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Buying Windows in Charlotte, North Carolina
Replacing the windows in your home is a big expense. Depending on the design of the window and the materials used, each window can cost anywhere from $450 to $1000 to replace, with an additional $50 or $100 spent on installing each window. Because of this, it is important to be sure it is time to replace your windows and that you are choosing the right windows before embarking on this costly project.
Most windows are built to last well over 10 years, and replacing before then will not provide drastic enough energy efficiency savings to make it worth the cost. We advise you, and all homeowners, to wait to invest in window replacements until their existing windows have begun to exhibit clues that their performance in suffering. Windows that are hard to open and close, are drafty, or are collecting moisture between the panes should be replaced as soon as possible.
If you are ready to begin your window replacement project, first begin by researching the climate in Charlotte and the permit requirements imposed by your city’s government. Since the best windows for your home are the windows created for energy efficient performance in your climate, this information should play a big role in guiding all of your window purchase decisions. In this Charlotte, North Carolina window buying guide, we will outline the basic information you need to buy energy efficient windows for your home.
Windows for Charlotte’s Warm Summers and Severe Weather
As a homeowner in Charlotte, North Carolina, you have the pleasure of enjoying warm summers and very mild winters. During the hottest month of July, the average high is 89 degrees, and during the coldest month of January, the average low drops to 31 degrees. Charlotte experiences an average annual snowfall of only 4 inches and 41. 63 inches of rain each year. North Carolina does experience some severe weather, including an average of 30 tornadoes each year and occasional hurricane weather.
Before purchasing your windows, you will want to be sure they are appropriate for both your warm winters and the severe weather you experience. On each new window, you should find a National Fenestration Ratings Council label that outlines how the windows will perform in your specific region of the country. According the ENERGY STAR®, Charlotte is located in the South Central Climate Zone, a region of the country that relies heavily on the air conditioner during the summer months but only uses their heater lightly during winter months.
When you live in the South Central Climate Zone, you should pay careful attention to the U-Factor Rating and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating located on the NFRC label. The U-Factor indicates how much heat can escape or enter your home through a window and the SHGC rating indicates how much solar radiant can pass through a window and passively heat your home. In a warm climate like Charlotte’s, ENERGY STAR® recommends a U-factor of no more than 0.30 and a SHGC rating of no more than 0.25.
Even though North Carolina does experience severe weather, including tornados and occasional hurricanes, the jury is still out on whether or not you should spend the money weather proofing your home. Severe weather is unpredictable and infrequent in your area of the country, so the decision to invest in weatherproofing windows should be based on what will make you feel most comfortable in your home. If you do choose to weatherproof your windows, professionals recommends storm shutters as well as high-impact glass.
Complying with Charlotte’s Window Replacement Requirements
In Charlotte, you are not required to apply for a permit for window replacements unless you will be making changes to the surrounding wall. If your new window is larger or smaller than the original window, requiring adjustments be made to the surrounding wall, you will need to submit a permit application to the Department of Code Enforcement. To fill out and submit an application, visit the department’s office at 2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208. If you have more questions about permit requirements in your city, you can email the department here or call 980-314-CODE.
When hiring a contractor to install your new windows, always make sure they have been granted a general contractor’s license in your state and have workers’ compensation insurance that will cover the medical expenses and missed work time if one of their employees is injured while making improvements on your home.
By picking the perfect window for your climate in Charlotte, you could save anywhere from $59 and $446 each year on your home’s utility costs. Additionally, the climate will benefit from your choice as you will be using less nonrenewable energy to heat and cool your home. With information provided above, you can pick the best windows for your home and enjoy the benefits the provide for years to come.