Windows play various important roles, from protecting you from the elements to adding more value to your home. If your windows aren’t in good condition, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider window replacement in Alaska:

1. Better Energy Efficiency

We’ll be the first to admit that original, historic windows have a certain appeal to them. But, while they look amazing, they aren’t as energy efficient as new windows. And, with heating and cooling costs on the rise, you simply can’t afford to throw money out the window. Replacing your old windows with new ones that offer insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings can save you between 10% and 25% each year on heating and cooling costs.

2. Old Windows May Cause Harm to Your Home

If your windows are poorly sealed, worn or damaged, they might cause damage to your home. For instance, if your window is poorly sealed, you might lose warm air during winter. A leak in your windows could cause water damage to the wall, furniture, and carpets every time it rains or snows. Window replacement is the most effective action you can take to avoid a situation like this.

3. Reduce Noise

Picture this: you can’t wait to get home and curl up under a blanket after a long, stressful day at work. But instead of the peace and quiet you were hoping for, you are welcomed by the noise of a construction site near your home. You could avoid this scenario entirely by replacing your old windows with dual-pane or laminated glass. This feature can reduce the outside noise, making it easier for you to relax at the end of the day. These windows will reduce how noise is leaving the home as well, so you can pump up the volume without bothering your neighbors.

4. Improve the Air Quality

One of the benefits that often gets forgotten when talking about window replacement is how new windows can improve indoor air quality significantly. If you replace your heating and cooling filters every 30 days, then you will benefit immensely from replacing the old windows in your home. The multi-chamber design of new windows will keep the interior air of your home pure and clear, as it is constantly filtered through your cooling and heating system. 

5. Improved Security

When thinking about home security, most people tend to focus on doors and fences. While all these are important, they seem to forget the fact that their windows are a vital element of home security. Old windows that don’t lock properly are a gold mine for burglars. Window replacement is a great way to ensure that your home is protected from the elements as well as break-ins.

6. More Light

According to recent studies, natural light keeps us healthy and improves our sleep quality. New windows have small frames and large panes compared to old ones, allowing more light to enter your home.

7. Add to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You’ll be amazed by the difference new windows can make to your home. Not only do they look great, but they also offer great functionality.

8. Increased Home Value

Window replacement is a great investment, especially if you plan to sell the house someday. Nowadays, home buyers look for homes that not only look good but are also energy efficient. Old, drafty windows are a big turn-off, and sellers are usually forced to reduce the price to compensate for the costs of upgrading. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, homeowners get around 73% of their window replacement investment back when they sell the house.

Even the most expensive windows won’t deliver the look and functionality you expect if they’re not installed properly.  Make sure you work with the right window replacement company to truly benefit from the advantages offered by new windows. If you’re ready to replace your windows, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Why It’s Important to Replace Old Windows in Your Home appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

ENERGY STAR®-certified windows are the best defense at reducing the negative effects of constant exposure to UV rays. All our high-performance Low-E4® glass packages have exceptional energy-efficiency ratings, but they filter out UV rays differently. Here’s how the four best types of glass for the Alaskan climate work:

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass

SmartSun glass meets our highest standards in cool and hot weather performance. SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harsh UV rays

• Low-E4® Glass

Perfect where both heating and cooling costs are a concern, our Low-E4 glass helps keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and blocks 84% of harmful UV rays.

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass with HeatLock® Technology

All the benefits of our Low-E4 SmartSun glass that blocks 95% of UV rays plus an energy-saving glass coating that helps your living space feel warmer and more comfortable.

• Triple Pane Glass

An extra pane of glass helps keep the indoor temperature in and the outdoor temperature out, making this our most energy-efficient option. Perfect for colder climates where more months of the year are spent heating the home.

Our windows take advantage of the newest technologies to help lower your energy costs and keep your belongings and family safe from UV damage. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The 4 Best Types of Glass for Alaska appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

PROS

• THE WEATHER. Typical weather conditions in summer allow for a higher quality installation. Because there’s less damp and no rain or snow, a summer installation also means a cleaner house.
• UV PROTECTION. The sun shines brighter during these months, which means that new windows will be more efficient at blocking UV rays from entering your home. This will help prevent fading of carpets, furniture and other items and protect you and your family.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY. If you want to save money on energy bills each month then replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones should be high on your list of priorities. Energy efficient windows will reduce cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter.
• FASTER INSTALL. More daylight hours and better weather means faster completion of the install. Installation is less likely to interfere with daily routines and children’s schedules like school.
• COLD WEATHER READY. Waiting until fall or winter to replace windows means having to live with drafty windows through those seasons until your new windows are in.
• PERFECT FOR SEALANTS AND CAULKING. Mid temperatures and warm, dry weather are what you want for sealants and caulking to apply and dry their best. However, extreme temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent caulking from curing well.

CONS

• EXTREME HEAT. On days of extreme heat, installers can’t work during the afternoon. That may be rare in Alaskan summers, but it can happen which will mean prolonging the length of your installation. The same applies for homeowners as well. It’s not the best idea to paint or stain window trim when the sun’s at its peak. You’ll have to leave it to the morning or evening.
• YOUR HOUSE CAN HEAT UP. But you can take steps to cool your home down. If you’re having windows installed and heat from the sun is entering the room where installation is taking place, you can close the door to that room to keep the rest of your house cool.
• FOREST FIRE SMOKE. While not frequent, forest fires do happen. If you’re having your windows replaced during smoky conditions, doing the above will help prevent smoke from entering your home.
• BUSY SEASON. Summer is peak home renovation time. You may want to consider scheduling an install for the milder months of fall and spring to give you the advantage of increased installation availability.
• BUGS. Of course, removing windows gives insects and mosquitoes the chance to enter your home. This is especially true if you live near trees, shrubs, or water sources where they tend to congregate. But burning insect coils or candles or setting up an insect trap in the room should help keep them at bay.

Regardless of which time of year works best for you, know that Renewal by Andersen installers are Certified Master Installers with years of experience who take pride in setting the highest standard in the market. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The Pros and Cons of Replacing Windows in Summer appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.