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ENERGY EFFICIENT, LOW-E WINDOWS

Perfect for Hot Arizona Summers

Our low-e windows can save quite a bit on your AC bills! Whether you purchase vinyl, wood, composite or aluminum low-e windows, each comes in varying degrees of energy efficiency. It’s determined by the type of frame material, number of glass panes, gas insulation sandwiched between the layers of glass, and the number of low-e coatings on the glass. (Learn more here.)

How do low-e windows save money on air conditioning bills? They’re very effective at reflecting heat, preventing it from entering the home, holding heat inside the home during winter, and blocking UV rays that damage furniture, rugs and drapery. We’d consider it a mandatory feature for any home in the Phoenix area, and multiple layers of the low-e coatings are worth every penny.

It’s useful to know that low-e and energy efficiency are not exactly the same thing. Low-e glass adds to how energy efficient a window is through a low-emissive film that reflects heat, but not every energy efficient window includes low-e glass. Also, there are varying levels of energy efficiency and low-e window glass treatments, so it’s important to discuss your options before making a purchase, and review the energy efficiency rating of the window you are considering.

Ask us for details today about what kind of windows are appropriate for your budget, climate and style of home!

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“DunRite was my third quote, after disappointing quotes from a local home improvement store and another installer. The rates they had quoted were bloated with unnecessary lifetime free replacement warranties and unimpressive or pushy salespeople.

From measuring and quote to leaving a quality job spotlessly cleaned up, this experience has been exactly as promised. Plus, the prices were fantastic! One window came defective from the manufacturer, but they handled it seamlessly and quickly. I highly recommend them.

They installed nine low-e windows, and a set of french doors with built-in mini-blinds and a pet door on my patio.”

Energy Efficient Low-E Windows - imageAre energy-efficient windows worth it? According to Energy Star®, a $412 monthly utility bill in the summer can drop to as little as $185 for a Phoenix resident – that’s a significant 51% drop!

Owner Sal Sucato suggests most homeowners may see a more modest decrease of 25-35% for their homes, depending on many variables.

Just remember, going from single-pane windows to double-pane aren’t enough for this kind of savings. High performance upgrades might be needed, such as low-e and gas insulation. We don’t recommend triple-pane windows, foam insulation upgrades, accidental glass breakage warranties or self-cleaning glass. Be sure to look at the performance ratings for your specific product!

Common questions about low-e and energy efficient windows

This is one of our most recommended upgrades. It helps the glass reflect heat so it doesn’t enter the home, retain heat when it’s cold outside, and block UV rays that can fade furniture, window coverings, paint, and artwork on the walls.

All window manufacturers use glass from the same sources in their product lines, but their proprietary low-e coatings layered on the glass can have incredible impact on the window’s energy efficiency. It makes a big difference. Most windows today come with two coatings (low-E2) as a standard feature, and many offer upgrades to three coatings (low-E3), which is definitely a worthy upgrade in Arizona. Ask us about it today!

Here is a video that many homeowners find useful.

There are two types of labels that tell a homeowner the energy efficiency of a product. Since you probably won’t see product with the labels attached until the actual installation date, it’s not a bad idea to ask the salesperson, or take a moment to look them up on the manufacturer’s website. You can also ask how more energy efficient products will impact price and any specific product they may be recommending for your home. Sometimes low cost upgrades can add drastic energy savings you’ll like when the air conditioning bills arrive.

The most important label is from the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council).  It includes several different performance measurements to consider:

  • U-Factor, which measures heat escaping from the inside of a room. You are looking for a low number close to 0.20, which indicates zero heat loss.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, which measures unwanted heat coming into a room. Rock bottom numbers ranging from 0.15 to 0.20 will save the most money on utility bills.
  • Visible Transmittance, which measures how much natural light is let into the room. Higher numbers (up to 1.0) are better.
  • Air leakage is pretty self-explanatory – who likes drafts? Less than 0.30 is good.

Some product also include an Energy Star label, which signifies it is a certified product that meets Energy Star criteria in their area of the country. Arizona has multiple zones, so it’s important to confirm the rating is for the zone where the home is located. It’s also important to confirm the rating is for the specific product line you are considering, as one manufacturer can have multiple ratings based on location where the windows will be installed, the specific product line, and any upgrades or modifications made to the window. All three factors apply.

Single-hung, double-hung, casement, sliding… there are multiple operating styles of windows. Which one is the most energy efficient? Casement windows win that bet. Because they are hinged and the crank (0r 0ther closing mechanism, depending on how new they are) firmly pushes them into the frame, creating a tight seal that prevents drafts from hurting their energy efficiency. They are far more efficient than all other options.

Picture windows with fixed panels are second, followed by all styles that have moving panels. Single-hung and sliding windows have only one moving panel, making them marginally more energy efficient than double-hung windows, which hit the bottom of our list for least energy efficient.

This comparison only considers the operating style of the window and assumes all other features are equal, such as the type of materials used in the frame, double- or triple-paned glass, argon gas insulation between the glass panels, and two or more low-e coatings on the glass.

Great news – the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has increased the amount of credits you can claim for the purchase of energy efficient windows and doors, spanning 2022 through 2032. And even better, it’s now a $1,200 annual cap, instead of a $500 taxpayer lifetime cap.

It will provide up to $600 for windows, $250 per exterior door up to a total of $500, and a total credit cap of $1,200 per year, which includes other qualified energy efficiency improvements (insulation, heat pumps, air sealing, etc.).

States may also be offering their own programs for tax credits on the Arizona income tax filings, thanks to state grants under the same legislature, so be sure to check arizona.gov before filing.

Read our blog post for details: Can Energy Efficient Windows be Claimed on Taxes?

Single-pane windows are an outdated style no longer installed by any reputable window and door companies, with the exception of windows in a space without utilities, such as a garage or sunroom with no heat or air conditioning. There’s no way to add insulation to the glass without multiple panes, and no way to add the types of low-e coatings available on modern windows, since they are applied before glass is inserted into the frames. However, there are a few things you can do.

Adding shade to a window cuts out direct sunlight, although it can’t reduce ambient heat from warming the glass. Trees, awnings and other methods help. There are also after-market films you can adhere to the glass exterior that are better than doing nothing at all; however, keep in mind they don’t deliver the kind of results that can compete with replacing those single-pane windows with new double-pane windows. You can also add drapery inside the home to help block out the sun, although heat will still enter the home between the window glass and the drapery, those drapes will help trap the heat against the window instead of fully entering the home. They also help keep heat inside the home during the winter.

Can you have a glass installer replace the single-pane glass while leaving the existing window frame intact? It’s likely to be almost the same cost as replacing the windows. Plus, a double-pane glass unit is considerably thicker (in terms of depth) than a single pane of glass. The window frame is unlikely to have the depth needed for the new glass insert.

Related Articles That Might Interest You…

Energy Efficient Windows

Buying Energy Efficient Windows? Include These Smart Upgrades.

Design isn’t the only consideration in a climate like Arizona. So how do you choose the best energy efficient windows with upgrades that are worth the investment, while remaining true to your budget?

Can I claim energy efficient windows on my taxes?

Can Energy Efficient Windows Be Claimed On Taxes?

If you’ve made a purchase of energy efficient windows or doors from DunRite, you may be eligible to claim that purchase on your taxes, receiving a tax credit up to $500. However, certain criteria apply.

How to replace single pane windows with double pane - header image

How To Replace Single Pane Windows With Double Pane

Should you DIY or hire professionals? Having a windows and doors company replace them for you, or managing your own DIY installation of windows purchased from a home improvement store are the two most common solutions. Here’s our insight on both.

Here’s What Our Customers Say…

DunRite Windows & Doors
4.8
Based on 193 reviews
We used DunRite years ago on our condo. Great experience! Now we needed all new windows and arcadia door in our house. I did alot of research and got quotes for quality, materials, reputation and service. Hands down went with DunRite (again). I highly recommend! The crew is Amazing!
Excellent window installation by DunRite. Did our whole house and all the staff were professional and nice. Cleaned up well. Management was very responsive to any questions or concerns. Would respond within 12 hours!
Noreen Pogue
Noreen Pogue
1695844102
We used DunRite Windows and doors to complete a window and door project that another company had started. Now that the project is finished we can honestly say that DunRite won in every category: price (comparing same exact product), follow up and follow through, quality control (what arrived was free from damage unlike the previous company), and overall experience. We will use DunRite for any future needs!
Michelle
Michelle
1695150091
Chris, Jason, and Brian replaced 4 large windows, in my kitchen on September 5th. They arrived on time and clearly knew what they were doing. They were very professional and nice! There was no mess left but most of all they look great! Thanks again to them !
Debbie Wentrup
Debbie Wentrup
1694129889
Dunrite was a great choice to install our window. Even though we only replaced our large front window, they treated us like we were valued customers. The process from purchase to installation went exactly as planned and we were kept informed even when our window arrived broke from the factory. The window looks great and increased the curb appeal of our house. Job well done.
Ti Talleri
Ti Talleri
1693019412
I will say if you want something done call the owner Sal of DunRite directly. Leaving a message with his staff will not expedite a repair. While they the...
Bonnie M.
Bonnie M.
1691762548
My new door is beautiful. It arrived early. Installation was very well done.
Debbie Gallett
Debbie Gallett
1690834443
Replace a patio window & bedroom window with windows that have sound dampening features. They did a professional & clean job. Visited the house, measured & gave quote, sent another tech to ensure measurements are accurate, arrived when they said they would, educated me along the way, including window rail maintenance using pledge lemon spray, NOT WD 40. Cleaned up their mess, & I will now use them for the remainder of my home. Great work!!
Steve Pish
Steve Pish
1686440194
Incredibly professional, reliable, competitive and knowledgeable company. I had a million questions about the window installation process and they were...
Katya B.
Katya B.
1685964820
Finally decided to upgrade my windows and they guys did an amazing job.
After interviewing 6 window companies I settled on DunRite. The team was excellent. Very knowledgeable, respectful , hard working. I was amazed .
jane turock
jane turock
1680905885
I shopped about 20 companies for our whole house window replacement project, and from the sales process with Rick Ritivoy, to working with the office to schedule my project in stages (bathroom windows had to go in first as a shower remodel was contingent on having those in before it could begin) to the actual work being performed, my entire experience was excellent. A lot of companies out there tried the hard sell, which fell flat, but DunRite was happy to work with me over email first and I went went them because of the double lifetime warranty on the windows, and the lifetime labor warranty, on top of having the best price for the types of windows I wanted.Chris, Matt, Jason, and the rest of the crew that did my install were all very professional and accommodating to all requests. They were a pleasure to work with!I’ve had a lot of contractors in and out of my house that last couple months, and DunRite far exceeded all other companies. I would definitely use them again!!!
I shopped about 20 companies for our whole house window replacement project, and from the sales process with Rick Ritivoy, to working with the office to...
Greg G.
Greg G.
1677678779
Absolutely impressed with DunRite from start to finish. We got quotes from many companies who gave us a lot of great information but DunRite was by far the most informative. They weren’t pressuring us at all and spent quite a bit of time with us going over all of our options and answering any questions we had. They actually gave us multiple ballpark quotes on site for different configurations we were considering which helped us choose what was right for us. They weren’t the cheapest quote we got but I still feel we got way more value than we would have with another company. The wait time was not bad considering how backed up the industry is right now, and when it came time for install both of the install teams sent out to install our windows were incredibly professional. They moved and covered items in the area to keep them from getting too dirty or breaking anything, they were quick and respectful of our time and space. The installed windows look fantastic and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.I would absolutely recommend DunRite to anyone looking for window replacements, they are fantastic to work with and I do not think you’ll be disappointed!
Ray Dunn
Ray Dunn
1676990468
DunRite gave a great price for a high quality front door. Installers were on time, worked efficiently and cleaned up afterwards. We had a perfect new front door!
Jenny Cho
Jenny Cho
1674421080
They showed up on time did the work with professional courtesy and quality. They even fixed a couple minor issues with no hesitation. They offered before I could ask. Highly recommended. Colin and Matt were the install team and Jan was my initial contact. All get my highest recommendation.
Peter DeFalco
Peter DeFalco
1673558835
We used DunRite about 3 years ago when we had a new sliding door installed; it's been beautiful and functional ever since. Our kids got something jammed in the mechanism recently that called for a service visit from Tyler who was so professional and so kind. The issue proved to be more complex and called for back up from his boss JJ, who was just as professional and kind. They fixed the issue quickly, they were so personable, and made my day with their kind service!
Erika Nielsen
Erika Nielsen
1673549021
We used DunRite about 3 years ago when we had a new sliding door installed; it's been beautiful and functional ever since. Our kids got something jammed in...
Erika N.
Erika N.
1673520266
I would give DunRite Windows and doors a 10 if I could. I am a very particular person when it comes to the home. I had been looking for windows for awhile but got tired of looking at this window company and that window company so looked up windows and doors and DunRite came up. I did read their reviews and was impressed. I called them and made an appointment. Daniel Phelps came out to my house and explained the different types of windows and which ones would be good for my home. I bought 7 windows plus French door. George came out to measure a few weeks later and answered my questions. I got a call in December to set up my appointment for installation. Nathan and Jason came out on Monday and worked till 5:00 pm that day and then came back on Tuesday and worked through their lunch to complete my installations. They were hard working, job focused, detailed oriented, professional, particular, organized, quiet, nice, and answered my questions as needed. I was thoroughly impressed and would call DunRite again. Their customer service was excellent from the ordering, measuring to the installation. I am very pleased with the windows and door. They look great.Thank you,Cassandra
Cassandra Nolan
Cassandra Nolan
1673468925
DunRite Windows & Doors recently replacedour windows, seventeen in all, in our two story home. Obviously not an easy job, however, the installers were...
Ruthann S.
Ruthann S.
1673272133
The people at DunRite Windows and Doors are amazing. We purchased windows for a new addition and decided to upgrade some existing windows. Unfortunately, supply chain issues caused one of the replacement windows to be placed on backorder which threatened the totally derail the timeline for the remodel. Sal and his team arranged to have the windows for the remodel installed to keep us on track.
Ted Anderson
Ted Anderson
1672024772
Installation took about 6 hours start to finish for 4 windows in my condo, and I couldn't be happier. There's an art to knowing how many crew members it will take to do the job, and it was amazing to watch them work in such efficient harmony. The finished product is incredible...not just the quality of the windows, you can get great windows elsewhere, but the quality of each installed window, including the framing fit and finish is impressive, and proves the quality of their craftsmanship. I've been singing their praises and will continue to do so. Thanks for the great work, DunRite!
Good window installation companies are hard to come by. Other have very high pressure sales tactics and use third parties to do the actual install. These windows were installed right on schedule, without making any false promises. The crew took their time ti make sure the install was perfect. We will be using them in the future.
Good window installation companies are hard to come by. Other have very high pressure sales tactics and use third parties to do the actual install. These...
Brandon R.
Brandon R.
1669106914
These guys are very professional and their workmanship is outstanding. I'm so happy that I chose them to do my commercial doors and windows for my house. I...
Lana W.
Lana W.
1668536204
Excellent company! Great communication and they did a great installation. Very clean and highly recommended.
Sam
Sam
1666369916
We had 11 new windows and 4 custom doors installed throughout the house. Sal and the team were incredible to work with. They came out several times to ensure we had the right order with the correct measurements. Then on installation day the crew came out and were professional, cleaned up afterward, and did a great installation overall.I couldn't recommend this company more! Windows and doors are an expensive investment and having a company really take the time and effort to ensure we made sound decisions made a huge difference for us.
Jason Edwards
Jason Edwards
1666288058
I was very impressed with the windows. There was some problems after the work, but they came back and handled it professionally. The price, what can I say, awesome.
Purchased windows from them a couple of years ago and very happy with the windows and install.We are now purchasing a new patio door and another window. Looking forward to seeing install when completed.
Mike Terry
Mike Terry
1650508672
If you're considering having new windows installed, do yourself a huge favor and give Sal a call. The guy's been in the biz for years and years and know his...
Rl R.
Rl R.
1589401391
I am very happy to say that my experience with DunRite Windows was excellent. Colin and Jesse were great. Friendly , courteous , neat and clean. Did I...
Patricia C.
Patricia C.
1585726543
We used Dunrite based on customer high ratings and the company did not disappoint. We had a custom made window and custom made door and frame with a security screen installed the house we just recently purchased.

The installers were efficient and cleaned everything up nicely. Our salesman, Sal, was awesome. He was very accommodating. He answered some questions for me about other windows and doors in my house. He offered my advice on some screen installation. He actually recommended a different type of company to complete the work I wanted done. (just like the movie Miracle on 34th Street). We were not happy with one of the choices we made with the door installation. We thought we would like our choice of framework but did not like the selection once it was up. Even though it was DunRite’s fault, they exchanged the section we were not happy with and did not charge us extra money for their time or the new materials.

I would highly recommend the company.
Yvette Speers
Yvette Speers
1464285541
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