Benefits of Vinyl Windows

For homeowners deciding on new-build windows or window replacements, the sheer range of choices can complicate the process. Wood, fiberglass, and aluminum windows have their place, but vinyl windows have the versatility, durability and affordability homeowners often seek. 

Most owners strive to improve comfort and contentment through improvement or renovation projects. Perhaps they embrace low maintenance or trend-setting designs, or they work to bring nature in (or keep it out) for added comfort. Perhaps it’s making smart environmental decisions with eco-friendly materials that brings peace of mind to some homeowners. Whatever the priority, vinyl windows offer a sensible solution.

Energy Efficiency: Lowering Your Bills

One of the standout advantages of premium vinyl windows is their exceptional energy efficiency. Vinyl itself is, by nature, a non-porous, insulating material. Harvey uses up to two times the amount of typical vinyl to construct multiple air chambers within the sashes and frames of its windows. These air pockets add higher thermal insulation, which improves the window’s overall insulating effectiveness, or U-factor.

These properties of premium vinyl, in addition to ENERGY STAR® optimized glass, will improve a home’s overall thermal performance. As a result, your indoor temperature stays more consistent, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This solution not only translates to a more comfortable living space, but also leads to significant energy cost savings over time.

“High quality construction in a window’s frame can contribute to its overall energy efficiency, particularly its U-factor. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials, but vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and some composite frame materials provide greater thermal resistance than metal,” according to the US Department of Energy.

Low Maintenance: Less Cost, Fewer Hassles

Unlike some other window materials, vinyl windows require minimal maintenance. The non-porous nature of vinyl makes it resistant to moisture, which means you won't have to worry about issues like warping, cracking, rotting, or repainting. Unlike aluminum, vinyl will not rust over time. Homeowners typically end up spending less money to maintain vinyl windows as a result.

“Vinyl window frames are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers to keep sunlight from breaking down the material,” according to the Dept. of Energy. “Vinyl window frames do not require painting and have good resistance to the damaging effects of moisture.”

Vinyl is an easy material in terms of window-washing. You can clean the glass and the frame with a simple soap solution of clean water and mild detergent, or a standard commercial household glass cleaning product. Apply to a clean cloth or sponge to gently swab surfaces. Always pat away excess product and water to prevent streaks or moisture buildup.

Harvey has innovatively designed its versions of the most popular window styles to provide homeowners with more convenient maintenance. The bottom sash on a single hung vinyl window tilts inward so homeowners can quickly clean dirt and debris on the exterior side. On a double-hung window, both sashes will tilt in to allow fast, easy care. To make screen removal just as easy as cleaning, consider choosing innovative FlexScreen.

Affordability: Enhancing Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Home improvement projects can sometimes strain your budget, but vinyl windows offer an affordable solution. The cost-effectiveness of vinyl windows extends beyond their initial purchase price. As energy-efficient windows, they contribute to lower utility bills, providing a continuous recoup on initial cost over time. Harvey windows have industry-leading air infiltration rates, one of the key contributors to energy efficiency for windows. By greatly reducing the amount of air that escapes from or infiltrates your home, energy-efficient windows help you lessen the demand on your heating and cooling systems.

The price of a replacement vinyl window ranges from $300 to $900, according to Forbes, which is much lower than the price range for materials such as composite, fiberglass, and wood. New windows are a long-term investment, so it’s important that you have options within budget that perform well and increase the visual appeal of your home. Not every window manufacturer offers custom grids, hardware, or finishes for vinyl windows. At Harvey, versatile customization is a priority.  

Durability: Long-Lasting Investment

Vinyl windows hold up strongly against the elements, withstanding moisture, termites, and decay, even in the most adverse weather. Vinyl's resilience prevents structural issues like rot, cracking, discoloration, and warping. With tried-and-true durability, these windows offer a very desirable long-term investment opportunity for homeowners looking to upgrade original and/or aging units. 

Premium vinyl windows are constructed with thick-walled chambers that provide increased strength and insulation. They can withstand various weather conditions, including high fluctuations in temperatures, moisture buildup, and UV exposure. Vinyl windows are less prone to hail damage, accidental impacts, and damage from flying debris, such as tree limbs (or patio furniture!) than their wood counterparts.

Windows are tested for air infiltration, water resistance, and structural load capacity to determine their design pressure (DP) rating, also known as performance grade (PG). A higher DP rating indicates a higher resistance and more resilience in heavy weather conditions. Harvey’s windows offer competitive DP ratings up to 50, which can withstand 141 mph and 50 psf.

Customization: Tailoring Aesthetic Appeal to Your Home

With a variety of colors, styles, and hardware finishes available, vinyl windows can offer a high level of custom options, depending on the manufacturer. Whether your home boasts a modern, traditional, or eclectic aesthetic, there's a vinyl window design that can seamlessly integrate into your vision.

If getting a custom look is important to you, make sure to carefully review the available options for the brand of vinyl windows you are considering. Not all manufacturers offer true customization.

Vinyl windows typically come in standard sizes, and manufacturers like Harvey Windows + Doors also allow custom sizes to accommodate specifications for new construction homes or renovated rooms. In addition to white or almond extruded vinyl windows, Harvey offers further customizations with standard and custom paint options.

Playing around with grid options is another great way to make your windows your own.

Noise Reduction: Enjoying Tranquility Indoors

 Noise reduction is assessed by testing how much sound is blocked by the material. Sounds are tested by frequencies rather than decibels. Building materials are then categorized in STC (sound transmission class). The higher the STC rating, the more sound is prevented from passing through. 

UV Protection: Safeguarding Your Interior

Harmful UV rays can cause fading and damage to your furniture, flooring, and belongings. Premium vinyl windows come with superior glass packages which provide UV protection. These glass types create a barrier that helps preserve the integrity of your interior furnishings, including carpet, furniture, wood floors, curtains, and wall paint.

Window glass manufacturers apply specialized coatings of Low-Emittance (Low-E) film to enhance the performance of their glass. Low-E coatings have a high refractive index which causes UV ray photons to scatter on contact. These enhancements allow homeowners to enjoy the pleasure of natural lighting with decreased UV risk, less heat transfer, and lower energy costs. 

“Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on glass control heat transfer within the insulated glazing. Windows manufactured with low-e coatings typically cost about 10% to 15% more than regular windows, but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50% and they can also be tuned to control the amount of visible daylight transmitted,” states Energy.gov. “These films are inexpensive compared to total window replacements. . . [They] save energy, reduce fabric fading, and increase comfort.” 

Eco-Friendly Choice: Sustainable Living

For those concerned about the environment, vinyl windows may present an eco-friendly choice. Their energy efficiency contributes to reduced energy consumption, which in turn lowers your overall carbon footprint. Additionally, vinyl is an easily recyclable material. Unpainted PVC scraps created during the manufacturing process are gathered and shipped back to the supplier for circular use in other products. These processes make vinyl windows a sustainable option for environmentally conscious homeowners.

As the industry standard for energy-efficient products, the ENERGY STAR® program helps homeowners make well-informed decisions about their home improvements. It provides data-supported ranges which detail the potential cost savings for customers who upgrade their windows to the latest specifications according to their region. Back in October 2023, ENERGY STAR updated its criteria for windows, doors, and skylights with more stringent guidelines. Homeowners who choose 7.0 rated windows and doors can save thousands in energy costs over the lifetime of these products, while helping to reduce emissions.

The following chart details lifetime electrical savings in kilowatts as well as estimated cash savings and emission reductions.

^{Source: ENERGY STAR® 7.0 Data Package, published October 20, 2022}

Conclusion

Vinyl windows offer several benefits that make them an appealing choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. Vinyl’s durability makes it a widely popular choice for both new construction and renovation projects. From energy efficiency and low maintenance to affordability and customization, the advantages of vinyl windows contribute to a more comfortable, cost-effective, and visually pleasing home environment.  

FAQs

• Are vinyl windows a good choice?
  • Vinyl windows, properly installed, are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s comfort and energy performance. Premium vinyl can offer better performance than average fiberglass windows.
• Are vinyl windows energy-efficient?
  • Yes, vinyl windows are known for their energy efficiency due to the material’s excellent insulation properties, along with high-performing Low-E glass packages.
• Do vinyl windows require a lot of maintenance?
  •  No, vinyl windows require minimal maintenance thanks to their resistance to moisture and decay.
• Are vinyl windows affordable in the long run?
  • Absolutely, as they contribute to lower energy bills that help homeowners save money over time.
• Can vinyl windows withstand harsh weather conditions?
  • Yes, vinyl windows are durable and can withstand challenging weather conditions without losing their integrity.
• Are vinyl windows environmentally friendly?
  • Yes, vinyl windows are eco-friendly due to their energy efficiency and recyclable nature.