If Your San Diego Home Was Built before 1990, We Should Talk about Replacement Windows

By now, a lot of the older homes in San Diego have had their windows replaced, but what about the not-so-old, but not-really-new-anymore-either homes? We’re talking about homes built prior to 1990. Some of those would likely benefit greatly from window replacement as well!

Window technology has come a long way in the last 30 years or so. Yes, dual pane windows were around back then, but they weren’t nearly as energy efficient as they are today. If you suspect that your windows are letting in outside heat, or that the air conditioning you are paying top dollar for is escaping out of your windows, it could be time to consider replacement windows. Here are a few ways window technology has improved since the 1990s:

Low-E Glass to Help Prevent Heat Transfer

One of the features that wasn’t common in older, dual pane replacement windows was Low-E glass. To put it simply, Low-E glass (short for low emissivity glass) is a type of glass that allows light to pass through but helps to prevent heat from coming into your home. It contains a transparent coating made up of microscopic metallic particles that reflect infrared energy. The result is a cooler home on hot days.

At BM Windows, the windows we sell come standard with Low-E glass, but you can also choose to upgrade your glass to make it even more energy efficient. For example, you can upgrade the Anlin windows we sell with their SunMatrix glass, which has four layers of Low-E coating and blocks 99% of UV rays.

Replacement Windows with Vinyl Frames and Other Insulating Elements

Older dual pane windows also have metal frames and spacers between the two panes of glass that does very little to prevent heat transfer. That is because metal is a good conductor of heat—which is a bad thing if you’re trying to keep heat out! The windows we sell at BM Windows come with high-quality vinyl frames and foam spacers that insulate the home much better than the metal components found in older windows.

You can also opt to include a special gas in between the two panes of glass that provide further insulation for your home.

The combination of all of these elements can make a noticeable difference in the comfort of your home!

Easily Compare Replacement Window Brands Sold in San Diego

Another great thing about modern windows is the ability to compare them to each other easily. Just about all replacement window manufacturers post their energy efficiency ratings on their websites. These ratings come from an independent third-party organization called the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). By using these standardized ratings, you can compare “apples to apples.” These ratings will tell you how well a window keeps heat out (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) and how well it keeps heat in (U-Factor). If you need further help comparing the various replacement windows on the market in San Diego, the team at BM Windows is always happy to help! We want you to end up with the best windows for your home, based on your budget.

Contact us at BM Windows to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly and helpful team members.