1. Consistency in Performance

By replacing all your windows at once, you can ensure that every window in your home is of the same quality and performance level. If you were to replace windows one by one, it’s likely that you would have a mix of old and new windows, resulting in inconsistencies in insulation, noise reduction, and overall efficiency. We offer a wide range of high-quality, energy-efficient windows that can be tailored to suit your specific needs and preferences.

2. Energy Efficiency

Replacing all your windows at once allows you to take full advantage of the latest energy-saving technologies and materials. New windows are designed to be highly energy-efficient, with improved insulation and advanced glazing options that reduce heat transfer and drafts. By replacing all your windows, you can ensure maximum energy savings throughout your home, resulting in lower bills and increased comfort year-round.

3. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Replacing all your windows at once also presents an opportunity to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. Updating your windows can instantly transform the look and feel of both the interior and exterior of your house. We offer a wide range of window styles, colors, and finishes, allowing you to choose windows that complement your home’s architectural style and reflect your personal taste.

4. Convenience and Cost Savings

While replacing all your windows at once might seem like a larger upfront investment, it can actually save you time and money in the long run. By replacing all windows at once, you can minimize repetitive disruptions to your daily routine and depending on the company, save yourself an installation fee for every window. Even better, we offer financing options with our Smart Pay programs, helping you manage the cost of window replacement and making it a more feasible option for many homeowners.

When it comes to window replacement, choosing to replace all your windows at once can offer numerous benefits and advantages. From consistent performance and enhanced energy efficiency to improved aesthetic appeal and cost savings, it’s clear that there’s a compelling case for whole-home window replacement. So, if you’re considering upgrading your windows, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to further explore how replacing your windows can transform your home for the better. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Should You Replace All Windows at Once? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Common causes include: 

1. Deteriorating seals: over time, the seals around the window frames can deteriorate, allowing air to enter or escape.
2. Poor window installation: improper installation can leave gaps between the window frame and the wall, creating a pathway for air leakage.
3. Worn weatherstripping: weatherstripping creates a tight seal between the moving parts of a window. When it wears out or becomes damaged, drafts can occur.
4. Single-pane windows: single-pane windows lack the insulating properties of double or triple-pane windows, making them more susceptible to drafts.
5. Structural issues: in some cases, drafts can result from structural problems, such as gaps in the wall or poorly fitting windows.

How Renewal by Andersen can help

We specialize in high-quality replacement windows and doors. Here’s how we can help fix drafty windows:

1. Custom window solutions: our custom-made windows ensure a precise fit in your home. Every window is customized to your precise measurements.
2. Energy-efficient glass: our windows are equipped with advanced glass technology, including low-emissivity coatings and insulating gases, which help reduce drafts and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
3. Durable window frames: our window frames are made with Fibrex®, a patented material that combines wood’s strength with vinyl’s low-maintenance features. This prevents warping and shrinkage, ensuring a tight seal against drafts.
4. Professional installation: our team of certified master installers will ensure that your new windows are correctly installed to eliminate any drafts caused by gaps or other installation errors.
5. Warranty protection: we offer one of the industry’s best warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind that their windows are protected against defects or future draft issues.

Drafty windows are not only uncomfortable but also have a negative impact on your energy bills. If you’re having this problem, you can contact us to learn more about our custom window options, energy-efficient glass, durable frames, and professional installation services. We’ll help eliminate drafts and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. Feel free to give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post What Causes Drafty Windows? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

To fully prepare for your consultation, we recommend taking these steps:

1. Research and find inspiration.

Begin by gathering inspiration and ideas for your window project. Look through home design magazines, websites, and social media platforms for ideas on different window styles, materials, and finishes. Look at windows in your neighborhood and take photographs of the ones you like. Pay attention to the architectural style of your home and consider how new windows can complement it. Make a list of features and functions that are important to you, such as operable or non-operable, noise reduction, energy efficiency, or privacy.

2. Identify problem areas and goals.

Identify any specific issues or problem areas related to your current windows. Is there a room that lacks natural light? Are you struggling with drafts or noise disturbance? By pinpointing these concerns, you can communicate them to your Design Consultant, ensuring that your needs are addressed.

Next, decide on your goals for the project. Do you want to improve the curb appeal of your home? Increase energy efficiency? Create a more open and spacious feeling indoors? This will help your consultant understand your vision and offer tailored solutions.

3. Determine your budget.

Figure out your budget for this project. Having a clear idea of your budget will help the consultant narrow down the available choices and suggest the most suitable window solutions for your needs. If you’re interested in financing, please ask about our Smart Pay programs.

4. Prepare your questions.

The design consultation is an opportunity for you to gather information. Preparing a list of questions to ask the consultant is always a good idea. For example, you may want to enquire about the quality of the materials, the warranty coverage, or the timeline for the project. Having questions ready will ensure you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

5. Prepare the area.

Before the consultation, ensure the space around any windows or doors being discussed is clear. Remove any furniture, curtains, or blinds that might obstruct the consultant from seeing the windows or doors clearly and taking accurate measurements. This will allow for a more efficient and productive consultation.

6. Schedule the consultation.

We’d love to arrange a time for us to come talk with you about replacing your windows or doors. While in-person consultations are best, virtual consultations are also an option. During the consultation, we’ll design your new windows or doors, confirm product sizes and specifications, review our installation process from start to finish, and provide an information package and a full quote.

By following these steps, you will be well-prepared for your design consultation. If you aren’t able to follow all of them, please don’t worry. Remember, our experts are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you achieve the window transformation of your dreams. Ready to take the first step? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post How to Prepare For a Design Consultation appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun and relaxation, but it can be challenging when you want your home to feel like a comfortable refuge from the heat. Cranking up the air conditioner isn’t always the best solution. Whether you’re trying to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, there are still ways to keep your home cool. Here are some simple tips to help you survive the summer heat without relying on an air conditioner.

1. Use fans.

2. Use awnings or shutters on south and west-facing windows.

3. Check for air leaks.

4. Use light-colored paint.

5. Use window coverings.

6. Increase your green space.

7. Replace single-pane glass.

The post Keep Your Home Cool Without an Air Conditioner appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Windows play various important roles, from protecting you from the elements to adding more value to your home. If your windows aren’t in good condition, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider window replacement in Alaska:

1. Better Energy Efficiency

We’ll be the first to admit that original, historic windows have a certain appeal to them. But, while they look amazing, they aren’t as energy efficient as new windows. And, with heating and cooling costs on the rise, you simply can’t afford to throw money out the window. Replacing your old windows with new ones that offer insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings can save you between 10% and 25% each year on heating and cooling costs.

2. Old Windows May Cause Harm to Your Home

If your windows are poorly sealed, worn or damaged, they might cause damage to your home. For instance, if your window is poorly sealed, you might lose warm air during winter. A leak in your windows could cause water damage to the wall, furniture, and carpets every time it rains or snows. Window replacement is the most effective action you can take to avoid a situation like this.

3. Reduce Noise

Picture this: you can’t wait to get home and curl up under a blanket after a long, stressful day at work. But instead of the peace and quiet you were hoping for, you are welcomed by the noise of a construction site near your home. You could avoid this scenario entirely by replacing your old windows with dual-pane or laminated glass. This feature can reduce the outside noise, making it easier for you to relax at the end of the day. These windows will reduce how noise is leaving the home as well, so you can pump up the volume without bothering your neighbors.

4. Improve the Air Quality

One of the benefits that often gets forgotten when talking about window replacement is how new windows can improve indoor air quality significantly. If you replace your heating and cooling filters every 30 days, then you will benefit immensely from replacing the old windows in your home. The multi-chamber design of new windows will keep the interior air of your home pure and clear, as it is constantly filtered through your cooling and heating system. 

5. Improved Security

When thinking about home security, most people tend to focus on doors and fences. While all these are important, they seem to forget the fact that their windows are a vital element of home security. Old windows that don’t lock properly are a gold mine for burglars. Window replacement is a great way to ensure that your home is protected from the elements as well as break-ins.

6. More Light

According to recent studies, natural light keeps us healthy and improves our sleep quality. New windows have small frames and large panes compared to old ones, allowing more light to enter your home.

7. Add to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You’ll be amazed by the difference new windows can make to your home. Not only do they look great, but they also offer great functionality.

8. Increased Home Value

Window replacement is a great investment, especially if you plan to sell the house someday. Nowadays, home buyers look for homes that not only look good but are also energy efficient. Old, drafty windows are a big turn-off, and sellers are usually forced to reduce the price to compensate for the costs of upgrading. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, homeowners get around 73% of their window replacement investment back when they sell the house.

Even the most expensive windows won’t deliver the look and functionality you expect if they’re not installed properly.  Make sure you work with the right window replacement company to truly benefit from the advantages offered by new windows. If you’re ready to replace your windows, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Why It’s Important to Replace Old Windows in Your Home appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

How do ice crystals form on windows?

Water vapor is present as moisture in the air, experienced as humidity. In warmer months, you’ll feel a heaviness to the air. In cooler months, when the temperature drops and the windows are closed, that moisture is trapped inside your home and drawn to the window panes where it makes contact with the cold glass and changes from a gas to a liquid. This is experienced as condensation, and when outside temperatures drop further, this condensation freezes and forms into ice crystals.

For more information on indoor humidity and how to manage it, take a look at our previous post, How to Manage Indoor Humidity. For more information on how condensation happens, take a look at our video:

What can happen?

Over time, exposure to ice can cause both aesthetic and structural problems with either the finish and/or frame of your windows. As the frost or ice melts, the liquid can sit along the window frame and discolor the topcoat, crack the paint, rot the wood, and even cause mold and mildew to grow.

How to prevent it?

• Upgrade from single-pane to double- or triple-pane windows. Experiencing ice build-up on windows is more common with single-pane, as double- or triple-pane offers extra insulation from outside temperatures and should prevent the humidity inside your home from coming into contact with freezing outdoor temperatures. In addition, single-pane windows are more prone to frame, wall, and insulation damage as water may run behind the wallboard into the insulation without the double- or triple-pane to capture any excess moisture.
• Keep a towel rolled up on the window sill at night which will collect any water that forms on the glass. Mop up any excess water and replace with a fresh towel the next day.
• Raise the room temperature at night to prevent ice and frost from building up. You may need to use a space heater in a particularly cold room.
• Don’t over-water plants, and keep them in one room.
• Store your firewood outside to prevent moisture from the wood from building up inside.
• Look for leaks in your plumbing and have them repaired. Even a dripping faucet can add moisture to the air.

Ready to replace your windows? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post How to Prevent Ice Build-Up on Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

ENERGY STAR®-certified windows are the best defense at reducing the negative effects of constant exposure to UV rays. All our high-performance Low-E4® glass packages have exceptional energy-efficiency ratings, but they filter out UV rays differently. Here’s how the four best types of glass for the Alaskan climate work:

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass

SmartSun glass meets our highest standards in cool and hot weather performance. SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harsh UV rays

• Low-E4® Glass

Perfect where both heating and cooling costs are a concern, our Low-E4 glass helps keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and blocks 84% of harmful UV rays.

• Low-E4® SmartSun Glass with HeatLock® Technology

All the benefits of our Low-E4 SmartSun glass that blocks 95% of UV rays plus an energy-saving glass coating that helps your living space feel warmer and more comfortable.

• Triple Pane Glass

An extra pane of glass helps keep the indoor temperature in and the outdoor temperature out, making this our most energy-efficient option. Perfect for colder climates where more months of the year are spent heating the home.

Our windows take advantage of the newest technologies to help lower your energy costs and keep your belongings and family safe from UV damage. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The 4 Best Types of Glass for Alaska appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Before moving furniture and items, it’s a good idea to take a picture with your phone to remember where things go.
2. Move all furniture and obstacles from around the window and/or door areas by 2-3 feet. If large items are near the window, protect them with drop cloths. Use furniture pads or blankets when moving items to prevent scratches and dents.
3. Cut any branches or shrubs that are blocking access to a window or door.
4. Removing window coverings such as curtains, blinds and shutters will help prevent damage during installation. If possible remove curtain rods from windows. If not, make sure to cover them to protect them from dust and debris.
5. If you have picture frames or wall art on the same wall as the windows and doors, remove them. They may get damaged by vibrations.
6. To keep things from getting damaged or broken, cover or remove decorative items, breakables, and plants. If it isn’t possible to move them out of the way completely, put them in drawers or closets so they’re out of sight.
7. Be sure to remove any electrical cords that run through the area being worked on, and create a clear path for traffic in and out of your home during installation.
8. Disconnect any alarms that are connected to your windows or doors.
9. Make sure that the area surrounding the window is clean so that dust, pollen and dirt won’t mix with the caulk or sealant.
10. Cover your floors with drop cloths to protect them from all the dust.
11. Close off rooms where work will be taking place so that dust doesn’t get into other parts of your home.
12. Keep children and pets out of the way for their safety.

To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

Download our handy Install Day Prep Infographic to have on hand!

The post How to Prepare Your Home for a Window Replacement appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

PROS

• THE WEATHER. Typical weather conditions in summer allow for a higher quality installation. Because there’s less damp and no rain or snow, a summer installation also means a cleaner house.
• UV PROTECTION. The sun shines brighter during these months, which means that new windows will be more efficient at blocking UV rays from entering your home. This will help prevent fading of carpets, furniture and other items and protect you and your family.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY. If you want to save money on energy bills each month then replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones should be high on your list of priorities. Energy efficient windows will reduce cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter.
• FASTER INSTALL. More daylight hours and better weather means faster completion of the install. Installation is less likely to interfere with daily routines and children’s schedules like school.
• COLD WEATHER READY. Waiting until fall or winter to replace windows means having to live with drafty windows through those seasons until your new windows are in.
• PERFECT FOR SEALANTS AND CAULKING. Mid temperatures and warm, dry weather are what you want for sealants and caulking to apply and dry their best. However, extreme temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent caulking from curing well.

CONS

• EXTREME HEAT. On days of extreme heat, installers can’t work during the afternoon. That may be rare in Alaskan summers, but it can happen which will mean prolonging the length of your installation. The same applies for homeowners as well. It’s not the best idea to paint or stain window trim when the sun’s at its peak. You’ll have to leave it to the morning or evening.
• YOUR HOUSE CAN HEAT UP. But you can take steps to cool your home down. If you’re having windows installed and heat from the sun is entering the room where installation is taking place, you can close the door to that room to keep the rest of your house cool.
• FOREST FIRE SMOKE. While not frequent, forest fires do happen. If you’re having your windows replaced during smoky conditions, doing the above will help prevent smoke from entering your home.
• BUSY SEASON. Summer is peak home renovation time. You may want to consider scheduling an install for the milder months of fall and spring to give you the advantage of increased installation availability.
• BUGS. Of course, removing windows gives insects and mosquitoes the chance to enter your home. This is especially true if you live near trees, shrubs, or water sources where they tend to congregate. But burning insect coils or candles or setting up an insect trap in the room should help keep them at bay.

Regardless of which time of year works best for you, know that Renewal by Andersen installers are Certified Master Installers with years of experience who take pride in setting the highest standard in the market. To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post The Pros and Cons of Replacing Windows in Summer appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. They don’t open and close the way they should

Windows that stick when you try to open or close them, or that have to be forced shut, happen when they have poorly installed weather stripping and don’t seal properly when closed. This allows air to escape through the frame and can allow moisture into the house during rainy seasons or winter months.

2. There’s a draft

If you’re feeling a draft of air coming in around the edges of your windows, it usually means that the seals are faulty through bad weather stripping or faulty caulking.

3. High energy bills

The thicker the glass on your window, the more insulated and energy efficient it’s going to be. Unfortunately, many older homes have single-pane windows that don’t provide enough insulation from outside temperatures. If this is the case, upgrading to double-pane windows will help significantly improve energy efficiency.

4. There’s fogging or condensation

We’ve all seen it: fogging inside between the panes of a window, or condensation on the glass inside or outside. It’s usually caused by poor insulation around the window frame, such as faulty weather stripping, or the loss of air between the two panes of glass.

5. There’s water damage

Water damage occurs from condensation and leaks. If the window wasn’t properly installed or the weather stripping is faulty, a window may leak water into the frame or wall, which can lead to mold and mildew growth, peeling paint or wallpaper, and more significant damage.

6. Window panes are cracked, warped, or chipped

If the glass in your window is cracked or chipped, it’s time to replace it. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous if not replaced promptly because it poses a risk for injury. Cracked or broken windows also let in more of the outside environment and make it easier for your home to be broken into.

7. Window frames are rotten

If the wood around your window is soft, spongy, or waterlogged, it’s rotten. This can happen when windows aren’t properly sealed and too much moisture has come into contact with the wood. Check the window frame where it meets the wall or siding; if there’s rot or decay, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

8. They’re outdated and unappealing

Sometimes windows may function well, but they look old and unattractive. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, we recommend replacing your windows with our custom-made windows. We offer a variety of made-to-order style and color options, so you can find the perfect fit for your home.

To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 8 Signs Your Windows Need to be Replaced appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.