San Diego Window & Door Consumer Information and Insights

Read on, and we’ll try to take some of the confusion out of shopping for energy-efficient windows in San Diego.

Single Pane Windows for San Diego Homes

If you have an older home with original windows, they are most likely a single pane, with either an aluminum or a wood frame.

And while they may be in good shape, they probably don’t do a very good job of keeping the interior of your home comfortable in extreme weather.

If you replace them with newer single-pane windows, you will see some improvement because of improved window frame technology, but the panes themselves will continue to allow cold air in during the winter, and heat in the summer. This can be improved, however, with the addition of a low-E coating or tint on the glass.

If you’re on a budget, but want increased energy efficiency in your home, you may want to consider weatherproofing your current single pane windows rather than replacing them with new single-pane windows. This can get you by as you save up for more energy-efficient double or triple-pane windows.

Double Pane Windows for San Diego Homes

Double pane windows contain two panes of glass. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with air or a gas, such as argon or krypton, for greater energy efficiency. Higher quality double-pane windows may also have a warm edge spacer to keep the panes spaced at the correct distance from each other, while also insulating the pane edges and reducing the amount of heat that is transferred through the window. In general, a double-pane window will insulate about two times better than a single-pane window.

Triple Pane Windows for San Diego Homes

Triple pane windows can further increase the energy efficiency of replacement windows. By adding a third pane of glass and an additional layer of air or gas between the panes, triple pane windows are great insulators. However, there are instances where certain higher-quality double pane windows can outperform some triple-pane windows when it comes to energy efficiency, so don’t just assume that triple pane windows are the best choice. Look carefully at the energy performance numbers.

There are also quadruple pane windows on the market, but the difference in performance between triple and quadruple pane windows is usually negligible, and probably not worth the higher cost.

U Factor and SHGC Ratings Explained

Most windows on the market will be labeled with energy performance ratings.

You can also ask a San Diego replacement window company for those numbers for each of the products they sell.

One of the most important factors to look at when shopping for replacement windows in San Diego is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

This measures the ability of a window to keep solar heat out.

SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, with a lower number being better.

You will also see a U factor number when you are researching replacement windows. This number tells you how much heat is lost through the window. In general, most windows will have a U factor rating between 1.3 and .2, with a lower number being better.

Since the San Diego area doesn’t experience extremely cold temperatures, the U factor rating is less important than the window’s SHGC number, but should still be taken into consideration.

What About ENERGY STAR Windows?

ENERGY STAR windows are those that are manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner company, of which there are more than 300, including all of the major replacement window brands sold in San Diego. ENERGY STAR windows are inspected and certified by the independent National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as having ratings that meet the energy efficiency guidelines set up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ENERGY STAR criteria for windows vary by location, but in San Diego, replacement windows must have a U Factor of .30 or less and an SHGC rating of .25 or less. Most programs offering rebates for energy-efficient upgrades require that you install ENERGY STAR window products in order to qualify for the rebate.

Comparing Apples to Apples

When you are looking at the energy performance ratings of the various replacement windows you are researching, make sure you are looking at windows of the same size to make your comparison. U factor and SHGC ratings can vary based on the ratio of glass to framing material, so the performance ratings can be different even among windows within the same product line. So, if you are looking at the energy specifications for a 3’x5’ replacement window from Anlin, make sure you are comparing it to 3’x5’ windows from other window manufacturers.

Independent testing has shown that Indow window inserts can reduce sound penetration by 50-70% and provide a more than 20% reduction in energy costs. Indow window inserts have even proven to offer 94% of the insular value provided by standard double-paned windows.

Indow offers San Diego residents different types of window inserts, depending on the desired benefits for the home.

Standard Grade inserts offer a balance of comfort, energy savings, and noise reduction at reasonable prices, while Acoustic Grade offers around a 70% reduction in outside noise pollution. Museum Grade inserts protect household carpets and fabrics by blocking 98% of all UV rays from sunlight, while Shade Grade inserts are designed for warm climates like San Diego, blocking heat and offering Low-E replacement window performance at a fraction of the cost. Privacy Grade inserts are perfect for bathrooms and bedroom windows, blocking details and defined shadows while still allowing diffused light transmission.

If replacement windows aren’t in your budget this year, take a look at Indow window inserts; they provide most of the benefits of replacement windows at only a small portion of the cost.

Energy-Efficient Windows

By far, the best way of reducing your home utility bills is the use of energy-efficient windows. These are modern home improvement windows designed to keep cold air out and warm air in. Therefore, if you are tired of the often-deteriorating traditional windows, it could be time to try out these high-quality windows.

Below are several reasons why you should really consider investing in energy-efficient windows.

1. They are energy efficient

During the summer and winter seasons, you will not need to spend money looking for solutions to air leakage or entry into your house. Energy-efficient windows will take care of such kinds of problems. The type and condition of your window will determine your amount of savings. Moreover, there are numerous municipalities that give homeowners tax credit for having these windows in their homes.

2. They keep out noise

Besides retaining heat, energy-efficient windows are also designed to insulate your home against annoying external noise. These windows are well-sealed and actually have an innate soundproofing ability. If therefore your home is located in a very busy environment, you will be well protected from disturbing noise: sirens, roadway traffic, dogs barking, children playing amongst many more.

3. They are friendly to the environment

Energy-efficient windows are green-friendly. Due to the fact that less energy will be utilized by your conditioning and heating systems to keep your home at a favorable temperature; a lot of waste products will not be emitted by the fossil fuel sources such as natural gas or coal. Your household will hence become an eco-friendly environment.

4. They provide better insulation

Depending on the season or climate, energy-efficient windows will get rid of any cold or hot spots in your house rooms. They are designed to protect the interior of your home from the blazing heat in the summer, and to create a barrier against cold conditions in the winter so that your home remains warm. This way, your air conditioning system will also be relieved from a lot of work.

5. They protect your household items

These high-quality windows will also protect the interior of your house from the sun’s harmful rays. Your furniture will be less prone to damage; this includes wood, carpet, fabric, artwork as well as paper. The windows have protective coatings that will significantly reduce ultraviolet rays from penetrating into your home. These UV rays can be very destructive to your property and also harmful to you and your family.

6. They require less maintenance

In your entire home compound, there are just so many things to worry about in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Talk about clogged drainage, a cracked wall, or a bushy flowerbed…energy-efficient windows will not be part of your worries. Due to the less condensation buildup, there is a lower risk of mold infestation

For these reasons, when shopping for windows, whether for your new home or to replace the old ones, we strongly recommend that you consider energy-efficient windows.

Pella’s Frame Options for San Diego Homeowners

For wood windows, Pella offers three different lines—their Architect Series, Designer Series, and 450 Series. All three lines feature wood on the interior frames, with a durable aluminum-clad exterior finish.

The Architect Series is their most high-end line, with eight different interior wood types to choose from and fine-furniture detailing. Pella’s Designer Series offers between-the-glass blinds and shades, which protect your window fashions from collecting dust and allergens. The 450 Series windows offer San Diego homeowners the “beauty of wood at a competitive price.”

If fiberglass windows are what you’re looking for, check out Pella’s Impervia line. This line gives homeowners the look of painted wood, with the durability and energy efficiency of fiberglass. Impervia products are made with Pella’s exclusive five-layer, engineered fiberglass composite called Duracast. These windows are very low maintenance and will withstand the elements for many years with little care.

Pella also offers three series of vinyl windows. Their entry-level option is Encompass by Pella (also called ThermaStar by Pella), which was named a Best Buy by Consumers Digest. If you want more options in a vinyl window, you will need to upgrade to Pella’s 250 or 350 Series windows, both of which were named “Most Efficient” by ENERGY STAR in 2016. The 350 Series features the most energy-efficient vinyl windows offered by Pella, with their exclusive SmoothSeam welded corners that make their interior corner welds almost invisible.

When choosing between the three frame material options, it is important to consider the features of each. Michal Bohm, the owner of BM Windows in San Diego, commented, “Wood, vinyl, and fiberglass are all great options for replacement windows for San Diego homes. However, for those San Diego homeowners who are most concerned with energy efficiency at an affordable price, vinyl windows are the way to go. While fiberglass windows have their advantages, they are more expensive, and not really worth the extra expense for those living in the relatively mild San Diego climate. Vinyl windows are durable, low maintenance, and energy-efficient, while still offering affordable prices for San Diego homeowners.”

Insulating Glass Options in Pella Windows for San Diego Homes

In addition to the variety of frame materials offered by Pella, there are several glass options as well.

Their most popular offering is their Advanced Low-E Insulating Glass with Argon gas in the space between the frames for added insulation.

This option blocks 84% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and is available on all Pella windows and patio doors.

For warmer climates, like the inland areas of San Diego County, Pella offers their trademarked SunDefense Low-E Insulating Glass with Argon. This glass is specially designed to allow visible light into your home, while still blocking 94% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is available in Pella’s 250, 350, and 450 Series Windows, as well as in their Impervia and Encompass lines of windows and patio doors.

Patio Doors for Any Space in Your San Diego Home

Pella’s patio door options go beyond the typical French hinged doors and sliding patio doors. The company also offers the increasingly popular multi-slide patio doors and bi-fold patio doors in their Architect Series.

These options give San Diego homeowners the ability to open up a large portion of their home to the outside.

They are available in both traditional and contemporary styles, with numerous performance, color, and material options.

Entry Door Style Options Galore for San Diego Homeowners!

Pella’s collection of entry doors is truly impressive! They offer wood, fiberglass, and steel doors in almost any style imaginable. From their affordable Encompass line to their premium Architect Series, San Diego homeowners are sure to find an entry door from Pella that fits the style of their home and their budget.

San Diego Garage Doors to Complement Any Home

With a large offering of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood garage doors, Pella is sure to have what you are looking for. And since the company also makes entry doors, you can purchase a garage door that matches perfectly to give your home a cohesive look. Custom designs are also available.

Where to Purchase Pella Windows and Doors in San Diego

Pella window and door products are available in Lowe’s home improvement stores, or you can make an appointment to visit the Pella showroom in San Diego and see all of their window and door options for San Diego homeowners.