Aluminum and vinyl window frames are both cost-effective and energy-efficient materials. But in terms of durability and being able to withstand extreme weather situations, aluminum window frames would resist more damage and will not decrease in its insulation performance.

The good thing about wood window frames is that these give out sufficient insulation and are pretty durable. But low-quality types will not do well against the weather. High-quality wood window frames are available at a higher price than other materials, but will definitely last longer under different weathers.

Fiberglass window frames don’t do badly in terms of insulation benefits. In fact, these are considered one of the best in terms of energy effectiveness. Additional insulation materials can be added with these types of framings to prevent further heat loss.

But if you want all the good qualities of the above materials rolled into one, you should look into the possibility of using composite and combination window frames for your house.

There also general rules to follow when deciding the exact locations of your discount energy efficient windows. To prevent losing beneficial heat during winter, you should place in less number of windows on the north side of your house. The southern side should have more windows to maximize the natural lighting – provide proper shading fixtures to filter unwanted heat during summer.

When you think it’s time to upgrade or replace your windows with discount energy efficient windows, you just need to research and take note of the SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), Low-E, U-factor, and VT (Visible Transmittance) details of the product as your guide to the product performance (don’t forget to also compare each brand!)