(ARA) - Windows are the eyes of your home, but thanks
to the latest in glass technology, they can also function as
sunglasses, a sweater, or even a suit of armor.
Today’s high-technology windows make it easier than ever to save energy costs and stay comfortable in all kinds of weather. Best of all, new coatings and glass formulations allow homeowners to choose just the right window glass for their home’s location or orientation. There’s even an energy-efficient window for those who live in the mountain regions.
All major window manufacturers offer standard insulating
glass units and so-called low-E glazing. Both are an improvement
over the drafty, inefficient windows of the past. But today’s
window technology means you can ask your builder or remodeler
to install windows that are specifically designed for your climate,
says Grant White of Hurd Millwork, a maker of high quality wood
and vinyl windows.
For homeowners in most parts of the country, the first step is to compare your heating and cooling bills. If heating is a major concern, you may want to choose windows designed to keep heat inside during the cold months. If your air conditioner works harder than your furnace, check out the sun blocking glass options that can help reduce the cooling load.
Northern heating zone. If you live in an area with high
heating costs, ask for windows that keep heat in. Sophisticated
glass coatings that reflect some wave lengths while allowing
others to pass through let the warming rays of the sun into
your home, but at the same time hold heat inside. That
can help make rooms feel more comfortable during cold weather
and cut heating bills.
Southern
cooling zone. For climates where the prime consideration
is reducing cooling costs, ask for glass designed to keep out
more of the sun’s heat. That not only helps homes stay cooler
in the summer, but also provides better protection from harmful
ultraviolet light than standard insulating glass.
Extra strong sun. If glare is a problem, you don’t have
to pull the shades. Ask your builder or remodeler about special
sun-blocking glass that is designed to control bright sunlight,
solar heat gain and ultraviolet light in high-glare conditions
like some coastal or desert areas or where there is a large
expanse of south-facing glass.
High altitudes. Because of problems caused by low atmospheric
pressure in high altitude areas of the West, windows
with popular aluminum cladding have not been able to qualify
for an Energy Star (R) rating in the past. The Energy Star designation,
established by the U.S.
Department of Energy, assures buyers that a window, appliance
or other home product meets the highest standards for energy
efficiency. Now one major manufacturer, Hurd Millwork, has introduced
the first aluminum-clad window that meets Energy Star
requirements for high altitude areas.
Hurricane danger. In coastal areas subject to hurricane
damage, windows must meet rigorous new building codes. Dade
County (Miami) Florida’s building code requires windows to resist
the tremendous impact of a 2 by 4 hitting the window at 75 miles
per hour.
Once you have determined the right glass for your general climate,
White said, it’s even possible to mix and match different glass
technologies in different rooms to maximize comfort and energy
efficiency, depending on the home’s orientation and exposure
to the sun.
Home Improvement Remodeling Contractors
Find a contractor for your home improvement project.
(ARA) - Windows are the eyes of your home, but thanks
to the latest in glass technology, they can also function as
sunglasses, a sweater, or even a suit of armor. 
All major window manufacturers offer standard insulating
glass units and so-called low-E glazing. Both are an improvement
over the drafty, inefficient windows of the past. But today’s
window technology means you can ask your builder or remodeler
to install windows that are specifically designed for your climate,
says Grant White of Hurd Millwork, a maker of high quality wood
and vinyl windows. 
Southern
cooling zone. For climates where the prime consideration
is reducing cooling costs, ask for glass designed to keep out
more of the sun’s heat. That not only helps homes stay cooler
in the summer, but also provides better protection from harmful
ultraviolet light than standard insulating glass. 
Find a contractor for your home improvement project.
