Top Summer Insulation Windows for California – Bell Bros

Summertime can get kind of expensive in Northern California—there’s just no way around it. It gets so hot during the afternoons here that we often have to close our windows and run our air conditioners on full blast. A lot of people think that it’s the air conditioner that really runs up the electric bill, and that, for the most part, is true, but there’s more to the story.

Your windows also have a pretty significant role to play in your home’s energy efficiency. See, older windows with less insulation will let the cool air from your AC seep out, and they’ll let the hot air from outside seep in, causing your AC to have to run much harder, raising your electric bill in the process. There is, however, a better way. That’s why I’d like to tell you all about the best summer insulation windows to save on your power bill.

Double Pane Windows Are the Best Summer Insulation Windows

Insulation and windows aren’t often two words we think of going together, but actually, your windows are supposed to play an important role in insulating your home, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Unfortunately, though, a lot of the older homes here in Northern California have got old, rickety, single pane windows that don’t do a great job at helping to keep your home a comfortable temperature. Double pane windows, on the other hand, work wonders in myriad ways to maintain the perfect climate inside your house.

Here are some of the reasons why double pane windows are the best summer insulation windows:

• Insulation for temperature regulation: As I mentioned above, double pane windows keep your home comfy by slowing the transfer of heat. This means that the hot air won’t get inside your home during the summer months, and the warm air will stay inside during the chilly winter. While it stands to reason that two panes of glass would actually be more effective at insulating your home than one, that’s not exactly how double pane windows work. It’s actually the gas-filled cavity between the two panes of glass that does the trick.
• Cost savings: When hot air isn’t infiltrating your home in the summer or escaping your home in the winter, your HVAC doesn’t have to work so hard to try and maintain a constant temperature. This means that your home won’t be using as much energy, resulting in a lower energy bill. So just how much savings are we talking? if your double pane windows are properly installed by a local expert, they could save you as much as $340 a year in energy costs.
• Soundproofing: Depending on where you live in Northern California, you may be dealing with a lot of noise pollution. Luckily, the insulating powers of double pane windows also work to cushion sounds from the outside world. If having a quiet, peaceful home is important to you, be sure to look for double pane windows with thick, laminated glass, and a high OITC rating (around 36). If that’s gibberish to you, window experts like the friendly folks at Bell Brothers can help you find the right windows for your soundproofing needs.
• Allergen protection: If you struggle with allergies, you know all too well that dust and pollen can actually travel through a rickety old single pane window. This can make it incredibly difficult to get those sniffly and sneezy symptoms under control. Fortunately, properly installed double pane windows can prevent allergens from infiltrating your home and help to keep it an allergen-free zone.

Proper Window Installation Is Key

As you can tell, there are so many wonderful benefits to the insulating powers of double pane windows. Knowing which ones are right for your home can be pretty tricky, though. That’s why I recommend custom windows made to fit perfectly into any frame in your home. Not only will they look amazing, but they’ll optimize insulation in your home, year round.

Of course, it’s also very important that your windows are properly installed by a very experienced window pro.

Of course, it’s also very important that your windows are properly installed by a very experienced window pro. If they aren’t, outside air can leak into your home meaning that you likely won’t reap the benefits of double pane windows. Again, the experienced window professionals at Bell Brothers would be happy to help install your windows properly.

What’s also really great about replacing your old rickety windows is that there are loads of rebates, incentives, and loans available for homeowners who are making energy efficient upgrades to their homes. CalFIRST and HERO are only two of the financing programs available. Just be sure to work with a contractor who can help you navigate these programs and get as much financing as possible. With programs like these, summer in Northern California doesn’t have to be expensive after all.

At Bell Brothers, our trained window experts would be happy to help custom-make and install double pane windows for you this summer. We can even help you figure out the best way to finance your new windows. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Image courtesy korisbo