Picking the Right Basement Windows

When you think about replacing your home’s windows, don’t forget to evaluate how energy efficient your basement windows are. Like every other window in your home, they do affect your home’s heating and/or cooling costs. Here is a quick overview of the key decisions you need to make when n picking new basement windows?. My Handyman likes to use windows from Harvey Industries as they will build the new, replacement windows per our specifications, and we’ve installed 100s of them.

• Vinyl, aluminum or wood, and given these windows are close to the ground, vinyl is ideal as it is more energy efficient than aluminum and less prone to moisture problems. For finished basements you can get wood windows that are vinyl clad on the outside.
• Energy efficiency ranges from single pane to double pane windows with different options for the air or gas trapped between the glass panes, providing higher levels of energy savings.
  • Note: When buying windows, be careful to get the manufacturer’s documentation to support any planned tax credits. You can learn more about these tax credits at the Energy Star web site … BUT I can’t get you there directly (something preventing direct link), so on this page you need to click on the link behind “(including roofing, insulation, …)” and you should see a tablethat looks like this (and everything keeps changing to go direct to the source):

Format for Energy Tax Credit Table You Want

• Window style will depend on your home and type of windows throughout your house, although it is common for basement windows to be different. Hopper windows open at the top while awning windows open at the bottom.
• Window size is important. Today’s International Building Code (IRC) requires windows to be a minimum of 24 inches wide by 20 inches high, to allow exiting the window in case of a fire.

Hopper Window Opens at Top

Awning Window Opens at Bottom