Phoenix, Arizona Window Replacement
Last updated on 11/15/2019
A Phoenix window replacement is easy to do, cost effective, and can provide you with excellent cost savings on the heating and cooling costs in your Arizona home. If you have noticed the heat is coming through the windows in your Phoenix, Arizona home, it is definitely time for a Phoenix window replacement project. Compare quotes online from the top providers of replacements in your area today.
Home Replacement Windows
A Phoenix window replacement is the best way to spruce up the look of a Phoenix, AZ home. If the home is older and needs to have an updated look, this is the ideal way to do it. Replacing the older windows in a home with new styles can completely transform the look of the home. Best of all, it will also increase the energy efficiency and allow you to save money on heating and air conditioning bills.
The first step to choosing a Phoenix replacement is to determine what designs you would like to have. If you plan to change the style, be sure to keep the same size or smaller unless you are having a contractor do the work. Anytime you increase the size of an opening on an exterior wall, the proper permits must be pulled to ensure the structural integrity of the home will not suffer.
If the frames of the existing windows in your Phoenix, AZ home are rotten or damaged, you may want to consider using an Arizona window replacement contractor or purchasing a kit to do the replacement. You never want to put a new energy efficient model in an old rotted frame. This would defeat the purpose of the newer model. It is better to strip the old unit out to the rough opening and then add a new frame.
Cost of Window Replacing
The cost of a Phoenix window replacement is not as expensive as you might think, especially when compared to the savings you will begin seeing almost immediately. If cost is a concern, you may want to consider doing the work in stages allowing you to purchase the windows you want without the cost hitting your budget all at one time, especially for more complex projects like horizontal slider window replacement.
Another great cost saving idea is to do all or part of the work yourself. A Phoenix window replacement is easy to do if you are just replacing one with another. You can even purchase kits that make it very easy to do. Kits come in three basic options, sash, insert, and full frame. If the unit just needs a facelift, the sash kit is the best choice. It will replace the windows moving parts with hardly any fuss.
If the unit is past its prime but the frame is in good shape, you might want to choose an insert Phoenix window replacement. This kit is made to fit inside the existing frame. The insert is a fully framed model and because you are attaching it to the existing frame, you will have slightly less glass area than you had before.
For windows whose frames are rotted or damaged, the full frame Phoenix window replacement is the best solution. This replacement is made to fit into the rough opening of the old window's location. The old unit and its frame must be removed completely for this kit to be installed. Again, this is an easy replacement to do yourself if you are handy with tools.
Replacing Windows Yourself
If you would like to save money on the contractor costs, you can easily do a Phoenix window replacement yourself. All you need is a few tools, calk, and expanding insulating foam. If you are uncomfortable doing the replacement yourself for the first time, you may want to hire a Phoenix, Arizona contractor to show you how to do it. Then you can do the rest yourself and save hundreds on construction costs.
First, remove the old stops and set aside for later. Then remove the sashes and cut through the nails that hold the existing unit in place. Remove the old window and clean any debris and paint from the rough opening. Use expanding foam to fill any holes and then cut away the excess once it dries. Calk the inside edge and the outside window stops and place the new unit into the opening.
Check the new Phoenix window replacement for level and square and use shims where required to square up the unit. Cut the shims flush with the frame and add the inside stops back in place. Calk the new unit along the frame and you have a new window in your Phoenix home. If the outside of the window has a gap, you can easily fill it with a small piece of wood. Be sure to calk any seams along the exterior of the window.
Phoenix, Arizona U-Factor and SHGC Ratings for Replacement Windows
When shopping for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona - located in Maricopa County - it is extremely important to purchase windows (and doors) with the correct u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as rated by Energy Star.
Energy Star determines the u-factor and SHGC that will give you the most energy efficienct replacement windows, skylights, and doors based on your county's climate zone.
The climate zone assigned to your county takes into account how extreme the seasons are in your area. How warm and cold it gets in Phoenix determines how well your new windows will need to keep out the cold air and the hot sun.
Below, you will find a table with the climate zones and corresponding u-factor and SHGC ratings for Phoenix, Arizona and Phoenix's metro area counties including: Maricopa County AZ and Pinal County AZ.
The climate zone, u-factor and SHGC listed for your county in the Phoenix, AZ area will help you to determine which replacement windows, skylights, and doors will maximize energy savings for your home.
To find the Energy Star recommended u-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for your county in the Phoenix metro area, simply do the following:
- Find your county in the left most column.
- Find your climate zone in the orange box to the right of the column with your county's name.
- Under the orange box with your climate zone, find the dark grey box with the product you are looking for - window replacements, new doors, or skylights.
- Under the product type, you will find the best u-factor and shgc as determined by Energy Star.
- When getting quotes from contractors, be sure that your window replacements, new skylights, and/or replacement doors have these ratings to maximize energy efficiency in your home.
| Counties | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County AZ Pinal County AZ |
Southern Climate Zone | |
| Windows | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.40 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Skylights | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.60 or less | 0.28 or less | |
| Solid Doors (No Glass) | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.17 or less | No Rating | |
| Doors with Less than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.25 or less | 0.25 or less | |
| Doors with More than Half Glass | ||
| U-Factor | SHGC | |
| 0.30 or less | 0.25 or less | |
If you don't see your home's county above, use the u-factor and solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC) search tool below to search for your Phoenix, AZ area county's recommended window efficiency ratings.
Use the table above or the tool below to search for the specific u-factor and SHGC for your county so that you are educated and have this information on hand in order to maximize the financial return on your investment in new windows, new skylights and/or new doors in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
Remember to research thoroughly prior to making a window replacement or replacement door purchase, regardless of whether you are installing the windows and doors yourself or having them installed by a licensed professional contractor.
Phoenix Window Suppliers
Below you will find a list of local window retailers, contractors, installers, and manufacturers in the Phoenix area.
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