The More You Know About Replacement Windows in New Mexico, the Better We Look!
Renewal by Andersen of New Mexico believes an informed consumer is our best customer. Our goal is to educate you so you can make better decisions about your windows. So we’ve developed a list of some of the questions we hear most often from our customers. We hope many of the questions you may have will be answered here. If not, we want to hear from you! We’d be happy to provide more information about our process, our warranty, our company, our people and the doors and replacement windows that Albuquerque and Santa Fe homeowners have embraced for their quality and value.
Q: Which frame material is best, wood, vinyl, aluminum or composite?
A: While all of these materials have their unique benefits, the best choice for most homeowners will be the frame that offers the best combination of strength, durability, insulation value, ease of maintenance, and attractive look. Wood looks great, but does not offer good insulating properties and requires frequent scraping and painting. Vinyl windows can be inexpensive and, if the frame is filled, insulate well. But vinyl can warp, opening gaps and causing the window to stick. Aluminum is very strong and lasts for many years, but it offers virtually no insulation against cold or heat. The right composite material, like Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex® frame, is engineered to have the strength to remain rigid over its entire lifespan, insulates in all weather conditions, requires virtually no maintenance, and is fabricated with the look and feel of natural wood.
Q: What is the NFRC label everybody says I should read?
A: The NFRC is the National Fenestration Research Council, an independent laboratory that tests windows and doors to see how they will perform in your home. (“Fenestration” is the word for an opening in wall.) The NFRC tests for energy efficiency, rating windows on the basis of several key performance measures. The results are printed on a label that is affixed to all windows that have been submitted by the manufacturer for evaluation. If a window does not have an NFRC label, it has not been tested and any energy claim has not been proven. So look for the label!
Q: Why do I need a window with more than one pane of glass?
A: To stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer! Modern widows use two or even three panes of glass to build up a “sandwich” that creates a thermal barrier to prevent the transfer of energy – in the form of heat or cold – between your home and the outside. The space between the glass panes is filled with argon or krypton gas that acts as a very efficient insulator. Properly made and sealed, your window’s “glass sandwich” can significantly reduce energy loss.
Q: We get a lot of sun. Is there a coating or tinting that can be applied to my windows to help produce some shade?
A: Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass comes with a microscopically thin metal coating that does a very good job of reflecting UV rays and heat energy. The coating is so thin that you can’t really see it. But you will notice when it is doing its job, as direct sunlight does not penetrate into your home, and fading of your carpets, drapes and upholstered furniture is greatly reduced. The Low-E coating reduces the infrared radiation from a warm pane of glass to a cooler pane.
Q: Can’t I just go down to the hardware store and pick up a window that is just as good?
A: That’s like comparing apples to oranges. The windows on sale “off the shelf” at the hardware store are made to be as inexpensive as possible, and it shows. You will seldom find windows made with high quality materials or thermally efficient glass at a “big box” store. Plus you are limited to taking the sizes they have in stock, which may or may not fit your home. For example, every Renewal by Andersen replacement window is custom sized and individually manufactured to fit your home perfectly. So there is no reconstruction necessary, and no gaps or cracks left around the frame.
Q: How much does a replacement window cost?
A: That all depends on the size and style of the window, and which options you choose to include, such as Low-E glass. We size each window individually and give you an up front cost before staring your window replacement project. And all of our costs include professional installation, which is often an extra cost when you buy from a hardware store or some window companies.
Q: Can new windows and doors really save me money on my heating and cooling bills?
A: Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 30% of a home’s energy (in the form of warm air in winter and cooled air in summer) is lost through inefficient windows and doors. That’s like throwing 30 cents out of every dollar you spend on energy right out the window – literally! Energy efficient windows and doors can significantly reduce this energy loss. You’ll start seeing savings on your monthly energy bills right away!
Get a FREE Estimate on Replacement Windows!
There’s no question that our windows and doors offer the best value in New Mexico! Call Renewal by Andersen of New Mexico today at (505) 219-1637 to discuss your replacement window or patio door needs. Or simply complete our convenient online quote request form.
“Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2023 Andersen Corporation. All right reserved.
