Are you planning to replace your windows but not sure how to choose the ones that work best for your house?
As a resident of Vancouver, you must keep certain factors in mind when planning your next window replacement project, and the weather is definitely one of them!
We spoke with professional window installers from Ecoline Windows Vancouver to share their expertise and insights to help you get the top windows for your Vancouver residence.
How to choose the best windows for Vancouver
Windows make up 25% to 30% of your home's heating and cooling energy bills. Therefore, choosing the right windows and maintaining them well is extremely important.
Not all windows are made equal. You will have to carefully consider the specifications of all windows before deciding on the one that best suits your needs. Most window experts recommend looking for the following things:
Install double or triple pane windows
Many homeowners in Canada still use single-pane windows. These windows are poor insulators and are not suitable for Vancouver weather conditions.
In the winter, it gets extremely cold, and having a single pane window means all the heat in your home will fly out, and your HVAC system will have to run overtime.
Therefore, window professionals suggest installing double-pane windows as a standard, while triple-pane windows in case you want to get maximum energy efficiency. These units are much better insulators keeping your space cool in the summer and warm in colder seasons. The best windows offer up to 55% more energy efficiency for your house, significantly reducing your annual energy bills.
Choose the right frame material
Selecting the right glazing is half the road. It is equally important to consider what kind of window materials would be most effective given the seasonal changes in Vancouver, where the rainy weather is frequent, and winters can be pretty harsh.
Vancouverites usually opt for easy-to-maintain solutions that do not require frequent touch-ups and can withstand extreme weather changes. That is why Vinyl is an excellent middle ground to consider. This material features high durability, decent energy efficiency and a reasonable price tag.
Furthermore, vinyl windows are easy to install and care for and will last as long as 40 years with occasional maintenance.
Go with the right window style
Deciding which windows are best for your house in terms of style can be challenging because many different types of units to suit any exterior are available. But overall, four window types are most commonly used with Vancouver house architectural styles. You can choose the one that works best for your house design and personal preferences after consulting with a reliable Vancouver window installer:
- Single-hung windows are a great option if you are looking for a classic look, good ventilation, and easy operation. These windows are also energy efficient as the bottom sash closes tightly, forming a seal that prevents air from escaping.
- Double-hung windows offer a timeless look that can complement any home decor while being super easy to operate. One of their most significant advantages is that they are low maintenance and long-lasting, offering optimal ventilation, and much natural light.
- If you want functional yet stylish units, go with casement windows. They are easy to operate, offer the best energy efficiency, have a traditional look, and have excellent noise-cancelling properties. Almost every house in Vancouver has these window models installed, making them extremely popular.
- Awning windows are a great choice if you seek optimal ventilation. Furthermore, being operated by opening their bottom part outwards, these units are perfect for Vancouver's rainy weather.
Check the Energy Ratings
If you want to minimize your energy bills significantly, do pay special attention to the windows' energy ratings. Look for ENERGY STAR certified windows. These windows can reduce energy costs by 45% and are around 20% more efficient than your typical units.
The 2022 ENERGY STAR® Standards state that energy-efficient windows must have an ER of 34 or higher or a U-factor of 1.22 W/m2 or below to be qualified as energy-efficient units. Moreover, Vancouver surrounding area homeowners are also welcome to apply for the BC Hydro window rebate to cover some of the cost of your window replacement project.
When choosing new windows for your home, the weather of the area you live in should be well considered. Hence, correctly selecting the right frame material, glazing, window style, and energy ratings is vital to install the best window that will perfectly complement your house in Vancouver, significantly boosting its market value and saving you some extra on energy bills.
Besides, do not forget that correctly installing the windows is equally important to purchasing high-quality units. Make sure you have a reliable window company in Vancouver that will consult you regarding what works best for your project, comes up with a great solution and do the impeccable installation to guarantee your new windows serve smoothly for the next 40 years to come.
