Windows play a significant role in your home. Aesthetically, they enhance your home’s overall look and curb appeal. Functionally, they contribute to energy efficiency, provide essential ventilation, and help regulate indoor temperature.
Investing in high-quality and energy-efficient windows is an important decision. Whether choosing windows for a new build or buying replacements, the process can be challenging for homeowners. There is much to consider, and understanding what to look for ensures you purchase windows that suit your needs, location, budget, and weather conditions. Here’s what to consider when buying windows:
Energy efficiency is a critical factor when buying windows. Look for the Energy Star seal and features such as:
- High-quality sealing systems to prevent drafts and leaks
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that reduce heat transfer
- Vinyl frames for maximum insulation and protection against the elements.
There is a wide range of materials that are used by window manufacturers for window frames.
Vinyl windows are proving to be the best option for homeowners because of their durability, low maintenance requirements and ease of cleaning.
Windows are tested for their ability to hold up against window driven rain during storms. They are assigned a rating from B1 to B7, with B1 being the minimum building code requirement in Canada.
Opt for higher ratings for better performance during storms.
Windows are one of the most common entry points for thieves. Security features are particularly important for main level and basement windows.
Always look for windows that use strong and durable hardware components and latches, making them more difficult to infiltrate, like EcoTech's multi-point locking systems.
Air leakage is an important factor to consider when buying windows. All windows are tested for air leakage using a standardized test and they are assigned a rating of A1, A2, A3, with A3 being the highest rating.
Ease of use is one factor that is often overlooked by homeowners. It’s important to choose windows that are easy to open and close, and clean, without issues with the window mechanisms, latches, and locks.
Where you live plays a large role in the type of glass you should buy. In Canada, you need to choose windows that are designed to withstand the Canadian winter and provide you with maximize insulation against the cold in the winter and the heat during the summer.
Windows are tested for their ability to withstand wind resistance. They are assigned a rating from C1 to C5, with a C2 rating being the minimum for low-rise homes in Canada.
All windows purchased should come with a comprehensive and transferable lifetime warranty. Even high quality windows can malfunction from time to time and a good warranty ensures you can have your window repaired or replaced if necessary.
EcoSmart combines the latest design trends, materials, and innovations to make the most durable & energy efficient windows on the market today.
“We are very happy with the work done at our home. They helped us decide the type of windows that would work best and the team that installed the windows and the patio door were quick, clean and very professional. I can definitely recommend this company with no reservations.”
Andy A.
“They did an amazing job installing our windows and front door. They were fast and efficient and cleaned up the inside and outside of the house as soon as the install was done. Thanks again for the great work Andrey! We love the new windows and how it changed the look of our house.”
Sue Y.
“The team from EcoTech was really great to work with! From the start of the process to the end everything was taken care of. Paid attention to all the details and the job was done quickly and very efficient. We will definitely be using EcoTech again! Thank you for the great experience.”
Christina L.
“A well run business that take care of everything for you. A sales person comes to the home to get personalized information and gets the order process going. We had a front door installed and it took a few hours but it was an exceptional job. Looks great and they made sure everything was resolved to 5-star satisfaction.”
Kerina T.
“Omg! These guys were awesome! They arrived right on the time they said they would, Great workmanship, friendly disposition.They cleaned up everything when the job was done. I highly recommend these guys and will be calling them back to do my windows at the back of my house! Thanks guys GREAT JOB!!!!”
Ken S.
“We love our new windows and doors! They are built extremely well and they look great! The installation crew was top notch! Very professional and extremely efficient. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. I’d definitely buy windows from EcoTech again, but I will probably never have too!”
Chris H.
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