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Your windows serve as a barrier between the inside of your home and the great outdoors. So it should come as no surprise that the type of windows you need depends on the climate in your area. Your Michigan home needs protection from the heat in the summer, and protection from the cold in the winter. Here are four facts about choosing replacement windows for this temperate and varied climate.
1. Double-Pane Windows Are a Good Choice Year-Round
There is a common misconception that double-pane windows are only necessary in the coldest climates. But in fact, they offer huge energy-efficiency advantages in most any climate. A single pane of plain glass, as is found in a single-pane window, offers virtually zero insulation. Heat passes right through it. Double-pane windows have a layer of air between the two pieces of glass, and that air serves as an insulator. In the hot Michigan summer, it keeps heat from seeping in and counteracting your air conditioner’s efforts. In the winter, it keeps all of the heat your furnace generates from escaping outside.
2. Window Sash Material Is Important, Too
Homeowners often focus on glass options when replacing their windows. While glass is important, it’s important to consider whether your sash material is suited to your climate, too. Vinyl replacement windows are rather popular in the Michigan area, but they are actually poorly suited to the varied climate. Vinyl expands and contracts as the temperature changes, and eventually, it cracks. These cracks allow for leaks, and they impede energy efficiency.
Fibrex® composite is better-suited to the Michigan climate. It is far less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so it remains tightly sealed against the window glass, even after years of use. It’s also protected by Renewal by Andersen’s top-notch warranty.
3. Humidity Affects Windows, Too
Summers can get really humid in the Michigan area. This humidity can cause old wooden windows to deteriorate quite rapidly. So even if your wooden windows are a few years old, they may show more wear than you would expect. Look them over for signs of deterioration, such as spots of rot, peeling paint, and locks that no longer latch. If your wooden windows are suffering due to the climate, consider replacing them with something more durable, like Fibrex replacement windows.
4. Low-E Glass Works Well in Temperate Climates
One of the best glass options for temperate climates is low-e glass, like SmartSun™ glass. Low-e stands for “low-emissivity.” The glass is coated with a thin layer of reflective material. When heat waves hit the glass, they are reflected back in the direction they came from. Heat does not pass through low-e glass like it does through plain glass.
Low-e glass is a great choice for winter, since it reflects heat back into your home. It also keeps your home cool in the summer, since it reflects heat waves from the sun back into the environment. Another great thing about low-e glass is that it looks just like normal glass. It still lets in plenty of light, so your home feels bright and fresh.
With so many window options available, you may struggle to choose the best windows for your Michigan home. Don’t worry — Renewal by Andersen is here for you. Contact us to schedule a free, in-home consultation and discover the best windows for your local climate.