1. Choosing replacement windows according to the climate.
Windows are undoubtedly the most important feature of a home. They bring in light, provide an outside
view and add to the aesthetic look of your home. However they are also a major source of energy loss,
leading to increase in the energy bills.
To save energy and your money, installing energy efficient windows is extremely important. Windows
are available in various, sizes, shapes and styles to suit your home, but energy efficiency is something
you SHOULD look for while choosing replacement windows.
Style and budget will influence your choice to a great extent, but consider the climatic conditions of the
region you live in to get the best energy efficient windows for your home. Buy double pane gas filled
windows with high performance glass with low e coatings or other spectrally selective coatings. The
material of the window and the glass will vary according to the climatic conditions.
Energy Star has divided U.S into four climate zones and windows manufactured for each zone should
meet the right criteria to get the Energy Star designation.
It is best to buy Energy Star rated windows from a window dealer located in your region. He would be
able to guide you in selecting the right material and glass suitable for your region. Another factor which
will help you is a window with NFRC (National Fenestration Council Rating) certification. It will have a
sticker specifying the energy efficiency factors, ensuring better energy efficiency.
For hot climates with harsh sun exposure, wood, vinyl and fiberglass are a better option. However the
most important feature would be the glass used for the window. Choose insulated low e coatings to
reduce the heat entering in to your home and to lower your cooling bills. The glass should also block
harmful UV rays which can damage the interior furnishings. The SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) factor
indicating the ability to block the heat from the sunlight and the U factor representing the amount of
heat flowing should both be low for an energy efficient performance. Look for labels specifying these
factors while buying the windows. Placing the windows strategically also helps- for example use north
facing windows in hot climates to reduce the heat coming in.
For cold climates, look for higher SHGC and low U factor. Have windows south facing to let in more heat
and minimize use of west, east and north facing windows.
For coastal climates which are hot and humid, the material you choose would be important to prevent
moisture from damaging the windows. Vinyl, fiberglass or specially treated wood can work the best.
For regions prone to storms and hurricanes, look for sturdy windows which are designed to meet the
specified building codes of that region.
Most of the windows available in the market are now energy efficient, which means you have a variety
of options available. So research and get quotes from at least 2 to 3 companies before you make the
choice. One of the reputed manufacturers is Champion Window. The windows they supply come with
the NFRC sticker and are Energy Star rated. Since proper installation of the window is equally important
to get the best performance, the company installs the windows for you. Many customers in the reviews
of Champion Window have written about the good service they have received from the company right
from consultation to installation.

2. So go ahead, find a Champion dealer and give them a call for your replacement windows. Replace your
old windows with energy efficient ones to reduce your energy bills, make your comfortable and
contribute your bit in protecting the environment.