COPYRIGHT 2017 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - April 2017 - (graphics ref. No. 134u at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2017-apr.htm )

"How to select the proper replacement window for your specific house"

Dear Jim: Our old, inefficient windows should be replaced. Each company's ad makes theirs sound the best. How can I determine which glass, style and frame are really best for my home? - Ron H.

Dear Ron: Selecting the best replacement window is not only dependent on the design characteristics, but also your specific house and family's life-style. What is best for your neighbor often is not best for your home. You may desire a view of a special outdoor area or natural ventilation whereas neighbors may air-condition continuously.

Three main decision criteria when selecting replacement windows are the frame material, style of window and glass type. For energy efficiency, the glass type and style of window are more important than the frame material. Various frame materials have a greater impact on functionality, durability, maintenance, and appearance.

The typical frame materials for residential windows are vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and clad wood and there are advantages of each. Vinyl window frames are energy efficient and virtually maintenance-free. They also are made to the precise dimensions of the window opening instead of having to shim out standard sizes.

In order to attain adequate rigidity, the vinyl frame extrusions have many internal chambers inside. These chambers create natural insulation plus the vinyl itself is not a good conductor of heat. For greater R-value, choose ones with foam insulation injected inside the chambers.

Look for sash frames with welded corners for strength. Since the outer window frame is screwed rigidly into the window opening, welded corners in it are not as important as with the sash frames. Vinyl frames for large windows, especially dark colors in hot climates, should have internal steel reinforcement. When vinyl gets hot in the sun, it loses strength.

Fiberglass window frames are very strong and can be painted any color to match the interior or exterior. Since the primary component of fiberglass is glass, these frames expand and contract at about the same rate as the glass panes. This minimizes stresses between the glass and frame as the temperature changes.

This characteristic is an advantage for dark frame colors exposed to the sun which can create a substantial temperature range throughout the day and night. The strength of fiberglass frames is also an advantage for smaller windows because narrower frame cross-sections are acceptable. With other frame materials, a thicker frame reduces the glass area too much.

Wood window frames have been around forever and, when properly maintained, have a very long life. Wood frames are also most attractive. This is true even if you choose to paint the frames. It is easier to cut more complex and sharp detail into wood frame surfaces. The drawback of wood is there is some regular maintenance required for good appearance and energy efficiency.

Exterior vinyl- or aluminum-clad wood frames reduce the maintenance requirements. Natural wood can still be exposed on the indoor surface so they look like wood windows. Some vinyl and fiberglass window frames are available with natural wood indoor cladding to provide the appearance of real wood frames.

The best window style depends on the appearance and features you desire more than its efficiency. People often select double-hung windows because they can be tilted in for easy cleaning. Windows which close on a compression seal, such as casement and awning windows, tend to provide the best long-term airtight seal. Also, casement windows can catch cross breezes for better natural ventilation.

Since it comprises the maximum amount of overall window opening area, the glass type is the key to the efficiency of a window. Double pane-glass with low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and inert gas (krypton or argon) in the gap between the panes is adequate for most climates. Triple-pane glass makes sense for very cold climates, but is it more expensive and heavier.

Dear Jim: We are retired and live in a small apartment. We have one long floor model and one box-type with a fan. Which type of heater is cheaper to use on chilly evenings during the springtime? - Bonnie S.

Dear Bonnie: The best one depends on how you use the room. First, both heaters are equally efficient, so you get the same amount of heat for each dollar on your electric bills.

When you sit in one chair and can direct the hot air from the box heater toward you, use it. This allows you to set its thermostat lower and still feel comfortable. When trying to heat the entire room, both are effective. The long one should provide more even heating without a draft.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.