(Newswire.net — January 5, 2022) —
Did you know that the average US household spends about $115 per month on electric bills? One portion of this goes to temperature control. However, you can reduce this by cutting down on the need for a heater or air conditioner.
Not sure how? With the right window, you can manage how much cold air or warm sunlight enters your home. It all depends on the kind of windows you install.
What are the different types of windows? Which ones beautify your home and which ones help bring in more sunlight or cool breezes? Discover the answers and more with our in-depth list below.
Window Basics 101
Before tackling the types of windows, you need to first understand the different parts involved. This will help you grasp the differences and identify which are the best types of windows for your needs.
Start with the glass pane. The frame holding the pane is the sash. Windows you can open often come with some sort of lock.
There are also fixed windows and moveable windows. Windows you can move and open have hinges or sliding rails on the sashes.
Single-Hung
A single-hung window is a vertical structure. You’ll see a fixed window at the top. The bottom window is on rails, allowing you to move it up and down.
This is one of the most common window types around because of its simple but efficient design. Most of these windows also have multiple lock tiers, allowing you to lock the sash at different heights. You can open it only a little bit or raise the window up.
Unfortunately, these windows are the most prone to break-ins. It’s all too easy for someone to leave a window like this open or unlocked. If you get these windows, make sure to add extra locks or a sound alarm.
Double-Hung
Looking for hung windows that offer more space and control? If these are the types of windows you need, get double-hung windows. They look similar to single-hung windows but now both the top and bottom pieces move.
While the difference seems minimal, adding one more moving window more than doubles its efficiency. You can now keep the bottom piece locked and lower the top one, making it more difficult for burglars to break inside. At the same time, you still get good ventilation and sunlight in.
However, keep in mind that this also means twice the maintenance. Don’t forget to apply lubrication to keep the rails and locks for both moving sashes.
Casements
Not a fan of windows that slide up and down? If you want a pair of windows you can swing inwards or outwards, similar to a door, get casement windows. These windows feature hinges on the sashes instead of rails.
There are single-type casements and double-type casements too. A single-type is often narrow to prevent burglars from fitting in. Double-types sometimes have a bar in the center, which is where the lock goes.
If you want something wider, you may need to get shutters instead. Manufacturers sometimes keep windows narrow due to the fragility of glass. Wider windows are simply more prone to shattering.
Awning Windows
Ever been in a public bathroom or fast-food restaurant kitchen? These places often feature tiny, narrow windows that you can push or pull to slightly open. These windows are on a central swivel and they don’t open all the way.
These aren’t windows for bedrooms or living rooms. You can’t rely on these to warm your room, after all. They also don’t look particularly special or beautiful.
Instead, these are windows intended for ventilation and exhaust. You can keep these in rooms you expect to smell or get hot, like a bathroom or kitchen. With a simple push, these windows can help regulate the temperature inside.
Bay Windows
On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, these are windows you can add to your home to add beauty and value. Bay windows protrude from the wall, adding space and a small shelf for plants or books. Bay windows can be all fixed windows or you can add a few casement windows for extra ventilation.
These are expensive types of windows for homes. You’ll need to construct the pocket alcove to install them, after all. However, these windows are well worth the expense since they do add value to your property.
Bay windows are also a good addition if you want a spot in your home to hang out and relax. It’s also a nice, sunny spot for a coffee or tea break. You can add a bunch of pillows to make the alcove more comfortable.
Basement Hoppers
Like awning windows, basement hoppers are more for function than they are for beauty. These are tiny windows placed in basements and serve as ventilation and as an escape route in case of emergencies.
Unlike awning windows, hoppers are big enough for someone to slide through them. This makes them great escape routes in case of a fire or flood in your basement. From the outside, not a lot of people will notice hoppers unless they know what to look for.
Some places even require houses with basements to have these windows. Make sure to check your city guidelines to avoid penalties.
Skylights
Do you want an extra source of light without having to spend on light bulbs and wiring? Why not use the natural light of the sun as it crosses the sky? You can achieve this simply by installing skylights.
A skylight is a reinforced glass pane on your ceiling and roof. This allows sunlight to pour down into the room. You need to use thick, reinforced glass to ensure the pane won’t shatter when things like debris or rain hit it.
For your safety, it’s better to call expert window installers. Start with a “find replacement windows near me” search to find professionals nearby.
Storm Windows
Storm windows are not solitary windows. These are installments added on top of regular windows. You’ll often find these added on top of single-hung and double-hung windows.
As the name implies, storm windows are glass panes meant to protect your regular windows from storm damage. Most storm windows are temporary additions, meaning you can remove them after a storm passes. Simply put them back on when you know there’s another storm coming.
There are variations to the standard storm window. Some rest on hinges, which allows you to swing them open, similar to a casement window.
Jalousies
Do you live in a tropical area? Take advantage of the relaxing breezes and warmer air by installing jalousies. These are the best types of windows for this type of climate because they alter the airflow, allowing the breeze to easily enter your room.
Jalousies aren’t one large glass pane. Instead, they use small, horizontal panes. When you pull down on the lever, all of the panes will slant down, allowing air to flow in.
You can get jalousies that use clear panes, allowing you to see outside. There are also jalousies with opaque panes, preventing outsiders from peeking in when you shut the windows.
Another benefit of jalousies is the fact you can replace each pane individually. If one cracks or shatters, you don’t need to replace everything. Simply remove the one broken pane, get a new one, and slide it in the sash.
Picture Windows
You can also get windows as big as a wall. These are great additions to a living room or study since you can get all the sunlight without having to open a door.
These use fixed panes, so you can’t swing or slide them open. However, you can rely on different types of window shades whenever you want to block the sunlight or when it’s time to go to bed. Shades will stop people from peeking inside or darken the room when it’s time to watch a movie.
Glass Blocks
Looking for a new aesthetic for your kitchen or bathroom? You can install glass blocks, which use opaque windows set in square blocks. Most homes feature a wall of glass blocks, creating an elegant way for light to pierce through the shower area without ruining your sense of privacy.
What Are the Different Types of Windows Near Me?
What are the different types of windows? There are over ten different choices to pick and this list will help you determine which ones to get. Always consider the function and style you want before getting a window for your house.
Of course, improving your home doesn’t end with a new replacement window. Learn even more home improvement tips and tricks by reading more of our guides today. We also have content covering tips for business, technology, and lifestyle topics too!