Choosing the right windows can significantly cut your energy bills. Energy efficient windows provide superior insulating properties and are available in a variety of styles. They can also improve your home’s appearance and reduce maintenance costs.
Single hung windows have two vertically stacked sashes that open upward to let air in. The bottom sash tilts inward to allow cleaning of the window glass.
NT Windows
NT Windows is well known in Texas and is considered a good second tier manufacturer. They offer a vinyl and aluminum window series that are custom made to fit in an exact opening. Their vinyl line includes the Traditions, Executive, and Presidential series and their aluminum window is called Twinsulator.
Unlike some other window companies they use virgin vinyl which is important for long term performance. The impurities in recycled vinyl can cause problems like color fade and degradation of the frame. NT also offers a limited lifetime warranty on the window and a glass breakage warranty.
Their energy efficiency is excellent and they come standard with a low-e 366 coating and double strength glass package. They also have a variety of options to help you save more on your energy bill. The NT Executive is a very good window but you need to make sure that you choose a great installer and the correct glass package to get the best results.
Don Young Windows
Don Young Windows is a manufacturer based in Dallas that also has locations in San Antonio, Lubbock, Houston and Oklahoma City. They manufacture both aluminum and vinyl thermally broken windows and patio doors for homes in Texas and Oklahoma. Their windows have excellent energy ratings and are built to endure harsh sunlight and Southern weather.
They offer a lifetime frame and glass warranty to the original purchaser. This is a great deal better than many other manufacturers who only provide a 10-year glass warranty and 20-year frame warranty.
DYC’s Aluminum window frames are made of PolyPour, which is a high-density polyurethane. This helps fight condensation and has a much higher insulating value than cheaper “builder grade” aluminum windows. Similarly, their vinyl windows are made with SunShield, which also provides a lot of insulating power.
Both the aluminum and vinyl windows are available in silver, bronze and tan for the frames and white for the sashes. They also have a variety of hardware and decorative options, including grilles between the panes.
Sunrise Windows
Sunrise is a good company and their windows look great. They have a number of good series, the Restorations being their premium window that many contractors and homeowners consider one of the best vinyl windows money can buy. It has a narrow frame and sash that looks a lot like real wood. It has a fantastic U-factor and air infiltration numbers. It also has a sloped sill that will help to reduce the amount of expansion and contraction the window will experience over time.
They have a decent budget window called the Essentials that is a better choice than the standard Sunrise series. The Essentials has a less durable extrusion and sash design than the upgraded versions but it still is an excellent value for a mid range vinyl window.
Their other series are the Verde, Vanguard and the standard Sunrise window. They also make the Coastal window for hurricane impact resistance. They all use an upgraded block and tackle balance system that is the same as you will find in higher end windows from Okna, Revere, Thompson Creek, and others.
Simonton Windows
Simonton Windows is one of the most recognizable replacement window brands in the United States. They’re sold at big box stores such as Lowes, Sears, and Home Depot and through countless contractors and reps. They offer several window series including their Reflections 5500 series, 9800 Impressions series, and the ProFinish Contractor series.
The company’s windows are rated AAMA Gold Label and backed by an industry-leading double lifetime limited warranty. Their products are energy efficient and customizable to fit any home aesthetic.
The company’s windows are available in a variety of colors and operating styles and are easy to maintain. A regular cleaning with a mild detergent or a soap and water mixture will keep the vinyl and glass looking beautiful and functioning properly. The company also offers a number of customization options such as grilles and hardware. They’re a great option for any homeowner looking to upgrade their home.