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Replacing the windows in your house is a significant investment, but can help save energy as well as update your home’s appearance.

Take time to do research and ask key questions

If you live in an older house, you may consider replacing your aging windows. While new windows are a significant investment, they can enhance the comfort and energy efficiency of your house and improve your home's curb appeal.

 

With so many options on the market, choosing the right supplier and windows or doors can be a daunting process. Here is some sound advice from the folks at Pollard Windows & Doors in Burlington, Ont. who've been in business since 1948.

Some window treatments, such as the Duette line from Hunter Douglas with its unique honeycomb design, can enhance home energy efficiency.

Do your homework: Before you buy, take some time to research your options and don't choose a company just because one of their representatives knocked at your door or called you.

Manufacturer or assembler: Determine if a company fully manufactures its windows and doors or if it is an assembler, using parts supplied by other manufacturers or distributors. You will generally get a better price when you are buying from the manufacturer and will be dealing directly with the product maker if there's an issue.

Style: A knowledgeable sales representative can help advise you on what style of window or door suits your home. Consider whether you want to replicate the current look or update it.

Energy efficiency: Windows and doors can be a major source of heat loss in the home. Energy Star-qualified products will reduce your annual energy costs by about eight per cent and keep your home more comfortable. Energy Star products must meet specific energy efficiency levels set by Natural Resources Canada for three climate zones in Canada. Products are ranked on U-factor or their energy rating (ER). The U-factor measures the rate of heat loss. The lower the number, the slower the heat loss. The ER formula includes U-factor, air leakage and potential solar gain. The higher the ER value, the greater the savings.

UV protection: Ultraviolet rays contained in daylight that pours into your home can be damaging to furnishings, draperies and artwork. Ask what UV protection the products offer.

Vinyl or vinyl clad: Vinyl windows are maintenance free. Because the inside of the sash is vinyl, they are suited to areas with higher condensation, such as bathrooms and kitchens. For other areas of the home, vinyl-clad windows provide a maintenance-free exterior and add the warmth of wood inside your home.

After you get quotes: Check that products you found quotes for are the same in terms of size, materials, jamb width, colour and glazing type and options. Make sure you've received the total cost for installation.

Warranties: Check the warranty and determine how long the company has been in business. Compare installation workmanship warranties too.


Daylight savings

Consider safety and energy efficiency for window treatments

Some window treatments, such as the Duette line from Hunter Douglas with its unique honeycomb design, can enhance home energy efficiency.

Window treatments are an important element to your home's décor – they are like furniture for the window – and there's no doubt aesthetics plays an important role in influencing buying decisions.

Sue Rainville, director of marketing for Hunter Douglas Canada, says consumers should be concerned with more than what their coverings will look like. Here are three other key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing window treatments.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Windows can be a major source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Without energy efficient window treatments, up to 50 per cent of your home's heating and cooling energy can be lost.

Window treatments can enhance energy efficiency. Treatments that provide insulation, such as Hunter Douglas's Duette Architella shades that feature a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design, can help reduce heat loss during cold months and minimize solar heat that can make rooms uncomfortable during hot weather.

Using natural light to illuminate your rooms rather than relying on other types of lighting is another way to save on energy.

CHILD AND PET SAFETY

This is an aspect many people don't think about when purchasing window treatments, but dangling or looped cords can pose a strangulation hazard to young children or pets.

The window industry uses warming tags, labels and other methods to communicate the potential hazards, but you might want to consider looking at cordless or motorized operating systems, retractable lift cords, wand controls or cord tensioners such as those found on many Hunter Douglas products to minimize the risk for young ones and pets.

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION

Some window coverings can protect your valuable posessions from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays which can take a toll on rugs, furnishings and artwork. Ask what percentage of UV rays will be blocked by window coverings (some features such as slats, vanes or louvres provide up to 99 per cent protection when fully closed). The amount of protection varies based on the product and fabrics you choose and whether you keep the window coverings closed, opened, raised or lowered.


This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.

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