Best Replacement Windows for Where You Live

An important consideration for replacement windows in San Jose, CA is the region – and the climate – of the country where they will be installed. Many factors go into choosing window replacements. These include the style and type of windows. But where the replacement windows are going to be installed should not be overlooked in the selection process.

It may surprise you to learn that some replacement windows work better in some parts of the country than others. Replacement windows are no different than shoes in that regard. You wouldn’t wear sandals out in two feet of snow, with a temperature hovering at 15 degrees below zero. Nor would you wear arctic boots on a sunny summer day where the temperatures are in the balmy mid-80’s. Just as shoes are made for different types of environments, so are replacement windows.

So, it’s important to do your homework about what type of replacement windows are most effective in your part of the country. Some of the things that you’ll need to consider are energy efficiency, solar gain, and ultraviolet (UV) ray protection.

People who live in the northeastern part of the United States may want to consider double hung replacement windows that have double or triple pane glass. These replacement windows are manufactured with two or three panes of glass that are separate by layers filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. They provide excellent insulation against the long cold and snowy winters.

For an extra layer of insulation and to help protect the inside of your home from the harsh effects of the sun’s UV rays, the replacement windows can have a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating applied as well.

For homeowners in the southern part of the country, reducing solar heat gain and protecting the interior of homes from UV rays are two primary considerations in window replacements. Double-hung, sliding, or casement replacement windows will work well in this part of the country, but they should have Low-E coating applied to combat the lengthy sultry and sunny days that abound from April through October.

For people who live in the midwestern part of the United States, replacement window considerations are very similar to those in the northeastern part of the country. However, one additional consideration is the style of the window. In the plains where there are relatively few trees and vast areas of open land, wind (and tornadoes during the spring and summer) must be factored into replacement window selection. Replacement windows should be constructed of a sturdy composite or fiberglass material.

The northwestern part of the country has relatively stable temperatures all year round in the valleys, but in the mountainous regions, temperatures are colder all year round, and the winters rival those of the Northeast and Midwest. Therefore, replacement windows should be well-insulated to make homes more energy efficient all year.

For homeowners in the western part of the country, replacement window selection should take into account solar heat gain, protection from UV rays, as well as, in the mountainous areas, insulation during the winter months.

For non-mountainous areas, double hung replacement windows with Low-E coating are an excellent choice to help keep the interior of home comfortable and to lower energy costs. In mountainous areas, replacement windows with double or triple pane glass will provide excellent insulation, no matter what the weather outside, making homes and wallets much more comfortable.

To learn more about replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can talk with our expert team at California Custom Creations. You can call us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.