Energy-efficient windows
Santa Fe's sun is strong, nights get cold, and spring winds carry dust. The right glass and a tight installation make a home more comfortable all year.
At around 7,000 feet there's less atmosphere to filter sunlight, so UV is stronger than at sea level. Low-E coatings block most UV and help reduce fading of floors, rugs, art and furniture. They also reduce unwanted summer heat gain.
A warm afternoon can turn into a cold night. Insulated glass with low-E coatings and gas fills, set in a well-insulated frame, helps keep that heat inside after the sun goes down.
Even great glass can't help if air leaks around the frame. Careful shimming, insulation and sealing around each window, plus good weatherstripping on the sash, keep out drafts and fine dust.
Sealed insulated glass made at low elevation can be stressed by the lower air pressure here. Glass for high-altitude homes is often built with capillary or breather tubes, or made for the elevation. We account for this when we order. Note that this can affect whether argon gas fill is available, and we'll explain your options.
Most windows carry an NFRC label with independently tested ratings. These are the numbers we'll walk through with you:
| U-factor | How well the window keeps heat in. Lower is better for our cold winter nights. |
|---|---|
| SHGC | Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: how much of the sun's heat comes through. Lower blocks more heat; higher lets in more free winter warmth. |
| Visible Transmittance | How much daylight comes through. Higher means brighter rooms. |
| Air Leakage | How much air passes through the window itself. Lower is better for wind and dust. |
Santa Fe has a long tradition of passive solar design. South-facing glass can collect welcome winter sun, while west-facing windows take the hottest afternoon light in summer.
That's why we may suggest different glass for different sides of your home: for example, glass that lets in more winter sun on the south and more solar control on the west.
Low-maintenance, budget-friendly replacement windows
Strong, stable frames for intense sun and cold nights
Warm wood inside, weather-resistant cladding outside
"Starting at" prices are for a standard-size window, installed. Your exact price depends on size, style, glass and the condition of each opening, and is confirmed in a written quote after your free in-home measurement. Financing available with approved credit.
We measure every opening, show you real samples, talk through historic-district rules if they apply, and leave you a written quote. No pressure, no obligation.
