Did you know that the style of window you choose for your Minneapolis home can affect the energy efficiency you experience? It’s true. Most people we speak to assume that if one particular company manufactures windows that are highly energy efficient, that no matter which windows they select from that brand they should get good results. To a certain point that’s true, but some window styles are better than others. Case in point: When it comes to air infiltration (outside air coming in, as well as inside air leaking out), the casement window outperforms other operable windows. Of course, windows that don’t open – like picture and block windows – do even better, but they aren’t the best window solution for every situation.
Why are casement windows so energy efficient? It has to do with the way the window operates. Unlike other windows, where only part of the window opens up, the entire casement window opens and closes. And once it’s closed, a tight seal is created on all four sides of the window. And when you engage the locking mechanism you’re effectively producing an air-tight condition. That isn’t true of other window styles. In fact, with single hung, double hung, and slider windows, the area where the two sections of the windows meet don’t seal as completely as a casement, especially if a window isn’t locked.
Casement windows have other advantages as well, making them a popular choice among homeowners. They tend to be much easier to operate than a double-hung window, which makes them a great window style if you’re remodeling your home in light of it being more functional as you age. It’s also a much more workable style window over a kitchen sink, where having to lean over to push up a double hung window can be a challenge. And because the entire window frame cranks open, cleaning both sides is a breeze.
But what if you prefer the look of a double hung window? That can be achieved easily with the various grid options available. Take a look at the windows in the photo above. These fiberglass/wood windows from Marvin have the appearance of divided light windows (typical of many traditional double hungs) without the drawbacks. All of the manufacturers we partner with offer casement windows. And with so many different choices of colors, hardware, and add-ons like grilles, we’re sure we can help you find casement windows you’ll love.
At Window Outfitters, installing energy-efficient replacement windows for Twin Cities homeowners is our main focus. We are a licensed Minnesota residential building contractor serving the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, and we’d love to meet with you in your home to discuss how casement windows could help you save on your heating and cooling bills. Why not contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation? Call us at: 952-746-6661 (Minneapolis) or 651-209-1001 (St. Paul).
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
