A window’s energy efficiency depends on the whole package: the frame material (vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or wood), double or triple glazing, a low-E coating and an airtight installation. Compare quotes using the NFRC label and the ENERGY STAR rating for your climate zone, not price alone.
Walk-ups in Ridgewood and row houses in Maspeth still have plenty of windows that are decades old. In winter you feel the draft, in summer a south-facing room heats up fast, and on a busy street the noise reaches the bedroom. New windows are a long-term expense, so it pays to understand the options before signing a contract.
Which frame material should you choose: vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or wood?
There is no one-size-fits-all material; the right choice depends on the building, the budget and the look you want. Each of the four main options has different strengths:
- Vinyl (PVC) – the most common choice in one- and two-family houses; multi-chamber profiles insulate well and never need painting.
- Aluminum – rigid and durable, allowing slim profiles and large glass areas; energy-efficient aluminum windows use thermally broken profiles.
- Fiberglass – dimensionally stable through temperature swings, resistant to moisture, usually pricier than vinyl.
- Wood – a natural look and good insulation, but it needs maintenance; wood-clad versions protect the wood from the weather.
Comfort also depends on profile quality, hardware and how the window is set into the wall. A good frame installed poorly will leak air like the old one.
Double or triple glazing, and what does a low-E coating do?
Triple glazing usually insulates better than double, but it is heavier and more expensive, so it does not always pay off. It is considered more often for large windows, north-facing walls or exposed locations. In many homes, a well-chosen double-pane unit is enough.
A low-E coating is a thin layer on the glass that limits heat transfer and UV radiation without noticeably darkening the room. In winter it helps keep heat inside, in summer it reduces heat gain, and furniture and floors near the window fade less.
What do the ENERGY STAR rating and the NFRC label mean?
An ENERGY STAR rating means the window meets efficiency requirements for a specific climate zone and its performance has been independently tested and verified. Under the ENERGY STAR program for windows, doors and skylights, products must meet U-factor and, where applicable, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) requirements. On off-the-shelf units, the ENERGY STAR label for your zone appears on the glass next to the NFRC label.
Two numbers on the NFRC label matter most. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates; the lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it lets in, as ENERGY STAR explains the NFRC ratings. According to ENERGY STAR, replacing single-pane windows with certified ones can lower household energy bills by an average of up to 13 percent nationwide. The program also recommends checking for rebates and keeping both labels as documentation.
How can you cut street noise in a home on a busy road?
Noise reduction depends mainly on how the glass package is built and how tightly the window is installed, and only then on the number of panes. People living along Queens Boulevard or near the Long Island Expressway in Maspeth know traffic noise that does not stop at night.
In locations like these, ask about the acoustic performance of the specific model, not just its thermal rating. Panes of different thickness or laminated glass usually dampen noise better than a standard unit. Even high-performance glass will not help if gaps remain around the frame.
What affects the price of window replacement?
Several factors drive the price, which is why two quotes for “the same windows” can differ noticeably:
- frame material and type of glass package;
- size, number of windows and how they open;
- installation type – an insert into the existing frame or a full-frame replacement;
- access to upper-floor windows and interior and exterior trim work;
- work around old paint in homes built before 1978, which may contain lead.
ENERGY STAR advises getting several quotes and confirming before ordering that the product line is certified for your climate zone. When comparing offers, also check exactly what installation and removal of the old windows include.
More on windows and home heating
- Windows for new construction, historic buildings and custom projects
- Curtain walls, doors and fences
- Heating and air conditioning checkups at home
A Polish construction company from Ridgewood
PDP Contracting, Inc. has been in business since 1997, has its office in Ridgewood, Queens, and works across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It installs vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and wood-clad windows with double or triple glazing, low-E coatings and UV protection, including ENERGY STAR certified windows, with installation focused on insulation and airtightness. Its product range includes windows and profiles from manufacturers such as Vetrex, VEKA, Schüco and Aluprof. The company is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Examples are available on its windows website. Consultations and estimates are free, and service is available in Polish and English.
Learn more in PDP Contracting’s listing in the PolishPages directory. To schedule an estimate, call 718-456-3150; the office is at 2137 Butler Avenue in Ridgewood.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual advice or official ENERGY STAR information. Certification criteria and rebate terms may change.
ENERGY STAR is a trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; NFRC of the National Fenestration Rating Council; Vetrex of Vetrex Sp. z o.o.; VEKA of VEKA AG; Schüco of Schüco International KG; Aluprof of Aluprof S.A. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Polish Pages is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.
