When searching for replacement windows, many homeowners place energy efficiency atop their list of priorities. And although virtually all house windows are advertised as being energy efficient, not all deliver the same level of thermal performance. In fact, there are myriad replacement window options available on today’s market, each with varying window frame materials, and each offering different levels of energy efficiency. If you are looking to potentially lower your monthly energy bills with new house windows, continue reading below as we break down the energy efficiency of the most popular window frames.
Aluminum Window Frames
Some years ago, aluminum windows were a popular choice among homeowners. However, in terms of energy efficiency, house windows with aluminum frames are some of the lowest performing. Aluminum is a poor insulator, which means aluminum frame windows do little to stop the transfer of heat into and out of a home.
Wood Window Frames
By its very nature, real wood is a highly insulative material. Because of this, wood window frames are generally effective at preventing heat from traveling out of the home during winter and into the home during summer. However, wood is also very porous. This means it has a greater tendency for absorbing water than other window frame materials, which often leads to warping and rotting. When this happens, the once-weathertight seals that once existed develop gaps, leading to heat loss.
Vinyl Window Frames
Vinyl window frames are widely considered to be energy efficient. However, vinyl windows can lose their structural integrity as time passes, causing them to sag and their seals to fail.
Fibrex® Composite Window Frames
That leaves composite window frames. Composite is one of the best window frame materials around. However, not all composite windows are created equal. The most energy-efficient window frames are made from Fibrex®, an exclusive composite material crafted by leading manufacturer Renewal by Andersen®. Fibrex® window frames block heat transfer 700 times better than aluminum window frames, which can lead to decreased heating and cooling costs. What’s more, Fibrex® is twice as strong as vinyl, which means weathertight seals remain weathertight over the years. With the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 150 degrees, Fibrex windows won’t warp under the most intense heat and are impervious to rotting, decay, and fungal growth.
Your Source for Energy-Efficient Fibrex® Windows
Now that it’s been concluded that the most energy-efficient window frames are Andersen’s Fibrex® frames, the next step is finding a window company near you that carries these exceptional replacement windows. Homeowners living in the Green Bay area can turn to RBA of Greater Wisconsin for a wide selection of Fibrex® windows. We carry all of the popular window styles—including double-hung, casement, bay, bow, sliding, picture, and awning—and we even offer specialty windows for those truly uniquely designed homes.
Our collection of best-in-class windows is just one reason why area homeowners trust us with their window replacement needs—we are also known for our highly skilled installation service. Our Certified Master Craftsmen are thoroughly trained in the installation practices of Renewal by Andersen and take great care in protecting each customer’s home during the replacement process.
Contact RBA Greater Wisconsin today to get started with a free consultation.
Hear From Our Customers
RBA did an excellent job and fast! 5 windows in 3 hours from the time they arrived, did the work & cleaned up. It was as if they had never been there, other than having these excellent replacement windows in place!
Dave F.Green Bay, WI
We love our new windows! It’s beautiful, just what we wanted! No more leaky windows and matches my other windows perfectly!
Gus & Martha M.Oshkosh, WI
Absolutely great experience. The installation team was very professional. We have also decided to replace two more windows next spring!
2018 ENERGY STAR PARTNER OF THE YEAR - SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE
“ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
RECOGNIZED BY J.D. POWER FOR “HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH WINDOW AND PATIO DOOR MANUFACTURER BRANDS”
Renewal by Andersen received the highest score in the product segment of the J.D. Power 2018 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study of customers’ satisfaction with their windows and patio doors. Visit jdpower.com/awards.
SCS INDOOR ADVANTAGE GOLD CERTIFIED
The SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification program, developed by SCS Global Services (SCS), certifies compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements. The program is designed for interior building materials, furnishings, and finish systems.
U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL MEMBER
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated through LEED — the top third-party verification system for sustainable structures around the world. Members of the Council are committed to making impact within their spheres of influence and advancing the movement for a more sustainable built environment.
NATIONAL FENESTRATION RATING COUNCIL CERTIFIED
Formed in response to the energy crisis in the 1970s, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) NFRC develops and administers energy-related rating and certification programs that serve the public by providing fair, accurate, and credible information on the energy performance of fenestration products, including windows, doors, skylights, and similar products.
GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
Green Seal offers third-party certification based on leadership sustainability standards that help protect the natural world and human health. Green Seal has been actively identifying and promoting sustainability to industries, purchasers and consumers, and helping organizations be greener in a real and effective way since 1989.
ALLIANCE TO SAVE ENERGY
The Alliance to Save Energy and its member Associates promote energy efficiency to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security.
The Porch Pros Network exists so homeowners could identify and get connected with high-quality professionals they could trust. Only professionals who pass a background check and maintain the Porch Pro standards receive continued membership in the Program.
The Porch Pros Network exists so homeowners could identify and get connected with high-quality professionals they could trust. Only professionals who pass a background check and maintain the Porch Pro standards receive continued membership in the Program.