Quality windows have features carefully designed to improve your home. This technology can help you save money on energy costs – and keep your home more comfortable and secure. Here are some features you may see as you shop for home windows.
Double or triple-paned glass
When you look through a window, you’re often looking through more than one pane of glass. As you can guess, double-pane windows have two panes and triple-pane windows have three panes. This is all in the name of energy efficiency.
Windows filled with Argon gas
Sometimes panes of glass will have Argon gas between them. This makes your window an even better insulator.
Low-E coated Glass
Low-E refers to low emissivity. A low-E coating is a layer over the windowpane. This layer helps return heat where it came from—in other words, it helps indoor heat stay inside and outdoor heat stay outside. Low-E coatings can also help reduce UV rays.
Warm-edge spacers between double-paned glass
Spacers separate panes on double- or triple-paned windows. Warm-edge spacers cause less of a long-term issue with condensation than older versions did.
Window Interlocks
When sashes and frames interlock, they have a system that fits together especially well.
Window frame Extrusions
When you see the term “extrusions” or “extruded” in reference to window, it means pieces of the frame were formed by pushing material through a “die”, a cut-out mold.
Another term you’ll encounter as you shop for windows is: U-factor. U-factor refers to the transfer of heat. It has to do with a window’s ability to insulate. A lower U-factor means better insulation.
Contact MEI for help choosing home windows
Some window features may be useful for your family; others may not. Minnesota Exteriors is here to help you decide which kinds of windows would be helpful for you. Give MEI a call, schedule an appointment, or visit us in our Osseo showroom. We’ll walk you through your options and help you find the windows that are right for you. A third-generation, family-owned company, we want you to be happy with your choice for the long term.