are looking at is going to provide actual energy efficiency and stop allowing cold or hot air to leak into your home:
- Slop in the Sash—When evaluating new windows, be sure to check for extra play in the frame and sash while the windows are closed. Simply lock the window closed and then attempt to move the window pane up and down and in and out. If there is too much play in the frame, this is indicates “sash slop”. This extra movement can allow air to bypass the window glass, leading to air leaks and drafts. This is the result of low quality design, manufacturing, and material use.
- Interlocking Sashes—Although this sounds like a great feature and would offer excellent sealing, this is not the case. Generally the salesperson will try to place a piece of paper on the frame and close the window on it. Although this seems like a practical window sealing technique, it can draw attention away from the issue with interlocking sashes, either edge. Due to how the interlocking sash works, this can allow too much movement in the window pane, resulting in an inadequate seal. Generally, products with interlocking sashes will have extra weather-stripping as a means to try and make these more efficient, but over time this weather-stripping will shift and cause air leaks on the edges of the window panes.
- 3rd Party Proof—Replacement window manufacturers that really build great products tend to not only post their NFRC numbers, but will have a third-party company test their products to back up their numbers. This extra proof of quality and energy efficiency provides more piece of mind to MN Homeowners and Contractors that these new windows will provide exceptional energy efficiency and high quality seals.
Many of the best window manufacturers today will ensure you do not get any “sash slop” and do not use interlocking sashes to give you the best return on your investment. Also, providing 3rd party proof of the energy efficiency of their new windows is a great way to provide consumers and contractors piece of mind for their investment and ensure they have chosen the right windows for their MN Home.
Roseville Window Contractors | Things to Keep in Mind When Replacing Windows
If you are located in the MN Twin Cities metro area, our best Roseville Window Contractors can give you the service and outcome that you need. We have installed replacement windows in Minneapolis and Saint Paul MN for several years and we hope to continue with your satisfaction. Give us a call at 651-329-4815 or email us at allen@mnwindows.com for more information about our Roseville Window Contractors. You can follow us on Facebook, and read excellent reviews about our window contractors, door installers and siding experts on Angie’s List, BBB and even Houzz!