A comfortable home isn’t complete without energy efficient windows. Think about it: The hotter it is during the summer, the more you’ll need to turn on your air conditioner. But if your windows are poorly insulated, heat will pass into your house, leaving you with a warm home and jaw-dropping energy bill.
The same goes for the winter months, even in the Arizona desert. Poorly insulated windows will simply let heat flow out.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your windows. You may benefit from storm windows, which are mounted in addition to your regular windows. Here’s what you need to know about storm windows and what they do.
What is a storm window?
A storm window is a window that’s installed on inside or outside of a normal window. It’s designed to conserve energy, thus reducing your energy bills. In fact, installing storm windows is one of the best ways to create an energy efficient home.
How do storm windows work?
The mechanism of a storm window is simple. It creates an additional space of air, which controls the flow of heating and cooling. This improves overall thermal performance and insulation.
It’s also essential if you live in Arizona. During the blazing hot summers, storm windows keep heat out so you don’t have to crank up the air conditioner. Likewise, you won’t have to blast the heat on chilly winter nights in order to stay cozy.
Storm windows live up to their name, too. They offer an extra layer of protection from the elements, which is a must during Arizona’s monsoon season.
Types of Storm Windows
There are several types of storm windows to choose from. These include:
Interior windows. These windows are mounted along the inside of normal windows. They form a tight seal with the existing glass, which provides excellent insulation. Plus, since interior windows don’t obstruct the exterior look of a building, they’re ideal for apartments and historic homes. The drawback, however, is that they can hinder your view of the outdoors.
Exterior windows. Since exterior windows are installed on the outside, they need to be strong and durable. Even then, they require drainage holes to let moisture flow out. This means some energy will inevitably escape, rendering them less efficient than interior versions. Additionally, some homeowners don’t like how exterior windows look on the outside.
Temporary storm windows. Another option is plastic insulation film. This consists of a disposable, inexpensive sheet of plastic that adheres to normal windows with double-sided tape. The film can be cut to size and made air-tight with a hair dryer. But if you prefer more eco-friendly options, temporary storm windows may not be suitable.
Like regular windows, interior and exterior windows can be made with different materials. The frames are usually made of vinyl or metal, though older versions may be made with wood.
The window itself can be glass or firm plastic. The latter is lightweight but more prone to scratching.
How do you install storm windows?
Storm window installation depends on the type. Generally, vinyl and metal frames can be snapped or hung in place with special hardware. Some metal versions may be installed with strong magnets.
For optimal results, work with a professional window installer like XO Windows.
XO Windows will help you weather the storm.
Now that you know what storm windows do and how they work, you may be wondering if they’re right for you.
The best way to know is to contact XO Windows. Our skilled team of Arizona window installers can help you determine if storm windows will suit your needs. We’ll also consider other factors like your budget, style, and preferred level of maintenance.
Together, we enhance the efficiency and comfort of your home. You can request a free estimate or call us at 602-455-6616.