Are you thinking about replacing your old windows or installing new windows in your Southwest home? While living in this part of the country offers countless benefits, from the fantastic climate to the low cost of living, homeowners and home builders need to take into account a few important weather components when picking out new windows. 

Extreme heat during the summer months, haboobs (intense dust storms resulting from strong thunderstorm winds), monsoon season, a lack of humidity, and rapid weather changes can all impact the well-being of your windows. Be sure to keep the following tips in mind when it comes to choosing the right windows. 

The right seal makes all the difference. 

Home builders spend considerable time and effort making sure new homes are insulated and sealed so that expensive utilities are protected and energy is not wasted. However, because windows are not made of brick and mortar or lumber, they tend to be areas of weakness. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. In addition to selecting dual- or triple-paned windows, make sure your window contractor properly seals the windows to your house during the installation process. This will help with insulation as well as soundproofing, and it is especially important to safeguard your new windows against seasonal temperatures that often exceed 100°F.

Do your homework and know your values.

With so many styles and types of windows available today, it is important to understand the current terms and rating systems that will help you determine their energy efficiency. For example, the U-value (or U-factor) of a window measures how well the glass is insulated against the flow of heat. The lower the U-value, the better insulated the window. 

Similarly, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating tells you how well your windows will block solar radiation (i.e., heat from the sun). Windows that are ENERGY STAR certified have met certain qualifications that make them as energy efficient as possible. Homeowners in places like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and L.A. run their utilities a lot—especially through the summer—to get a break from the blistering outdoor heat, which means air conditioning bills can skyrocket. 

Making sure your windows are energy efficient will help you keep the heat at bay so your indoor temperature stays pleasant. 

Easy maintenance and functionality are a must. 

Which windows are the best fit for your Southwest home? Of course you want to choose aesthetically pleasing windows that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the natural world that surrounds you. However, you should also select a window product that is easy to use and easy to access when they need to be cleaned—especially in those rooms where you will open and close your windows often. 

In a nutshell, you want to find a good match for your lifestyle, and XO Windows offers an enormous selection of windows to fit every style and budget, including high-performance EnergyCore™ window systems for superior energy efficiency and strength. We can also customize or retrofit any space with a replacement window.

Go the extra mile. 

Before the summer comes on in full force, check all of your windows to make sure that they are indeed shut and sealed, especially those rarely used windows. You may also want to consider using insulated thermal curtains to help keep the heat outdoors where it belongs. 

If you live in an area where haboobs are common and monsoon season is a concern, shutters are another excellent investment—especially in those rooms that contain large items of value such as musical instruments and electronics.

Contact XO Windows for a free estimate. 

If you have decided that now is the time to install new windows, XO Windows offers a free, no-pressure estimate for interested clients. Call or contact us today for a solid quote, along with some helpful suggestions about which types of windows may work best for your Southwest home. We look forward to serving you!