1. Improved Comfort

Our windows let plenty of natural light into your home while blocking outside noise. Energy-efficient windows also provide the ability to better control room temperature.

2. Lower Utility Bills

Our ENERGY-STAR® rated windows lower heating and cooling costs through the year. Energy-efficient windows insulate better than regular windows, so they reduce heat loss through the glass during winter and reduce heat gain during summer.

3. Improved Insulation

In Alaska, our temperatures fluctuate a lot during the year. Our high-quality windows insulate well against extreme cold or heat, helping you save on energy bills. And as mentioned above, improved insulation means greater noise reduction.

4. Improved Security

New windows provide a higher level of security, adding another layer of protection from the outside world. Old windows and patio doors may have warps or cracks that cause the locking mechanism to fail, making it easier to break into the home. With new windows, there’s no need for a broomstick in the window frame!

5. Lower Maintenance Costs

The high-quality materials used in our windows are designed to last longer than regular replacement windows and require less maintenance throughout their lifecycle. Our proprietary and patented Fibrex® material lasts longer and performs better than products competitors use.

6. Improved Indoor Air Quality

Windows that are poorly insulated or lack weather stripping allow outside air to leak into your home. Our windows improve your indoor air quality by blocking out dust, pollen, mold spores and other allergens that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. If you want to have your windows open, fiberglass insect screens are included with every operable window, keeping bugs out while inviting air flow in.

7. Better Home Appraisal Value

New windows also improve the look and functionality of a home. Should you choose to sell, new windows will often raise a home’s value.

When it comes to the windows in your home, there’s no substitute for good window design and quality craftsmanship. 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 Prices Are Up, But We’ve Got You Covered. We’ll Save You Money in the Long Run. appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Re-seal drafty windows with caulk

Applying new caulk around the glass panes is a popular go-to for improving draft problems. This can be especially helpful if any of the existing seals have cracks, or if you can feel cold air when you’re near the window itself. Start by choosing a silicone caulk that matches your window or your trim. Then scrape off the old caulk, cleaning off any of the debris once you’re finished. Fill the gaps between your window panes and the window frame and let the caulk set for 24 hours.

2. Add weatherstripping to windows

Adding weatherstripping to windows helps close any small gaps that may cause drafts. Start by measuring the outermost seam of your window frames, this is the seam between the window and your wall. Then, cut four pieces of weatherstripping to size—one for each side of the window. Remove the adhesive backing from the weatherstripping, and press into the window seam to seal gaps. It’s as easy as that!

3. Apply clear insulation film

Window insulation film is a popular (and very inexpensive) option that basically acts as a storm window, which can be applied with adhesive or magnetic tape. To prepare for installation, wipe down and measure your window sill, trim, and frame. You’ll need tape dimensions for the size of your window -1 inch, and film dimensions for the size of your window and frame +10 inches.

Here’s how to apply it to your windows:

• Cut and measure the adhesive or magnetic tape that comes with the window insulation film kit. Apply adhesive tape to your whole window, leaving a 1-inch space from your window from the window frame edge.
• Cut your plastic film and add 10 inches to the height and width of your window, so when applied, the film goes beyond window glass—approximately 5-inches on each side.
• Press the plastic film firmly to your pre-taped window frame starting at the top and working down to the bottom of the window without leaving any gaps.
• Grab your hairdryer, select high heat, then blow-dry the plastic to smooth out wrinkles in the insulation film.

4. Cover window sills with draft snakes

Draft snakes (also called draft dodgers) have been around for a long time, and for good reason. A homemade or store-bought draft snake is a long, skinny fabric tube that is filled with rice or stuffing material. You just place them at the bottom of a door or window sill to block cold air from coming in. Draft snakes are very affordable and easy to make, especially if you reuse fabric (such as denim, corduroy, or an old blanket) that you already have on hand.

5. Hang insulating thermal curtains

One last way to block cold air from entering your home is to use insulating thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are engineered with two pieces of heavy fabric that have a layer of foam in-between. If you’re unable to find thermal curtains, any curtain that is made with a heavier, thick weave fabric can still help your house feel more comfortable, cozy, and warm.

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We hope these affordable and easy tips to insulate your windows are helpful for you. For more advice, check out Money-Saving Tips on How To Winterize & Insulate Your Sliding Glass Door to help insulate your patio doors!

If you decide you’re ready to update your home with new efficient windows, reach out to Renewal by Andersen’s window experts to get a free quote for your project!

The post 5 Tips on How to Insulate Windows for Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Your home’s energy efficiency is dependent on many different factors, including:

• Location and climate
• The architecture of your home
• How many people reside in the home
• Prolonged days of sun
• Extremely cold winters

Durable windows are truly a must-have for homeowners in Alaska. But with so many options available to choose from on the market, you’ll want to make sure you choose a durable solution with low-maintenance features, designed to improve energy efficiency. If you’re unsure what to look for in replacement windows, here’s what we recommend:

Double Pane & Triple Pane Glass

Double pane and triple pane glass provide beneficial insulation to your home. Glass itself is a poor insulator and will let heat in and out fairly easily. The double pane or triple pane creates a pocket of gas between the glass and acts as a more effective insulator than glass alone. With single pane glass, you can end up spending thousands of dollars extra on heating bills over the life of your windows.

SunSmart Glass

SunSmart glass is particularly important in the winter and adds additional insulating properties to the window, which can cut energy bills by up to 25%. Similar to Low-E4 glass, SunSmart glass reflects heat in the summer, protecting your home from 95% of harmful UV rays, and helps keep heat inside in the winter.

Fibrex Frames

Fibrex is an exclusive and unique material to Renewal by Andersen that combines wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer to create composite wood. Fibrex frames are an excellent insulator for periods of extreme cold. It combines the low maintenance of vinyl and the strength of a wooden frame but without the risk of warping and distorting from the climate.

If your current windows are affecting your indoor temperature and leading to higher energy bills, we offer free consultations to get you a quote or even just answer any project questions you might have. We serve residents of Anchorage, the MatSu Valley, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks, and Kodiak and would love to help improve the comfort and efficiency of your home this winter!

The post How To Choose A New Energy Efficient Window appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.