Become a Smart Window Shopper 

 So you are ready to replace those old drafty windows.  Now what?   

There is more to replacing windows than just calling for quotes.  Windows, like most products, come in a variety of quality.  In fact, the Canadian Government test windows for energy efficiency thru the Energy Star Program.  However, this information can be overwhelming as it is not always easy to compare one manufactures window to another thru the Energy Star website.

KMS Home Energy Upgrades can help you weed through the confusion. 

Consider windows replacement in three parts—the glass, the frame, and the installation.  There is a lot of talk in the industry about the glass—Low E3 with Argon being the latest option for the best energy efficiency.  Energy rating on glass is available and is often confused with the window rating.   However, once the glass is inserted into a window, the energy rating can change greatly.

Now the quality of the frame becomes important.  The marketplace is full of many options, from builder grade to top quality.      To determine the difference in these windows you need to know what to look for.  Quality of the vinyl, number of insulating chambers, thickness of vinyl, number of weather strips, ease of operation, and on and on the list goes. 

The final part of the replacement is the installation.  The Canadian Building Code provides standards for window installation for both new construction and renovations.  The CSA-A440-4 “Window and Door Installation Standards” are NOT used by everyone, so its buyer beware.  A high energy efficient window not installed correctly can cost you more in heating/cooling bills then your old windows did. 

So beware that the information you are receiving is correct.   KMS Home Energy Upgrades takes the confusion out of window buying, not by telling you about the differences but we also show you the difference.  Thereby, making you a smart window shopper.