Category: Windows

Decorating for the holidays makes a home feel cozy and inviting to family and friends who visit. Some of the best holiday window decorations are the simplest and easiest to create. With just a little effort and a small cost, you can design stunning holiday home window decorations that will delight and inspire your family, neighbors, and visitors. Below are some of this year’s best holiday window decorations ideas we found to help you in your search for the right festive look for your home this season.

Easy and Beautiful Holiday Window Decorations

There may be as many window decoration ideas for Christmas as there are windows in the United States. There are wreaths, charming winter scenes, candy canes, lovely candle arrangements, puppies and kittens, etc., in silhouettes, 3D cut-outs, screen projections, and other formats. These and so many more window decorating designs make homes look warm and inviting for the holidays. Here are our top 5 favorites for this year:

It’s Snowing Indoors!

To inspire holiday spirit, bring the falling snow indoors! Hang some pretty cut-out snowflakes from your favorite decorations supplier. You can choose glitter-covered flakes, pure white, or other surprising variations in a range of sizes and thicknesses. Place a mix of these near your windows for a lovely snowy display.

Pretty Poinsettias and Plaid Ribbons

If you want some vibrant color for contrast in your window decorations, place a few small poinsettias tied around the pots with various plaid ribbons. With white or black window frames, these can add a lively natural splash of festive colors.

Starry Sky Winter Wonder

For an unusual and stunning alternative, you can bring the whole night sky into your home. There are multiple ways of creating the effect, like using dark paper with pinholes brightly backlit, or investing in an inexpensive star projection device. Or, you can hang various sizes of white lights in a star pattern against a black backdrop.

Fun Holiday DIY Decor for Windows

This one can be a fun project to do with the kids. Cut out shapes of snowflakes, stars, tree ornaments, gift packages, and other shapes from construction paper, gift wrap, newspaper, typing paper, or even old magazines. Use thread and clear tape to hang your elements in a pretty arrangement near the window glass.

Window Decorations That Spark Holiday Joy

When in doubt about what to select, choose the Christmas window decorations ideas that you and your family would most enjoy seeing fulfilled and feel inspired by throughout the season. This means simply creating window displays that reflect your own style and sense of holiday spirit. That may be more subtle or splashy, social or scenic, shimmering silver and gold, or plain green or pure white, etc.

Best Home Replacement Windows – A Gift for Yourself

This holiday season, you can showcase your style with the easy creative ideas above for a simple, elegant, and inspiring holiday display. Of course, it’s best when your windows are in good condition and working properly.

If your windows are drafty, look worn out, or won’t open and close properly, give yourself the gift of a more comfortable home and reduced electricity costs. Schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our home window experts to show you the best home replacement windows options for upgrading your home with Advanced windows.

Call Advanced Window Products at (801) 505-9622 or contact us here online for guidance on window maintenance or help with window warranty issues.

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If your double-pane windows once kept your home cozy and quiet but now seem cloudy or drafty, you’re not alone. Many homeowners eventually notice that their argon gas windows don’t perform quite like they used to. It’s natural to wonder: can you simply “refill” them with gas and restore their performance?

The short answer is no, but understanding why this happens can help you choose the right long-term solution to restore your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Busting the Refill Myth

A quick online search for “how to refill argon gas in windows” might make it seem like you can just top off the gas inside your glass panes, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Argon gas is sealed between panes at the factory during the window’s production process. It’s done under controlled conditions using specialized machinery that fills and seals the insulated glass unit (IGU) to exact specifications.

Once that factory seal is broken – even slightly – the window’s internal vacuum integrity is lost. Trying to inject argon back in through a hole or valve wouldn’t recreate the original insulation balance, and the gas would leak out again through the same damaged seal. That’s why a simple “refill” isn’t a permanent or effective fix. In most cases, refilling isn’t even possible without replacing the entire insulated glass portion of the window.

The Root Cause: Seal Failure

If your argon-filled windows have lost their efficiency, it’s rarely because the argon “ran out.” The real issue is seal failure. Over time, the perimeter seal that holds the two panes together can degrade due to temperature changes, UV exposure, or natural aging. Once that seal weakens, it allows both air and moisture to seep inside, and the argon gas to escape.

This loss of insulation gas reduces your window’s thermal efficiency, which can make your home less comfortable and increase your energy bills. In cold climates, that can mean chilly drafts; in warm areas, it can lead to heat buildup and reduced comfort.

Here are some signs your argon window seal has failed:

• Foggy or Moisture-Filled Panes: If you see condensation, streaks, or a hazy film between the glass layers, the seal has likely failed and moisture has entered the space once filled with argon.

• Reduced Energy Efficiency: Drafts or uneven indoor temperatures can signal that your window is no longer insulating properly.

• Distorted Reflections or Glass Appearance: A slight “milky” look or distortion in the glass can also indicate gas loss and seal damage.

When you spot these symptoms, refilling the argon isn’t the answer. Instead, you need to contact a professional to address the failed seal.

Contact Advanced Windows for a Free Inspection

If you’re having issues with your windows, the team at Advanced Window Products can diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

As Utah’s #1 replacement window company, we’ve been manufacturing and installing premium vinyl windows since 1986. Every window is built locally, designed for long-term performance, and backed by a true lifetime warranty. If your windows have lost their clarity or performance, don’t waste time (or money) on a quick “refill” that won’t last.

Schedule a free, no-obligation inspection today to see what’s really going on inside your windows. Call 801-505-9622 or contact us online to get started now!

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Image credit: Henk Vrieselaar / Shutterstock

You may have had the common experience of finding condensation on your home’s windows. This window “sweating” can occur in hot or cold weather. It can happen with your home’s HVAC system set to heat or cool your house. So, why is this mysterious condensation forming in all these opposite conditions? Can energy-efficient windows stop condensation from forming? Or, can these advanced windows cause condensation? How does condensation work?

Topics covered on this blog:

• What Causes Condensation On Windows?
• Does Condensation Indicate Poor Energy Efficiency?
• Why Can Energy-Efficient Windows Form Condensation?
• How Does Low-E Glass Help Energy Efficiency?
• Other Causes of Condensation on Windows
• How to Get Rid of Condensation on Windows
• Buy the Best Energy Efficient Windows in Utah

What Causes Condensation On Windows?

Although we cannot see it, the air is filled with water in the form of water vapor. When this liquid in the gaseous form converts into the liquid form, the process is known as condensation. But why does condensation so often form on windows?

Condensation on Windows in Winter

During winter months in Utah, we turn up the heat to warm the inside of our homes. As the indoor temperature increases, the indoor air becomes significantly warmer than the freezing outdoor temperatures. When the warm interior air comes in contact with much colder surfaces, such as glass windows, condensation can occur on the indoor side of the windows. This is why you may sometimes find condensation forming on the interior side of your home’s windows in the wintertime.

Condensation on Windows in Summer

Condensation is not exclusively a winter-time effect. As the warmer weather arrives, we start using air conditioning to cool our homes inside, and condensation can form on the exterior sides of windows. It’s the same thing that happened during the hot summer weather but in reverse. In summer, the weather outside heats up. Inside your home, the air conditioning cools the air to make it colder than the outdoor temperature. This sets up the conditions for condensation when warm, humid outside air meets the colder glass surface of your windows.

Condensation on Windows at Different Times of Day

In cold months, you may have noticed that condensation is more noticeable in the early mornings or after sunset or late at night. This happens because dawn and dusk hours and late-night are usually the cooler periods of the day, so condensation on windows is more likely to occur during those hours. In hot months, condensation is most likely during the peak heat hours of the day, from early- to mid-afternoon.

In the part of the day that requires the most home heating in winter and the most home cooling in summer, condensation is more likely to happen. In other words, condensation is more likely during whichever hours there is the greatest contrast between indoor and outdoor air temperatures. Then, depending on temperature and humidity variations, the condensation may dry up as temperatures rise through the day.

Does Condensation Indicate Poor Energy Efficiency of Windows?

Seeing condensation on your windows might seem like a problem. You may worry that your windows are defective or not energy efficient enough. But, the reality is actually the opposite. The condensation indicates that windows are doing their job well in providing a barrier against the transfer of heat or cold from outside air into your home. You are using air conditioning or heating to create interior conditions that are significantly warmer or cooler than the outside environment. Condensation on windows confirms that you have succeeded in controlling your indoor environment.

The condensation indicates that high-quality window construction and good workmanship in the installation are likely contributing to the optimum performance of your energy-efficient windows. It further means that the window seals and weatherstripping are airtight and that your window glass type is performing well in protecting your home against external heat and cold. Additionally, it can mean that the vapor barrier material and insulation around your windows are also doing their part to aid indoor climate control.

Can Energy-Efficient Windows Form Condensation?

Certain degrees of difference between inside and outside air temperatures and humidity can lead to condensation on energy-efficient windows. Condensation happens if the windows are sufficiently energy-efficient to prevent:

• The free transfer of outdoor heat or cold into your home.
• The free transfer (escape) of indoor heating and cooling to the outdoors.

For maximum energy-efficient performance, have your energy-efficient windows installed by factory-trained and industry-certified professionals.

How Does Low-E Glass Help Energy Efficiency?

Low-E glass coating helps block heat or cold from transferring from the outside to the inside of your home. By minimizing the transfer, low-E glass enables the exterior surface of window glass to cool along with the outside air, while the indoor side of the glass remains warmer. When indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels combine in certain ratios, condensation can develop on the Low-E window coating. Alternatively, less energy-efficient windows are less likely to have condensation.

Other Causes of Condensation on Windows

Condensation in hot or cold months is a good indicator that your new energy-efficient replacement windows are performing well to help make your home comfortable in summer and winter.

However, if you have an ongoing problem with condensation that does not appear to be related to indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity differentials, please feel free to ask for help. It may be necessary to investigate other possible causes and determine how to prevent window condensation if it is due to special issues in or around the window installation. You can reach our friendly, knowledgeable customer service team by calling (801) 505-9622 or reach us online.

How to Get Rid of Condensation on Windows

Because, as explained, condensation is a natural response to the successful blocking of hot and cold air transfer between the interior and exterior of your home, occasional condensation is to be expected. Most homeowners will simply elect to wait briefly for the temperature contrasts to reduce naturally during the day. Some people may choose to wipe condensation off windows. Remember that it can reappear as long as the temperature and humidity conditions for its redevelopment are present.

As mentioned, if you are concerned that the cause of condensation is not the temporary contrast between indoor and outdoor conditions, ask for help. Examine conditions in and around the room for potential issues with plumbing, HVAC outlets, leaks, etc. If no external issues appear to exist, contact your Advanced Window Products expert to assess possible issues with the window installation.

Choose the Best Energy Efficient Windows Utah Offers!

We are Utah’s leading window manufacturing company. We build the best energy-efficient vinyl windows and glass doors for Utah homes. Advanced Window Products makes upgrading windows affordable with our $0 down payment and $0 interest financing (based on qualified credit).

Call Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake City, UT at (801) 505-9622, or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a free no-obligation in-home window design consultation and estimate.

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Today’s advanced window materials, designs, and engineering innovations have produced a generation of house window types that far exceed the energy efficiency and durability of outdated models. Energy-efficient alternatives for house window replacement and commercial buildings offer superior thermal insulation value, energy cost savings, noise reduction, and preservation of indoor air quality.

Game-Changing Advancements in Modern Windows

Here are some of the modern innovations that enable contemporary state-of-the-art energy-efficient replacement windows to deliver far superior insulation quality and longer product life than past models. These advancements in window technology upgrade beautiful stylish windows that ideally suit their design tastes to high-efficiency, virtually maintenance-free windows that deliver a number of important comfort, security, health, and cost savings benefits for today’s homeowners:

Increased Thermal Insulation

For many generations, wood was standard in all types of window frames for residential and commercial construction. Eventually, aluminum framing became popular, due to the easier maintenance and comparatively low cost. But, aluminum does not provide the insulation quality that wood delivers. Vinyl framing competes well with wood framing for thermal value and is relatively maintenance-free. With the advancement of construction-grade virgin vinyl windows, homeowners and business owners now have strong solutions for both insulation and maintenance needs.

Solar Heat Control

One of this generation’s most exciting technological advancements in window efficiency is the addition of low thermal emissivity glass or low-E glass coating. Low-E is a micro layer of metal oxide applied to block solar heat penetration in hot weather periods and alternatively help block interior heat energy from escaping in cold winter weather. Low-E glass windows also filter the damaging effects of ultraviolet light, which helps protect furniture, floors, artworks, and other possessions from fading due to window light.

Reduced Energy Costs

Many of today’s energy efficient windows contain one or two sealed layers of argon gas. Non-toxic, colorless, and odorless argon gas used for filling energy-efficient argon gas windows is denser than air, which means it provides significantly increased window insulation quality. Adding argon gas layers in triple- or double-pane windows, combined with the marvel of low-E glass and the superior insulative property of construction-grade vinyl framing, produces highly energy-efficient windows that afford homeowners greater comfort and energy cost savings up to 30%.

Advanced Structural Strength

In addition to the durability of modern window framing materials, energy-efficient designs are often built with double or triple glass panes. This design advancement increases energy efficiency, but it also strengthens the window structure, for improved reliability in extreme weather conditions and additional security against unwanted entry.

Improved Sound Insulation

Some of the same advanced technologies that provide superior thermal insulation in today’s state-of-the-art energy-efficient windows also serve as sound insulators. Urban homeowners notice a significant difference in their quieter, more serene living spaces after energy-efficient house windows installation. Better sound-insulated, more peaceful interiors are an important and often unexpected benefit of replacing old windows with updated models.

Improved Interior Air Quality

Because modern windows are built for maximum energy efficiency, their design renders a bonus benefit of more tightly sealing interior spaces. Optimal sealing around windows and doors means a significant reduction in the amount of desert dust and urban air pollutants that can enter your home. As a result, less house cleaning time is necessary to maintain clean, dust-free living spaces, and occupants benefit from cleaner, healthier indoor air quality. This advantage is especially important for people with respiratory conditions.

Reduced Maintenance

Traditional wood framed windows require routine cleaning, and need repainting or re-staining periodically. But, even when diligently maintained, through years of exposure to harsh weather conditions in more extreme climates, wood windows ultimately lose functionality. By contrast, there is very little involved in maintaining vinyl windows. Vinyl further withstands the perpetual seasonal onslaught of moisture, dirt, baking sun, and extreme temperature fluctuations longer than wood.

Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake City, Utah

We are Utah’s leading window manufacturer. We provide our beautiful energy-efficient windows factory-direct to our customers, which means no retail markup or common warranty issues. All our windows and doors are built from the highest quality of construction-grade window manufacturing materials. All Advanced Window Products installers are NFRC, AAMA, lead-safe, and Energy Star® Certified.

We offer our customers many important benefits, including:

• No down payment and zero-interest financing for 24 months (with approved credit)
• Double lifetime warranty on all windows and doors
• $2000 discount on the purchase of 10+ windows

Visit our showroom downtown, or our online gallery, or call Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake City, UT at (801) 505-9622 for more information or to schedule a free no-hassle in-home estimate.

Advanced Window Products is a green business. We also support multiple charities, including Utah Habitat for Humanity and Utah Make A Wish Foundation. We are also a part of Buy Local First Utah.

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Builders use argon gas windows to increase energy-efficiency and comfort in the residential and commercial spaces they develop. These thermal windows, also known as Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) are typically double-pane construction. This means they’re built with two or three glass layers with a sealed space between those panels. The spaces between the glass layers are filled with argon or another gas type, to help slow the process of heat transfer through the glass, among other important benefits they provide.

What are the Benefits of Using Argon Gas Windows?

Nearly all modern thermal windows utilize a gas fill. There are important benefits of using argon gas windows compared with other thermal window types. The United States and Canada both offer tax credits to homeowners and businesses, to encourage the use of this window type, by offsetting the cost of argon gas windows for increasing energy efficiency. Argon is naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, and non-toxic. It’s also relatively inexpensive.

Argon delivers significant advantages over air filling in windows. Air inherently contains moisture, which can transform into condensation between glass window panes, which can cause windows to have a cloudy appearance. Argon is also a superior insulator, compared with air. It improves a window’s thermal efficiency to perform comparably to wall insulation R-value.

Here are some of the many impressive benefits of filling windows with argon gas:

• Argon gas filling improves a window’s U-value and its thermal effectiveness.
• Argon is a harmless, non-toxic gas that presents no risk to building occupants or the environment due to gas leak.
• Using argon gas filling helps minimize condensation on window glass.
• Argon does not promote damage to window frames, making argon gas windows an ideal long-term solution for energy-efficient windows.
• Using gas filling minimizes loss of warmth due to heat exchange through the glass.
• Argon filling will not cause corrosion to windows, as oxygen filling can.
• Argon can be used in conjunction with low-E coatings, to optimize energy efficiency.
• Gas-filled multiple-pane windows are popular with builders for helping in soundproofing.
• Argon gas windows can be used in any climate.
• Filling with argon is highly cost-effective, adding under $50 to the cost of a new window.
• Argon windows are inexpensive to buy but can return large energy cost savings.
• Gas-filled windows are available in both commercial and residential styles and sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Argon Gas Windows

How Do I Know if My Windows Have Argon Gas?

Check the corners of the window to locate the NFRC rating sticker, manufacturer identification, descriptions such as low-E glass, Argon, Energy Star, among other information.

How Long Does Argon Gas in Windows Last?The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors reports findings by the National Glass Association (NGA) that windows filled with argon gas will not realize significant performance loss while they retain a minimum of 80 percent of their gas content. The NGA estimates that, at the maximum rate of leakage, an argon gas window can perform as designed for approximately 20 years without refilling.
Does Argon Gas in Windows Reduce Noise?

Gas-filled windows have noise reduction properties that make them popular for helping in soundproofing. The noise-reducing quality is largely due to the inherently superior noise-blocking performance of multiple glass panes in windows containing argon or other gasses.

How Much Do Argon Gas Windows Cost?Like all filled thermal windows, argon gas windows are priced based not only on the type and grade of window construction materials but also on dimensions, window design features, and other factors. Advanced Window Products offers excellent pricing on top-quality energy-efficient vinyl windows. Purchase with zero down, zero interest, and financing over 24 months with approved credit. We also offer a $2,000 discount with purchases of 10 windows or more.
Which Is Better ‒ Argon or Krypton Gas Fill in Windows?

These days, the majority of thermal windows are filled with either argon or krypton gas, or the two combined (and/or nitrogen, xenon, or oxygen). Argon delivers a better value overall. Less expensive than krypton, which performs comparatively well as an insulator, argon is usually used for filling wider spaces between double panes, whereas more expensive krypton is used for filling thinner spaces between triple panes.

Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake City Utah

We are the leading window company in the state of Utah. We sell high-efficiency windows and perform windows installation services directly from our factory. This allows us to provide major cost savings to our customers. It also prevents common warranty issues customers often experience with third-party sellers.

All Advanced Window Products professional installers hold lead-safe, Energy Star, NFRC, AAMA certifications and are deeply committed to excellence in customer service.

Visit our Advanced Window Products showroom in Salt Lake City anytime, or call (801) 505-9622 for your free in-home estimate.

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Home living is always better with the right windows for your region. Living in a colder climate has its perks, but you do need the right windows with adequate energy efficiency to maintain the desired temperature no matter what it’s like outside. In this blog, we will discuss four tips on finding quality energy-efficient windows, including the best vinyl replacement windows for your home.

Understand Energy-Efficient Windows for Colder Climates

The first step to having success in your search for the best replacement windows is understanding what the top materials are for energy-efficient windows in colder regions. As specialists in window installation replacement, we recommend vinyl over wood, composite, or fiberglass window frames. Vinyl is preferred due to its affordability, durability, and resistance to water and UV rays.

Consider Window Placement

Something else to remember when planning for a home window project is the position of your windows. You can prioritize thermal protection by putting insulated vinyl windows in rooms with a lot of natural light such as north-facing windows. You can keep your home warmer during the winter by installing insulated vinyl windows in living spaces with ample windows such as family rooms or kitchens. An expert window installer near you can help you find high-quality windows with the right level of insulation for each area of your home. It’s easy to find the best vinyl replacement windows with their help.

Ask About Window Treatments

Speaking of insulation, anytime you want window glass replacement, you may want to look into window treatments from a well-known window installation company. Windows designated low emittance to have a thin, non-toxic coating to stop drafts and moisture from affecting comfort levels in your home. Reputable experts in replacement window installation can help you find the most suitable options for your property, complete with the Energy Star label that indicates its proven quality and success at cutting energy consumption.

Find an Affordable, Helpful Company

When it comes to window installation replacement, it’s ideal to work with a professional window company that offers manufacture, installation, and service. A one-stop-shop can help you with custom window projects so you can find what suits your home. Keep in mind the kind of windows that you prefer, whether they be a single slider, double-hung or bay windows. Your window installer should be upfront about the financing options and project timelines so you know exactly what you can expect for your energy-efficient window installation.

Energy-Efficient Vinyl Windows

Advanced Window Products is Utah’s top window company and one you can trust with all your vinyl window needs. We have a wide range of Energy Star vinyl windows available in both standard and custom sizes, as we make our own products before selling factory-direct to our valued customers. Our certified window replacement specialists install windows and doors of the highest grade with a double lifetime warranty and satisfaction guaranteed. Plus, if you’re interested in making both your windows and doors more economical and effective, we also install French and sliding glass doors.

Get in touch with the dedicated window specialists at Advanced Window Products today to discuss the potential for energy-efficient upgrades at your property – just call (801) 505-9622 to get started and receive a free quote.

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There are few things more important than windows to the beauty and comfort of your home. If yours aren’t everything you want, it’s time to think about window replacement options.

Whether you schedule a replacement window installation or keep your old windows, don’t forget how beneficial it can be to keep those windows open some of the time.

The Germ-Cleaning Power of an Open Window

It feels good to throw open a window and enjoy the breezes. For years people have said fresh air is good for you, and science backs them up.

Start with alertness. Carbon dioxide builds up in a small, tight space, and it can make you drowsy and slow to concentrate.

The big benefit of letting the fresh breezes in, though, is the way free circulation battles pathogens. It’s effective against the viruses that cause colds and flu, and in these days of COVID-19, it’s even more important.

When scientists talk about the transmission of coronavirus, they talk about the concentration of particles in the air. The fewer particles there are, the less likely people are to inhale them. If you consume only a few particles, even if you contract the disease you’ll probably have a less severe case.

Just as a large amount of water dilutes contaminants, so a continuous influx of air dilutes pathogens. When you throw open that window, you’re potentially replacing virus-contaminated air with virus-free air. There can hardly be an easier and cheaper way to reduce your infection risk.

People all over the world appreciate the benefits of open windows. In hospitals in developing countries, where internal air circulating systems are often inadequate, windows are kept open as much as practical. And now the CDC is encouraging open windows in US homes as an especially good measure in these times of COVID-19.

Think about how flu spikes in winter and how colds are more readily passed around. It’s not because of these viruses like cold weather. It’s because we spend more time in small, enclosed spaces.

Finally, opening those windows just flat-out feels right. People have an inner sense of what’s good for them, and, in any home, they migrate to the spaces that have characteristics of both indoors and outdoors. Any room with an open window fits that bill.

An open window is good for your mental and emotional health, and the benefits carry over to your physical health. The singing of birds and the rustling of leaves give both mind and body a lift.

Replacement Window Contractor in Utah

There are times when an open window is beneficial, but there are also times when you want it absolutely, reliably shut. If you’re looking for quality window replacement options, look no further than Advanced Window Products, Utah’s #1 choice for replacement window installation.

We’ll measure your window opening and build an exact replacement with a double lifetime warranty. Contact us for a free estimate or make an appointment to visit our showroom, and soon you’ll be enjoying the health, comfort and cost savings of modern double-pane vinyl windows.

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