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| - What are some of the benefits of installing energy-efficient windows?
- What is Low-E coating? - What are the benefits of using Low-E coatings? - What is the first step when choosing energy-efficient windows? - What information is contained on the NFRC label? - What is a U-Factor? - What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)? - What is the Visible Light Transmittance? - Which one of these is most important? - What kind of warranties do the manufacturers you carry offer? - What kind of warranty do you offer? - How long will it take to install new windows and doors in my home? - Who installs the windows? - Are the old windows completely removed? - How come some companies remove the frame completely? - Are there any other installation options? |
What are some of the benefits of installing energy-efficient windows?- Cooling and Heating savings- Improved comfort - Reduced condensation - Reduced Fading - Lower mechanical equipment costs Back to Top What is Low-E coating?A microscopically thin, virtually invisible coating applied to glass that consists of metal or metallic oxides.Back to Top What are the benefits of using Low-E coatings?Low-E coatings give you year-round savings by keeping your home cooler in the summer since it rejects the sun’s heat and damaging rays. It also keeps your home warmer in the winter by reflecting heat back into the room.Back to Top What is the first step when choosing energy-efficient windows?Your first guide when shopping for energy-efficient windows should be the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. The NFRC is a non-profit, public/private organization that provides homeowners and contractors with a standardized, unbiased method of comparing different brands and types of windows. View NFRC LabelBack to Top What information is contained on the NFRC label?The U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Visible Light Transmittance.Back to Top What is a U-Factor?It is a measurement of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.Back to Top What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the lower solar heat it transmits, and the greater its shading ability.Back to Top What is the Visible Light Transmittance?The percentage of light that is transmitted through glass in the visible light spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers). The higher the number, the higher the percentage of visible light transmitted through the window.Back to Top Which one of these is most important?While all three are important, the U-Factor and SHGC are the most important because they rate the efficiency of the entire window (frame & glass).Back to Top What kind of warranties do the manufacturers you carry offer?All of the manufacturers we carry offer a lifetime warranty on any product defects. That doesn’t mean they are all the same though. Most lifetime warranties are not transferable to the new homeowner if you sell your home. The higher quality windows like a Simonton window are though. There are many other differences like this among different manufacturers. So when you hear lifetime warranty make sure you know the conditions for the warranty.Back to Top What kind of warranty do you offer?American Window Systems, Inc. offers a fully transferable five-year warranty on all workmanship. If you have any problems relating to our installation we will do everything within our power to make sure you are fully satisfied, no questions asked.Back to Top How long will it take to install new windows and doors in my home?A typical home with 8 windows and 1 door that has existing single-pane aluminum windows can usually be done in 1 day.Back to Top Who installs the windows?American Window Systems employs six full-time installers. We do not use subcontractors, so if you have any problems with anything having to do with your installation, you deal directly with American Window Systems.Back to Top Are the old windows completely removed?No. With replacement/ retrofit windows the outer perimeter frame of the old window is left in place. The new replacement windows then fit over the top of the old frame and it is sealed to the old frame. By doing this, the exterior of the home isn’t damaged and there is no patchwork to do on the stucco or wood siding. This in turn saves thousands of dollars on the installation.Back to Top How come some companies remove the frame completely?For a while, many companies were removing the frames completely and installing replacement windows. The problem with this is that instead of sealing to the old window frame, the replacement is sealed to the outside exterior of the home. Since stucco and other sidings are not completely waterproof, this creates many problems as far as sealing the window and preventing leaks. Because of this we do not recommend removing the old frames when using a replacement window. If the dealer or contractor you are dealing with even suggests using this method, look to somebody else.Back to Top Are there any other installations options?Yes. We can install what is called a nail-on window. This is the type of window that is installed in most new construction. To remove the old windows and install a nail-on window, the exterior stucco or siding of the home must be cut back, the old window removed, the new window installed using nails, flashing and caulk, and the stucco or siding patched up. Since this installation process is much more labor intensive, the cost is more expensive.Back to Top |
Simonton | Cascade | Milgard | Amerimax | Tru-Frame | Marvin
Peachtree | Andersen | Hy-Lite
Replacement Windows - Wood & Vinyl Replacement windows for Northern California, including Napa County, Sonoma County, Marin County, and Solano County
American Window Systems 1729 Action Avenue, Suite B Napa, CA 94559
Office: (707) 258-0880 * Fax: (707) 258-9916
