Energy-Efficient Windows in Meridian, ID
We measure, supply and fit energy-efficient replacement windows in homes across Meridian, Idaho.
- Quotes in writing
- 16 areas covered
Meridian Window Pros fits energy-efficient windows in homes across Meridian. We measure each opening and make the new window to fit it.
The energy-efficient windows we fit are ENERGY STAR certified. ENERGY STAR says certified windows are made by an ENERGY STAR partner, are tested, certified and verified by an independent group called the National Fenestration Rating Council, or NFRC, and have NFRC ratings that meet energy efficiency rules set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The two numbers on every window
Your quote from us lists two numbers for every window.
The first rating, the U-factor, tells you how fast heat passes through a window. The lower the U-factor, the less heat gets through, so you want it low. ENERGY STAR says the U-factor for windows is typically between 0.10 and 0.60.
The solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, is a rating for how much of the sun's heat gets through the glass. The lower the number, the less heat comes in.
ENERGY STAR says windows must meet U-factor and, where it applies, SHGC limits that depend on the climate zone. ENERGY STAR also says that just because a window is expensive does not mean it is energy efficient, so we compare windows with you by these two numbers, not by price.
Glass for Meridian's cold nights and hot afternoons
The National Weather Service office in Boise calls the Treasure Valley a high desert, where nights cool down fast and days heat up fast. For the Northern part of the U.S., ENERGY STAR recommends windows with a U-factor of 0.22 or less.
ENERGY STAR says a standard double-pane window lets in about 75 percent of the sun's heat, and that most certified windows cut that heat more than typical windows do without cutting the light. It says certified windows have coatings that work like sunscreen for your house, and that these coatings reduce fading of things like drapes and wood floors by up to 75 percent.
ENERGY STAR's advice for colder climates is a low U-factor and a higher SHGC on a south wall, a low SHGC or shade on east and west walls, and the lowest U-factor you can afford on north walls. So we pick the glass for each wall of the house, and a west-facing window gets different glass from one facing north.
Why the fitting matters as much as the window
ENERGY STAR says even the best windows can let air leak in if they are poorly installed. It says all the hidden air leaks in a home can add up to a hole the size of an open window. When we fit a window, we insulate the space between the window frame and the wall opening, then seal the gaps around it.
We fit energy-efficient windows in vinyl and fiberglass frames, and in every style, from double-hung and sliding to casement, picture and bay and bow windows.
What energy-efficient windows cost
| Double-hung window, 3 ft. by 5 ft., installed | Price per window (ENERGY STAR) |
|---|---|
| Simple and energy-efficient | From about $400 |
| Same window with premium options | About $1,600 or more |
ENERGY STAR lists the premium options as specialty wood finishes, historically accurate designs, laminated glass for impact resistance and extra-strength frames.
We price energy-efficient windows for your house once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The exact U-factor and SHGC of each window, written into the contract.
- A line saying the windows are ENERGY STAR certified for where you live. ENERGY STAR says it sees many companies install windows that are ENERGY STAR certified, but for the wrong climate zone.
- The product warranty and the installation warranty. ENERGY STAR says a decent product warranty should be at least 10 years, and preferably 20 years or lifetime. It says installation warranties are typically less than 5 years.
Questions about energy-efficient windows in Meridian
Will energy-efficient windows lower my energy bill?
ENERGY STAR says upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12%.
Are my old single-pane windows worth replacing?
ENERGY STAR calls single-pane windows, which have only one layer of glass, big energy wasters. It says they usually have no coating to block the sun's heat in summer, which raises air conditioning costs.
Why do my windows get wet on the inside in winter?
ENERGY STAR says water forms on the inside of a window when the glass gets cold enough for the damp air in the room to turn to water on it. It says certified windows resist this better but can still get it in cold weather, so keeping indoor humidity in check helps too.
What should I keep after the windows go in?
ENERGY STAR says to tell the installer to keep each window's NFRC label for you, so you have an exact record of what was installed. It says you may need that record to qualify for utility incentives. We leave the labels with you.
Can I get a rebate on new windows?
ENERGY STAR says rebates for windows may be available through your local utility company, so ask yours before you order.
Do I need a permit for new windows in Meridian?
The City of Meridian says its residential remodel permits cover changes to the inside or outside of an existing home, and can include replacing windows. Its handout on residential projects lists window size changes among the jobs that need a permit. We'll tell you before we start if your job needs one.
What if my house was built before 1978?
ENERGY STAR says the installer will likely have to take precautions because of possible lead paint. Under the EPA's lead paint rule for renovations, window replacement in those homes is always covered, and the firm doing the work must be certified.
How long does it take to get energy-efficient windows?
ENERGY STAR says it is typical for high-performance windows to take 6 to 8 weeks, or even 12 weeks, to arrive after ordering, because each one is made to order. We give you a date when you order.
Is it cheaper to replace several windows at once?
ENERGY STAR says that to get the best price per window, it helps to plan to buy at least 10 windows to reduce installation costs. If you only need one, we'll still fit it.
Get a quote for energy-efficient windows
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and how many windows you need. We'll measure, go through frame and glass options with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other windows we fit, go to the Meridian Window Pros home page.
Ready to talk about your window job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.