Without the proper insulation, windows can be the number one cause of heat loss and gain within a home. With rising energy costs making heat and air conditioning more expensive than ever before, now would be a good time to replace old and inefficient windows; especially since Utah is prone to frigid winters and hot summers.

If you are shopping for new windows, there are several things to look for. The first would be the NFRC label. NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council. This organization evaluates windows based on the amount of light they let in, their R-value, and how well they perform in summer and winter weather.

When you buy a window, you need to pay attention to the both the quality of the glass and the frame. One way to improve thermal quality is to buy a window with several layers of glass. The panel of air between those layers is a good barrier for both heat and sound. Buying glass with a low-emittance coating on the surface can improve window insulation as well.

Frames can be made of several different materials. Aluminum is easy to shape and produce, but it lets a lot of heat in and out of windows because it is a good conductor. Consequently, wood or vinyl frames are much better materials for good insulation.

If you are replacing your windows, another nice feature about newer styles is that they are often easier to clean, open and close than older windows. Many newer designs facilitate indoor cleaning because the glass can swing into the house rather than being locked into a frame that only slides up and down or side to side. This means you can clean windows without balancing yourself and a bucket on a wobbly ladder outside.

There are several different suppliers to choose from if you need window replacement in Utah. In addition to competitive prices and a healthy reputation for customer service, make sure that the store you choose provides lengthy guarantees on their windows. After all, if a seal is faulty or broken, it cannot be repaired; only replaced. And, if left alone, a broken seal means that your insulation disappears and condensation and mold will form.