MySanDiego
MySanDiego

Window Shopping with Michal

Window Shopping with Michal is an exclusive column with Michal Bohm, owner of BM Windows in San Diego. His articles provide San Diego homeowners with insider tips to help you navigate the replacement window and door buying process, and share insights that aid in choosing the best replacement windows and doors for your home.

Decoding Window Language: Energy Efficiency Terms and Ratings that San Diego Homeowners Should Understand

by     3 min read    

This article is the second in a series of 15 articles where we "decode" some of the industry terms surrounding replacement windows. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that we hope will help educate San Diego homeowners and allow them to make more informed decisions. The window industry (technically the “glazing” industry) has a language all to its own. If you’ve ever looked at replacement windows in a home improvement store or talked to a replacement window salesperson, you probably saw or heard … [Read more...]

Anlin Windows and Doors: A Great Value for San Diego Homeowners

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In this article, I wanted to highlight a replacement window brand that I highly recommend: Anlin Window Systems. The Anlin brand may not be as well known as window brands like Milgard, Simonton, or Pella, but they should not be overlooked by San Diego homeowners seeking high-quality vinyl window or patio doors. Anlin Window Systems only offers vinyl replacement windows and doors, so San Diego homeowners looking for wood, fiberglass, or aluminum windows or doors will need to look elsewhere. … [Read more...]

Who’s the Best Replacement Window Company in San Diego?

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San Diego has a lot of replacement window companies, both big and small. This is a good thing in one sense because there are many choices, but researching all of the local San Diego replacement window companies can get overwhelming. Reviews can be mixed, with some customers claiming a company is the best and other saying that the same company is the worst they’ve ever dealt with. There are also general home improvement companies, and some of the local big box stores can also install … [Read more...]

Energy Efficient Windows Guide for San Diego Homeowners: What is Low-e Glass and How Does it Work?

by     2 min read    

San Diego homeowners in the market for energy efficient replacement windows have certainly encountered the term low-e glass. We know low-e glass is a contributing factor in making the window energy efficient, but what does low-e mean and how does it work? Let’s start with light, specifically sunlight, which we have no shortage of here in San Diego. There are three basic types of light: ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light. Ultraviolet light is the type of light that causes … [Read more...]

Decoding Window Language: Understanding the Various Styles of Windows Available to San Diego Homeowners

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This article is the first in a series of 15 articles where we "decode" some of the industry terms surrounding replacement windows. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that we hope will help educate San Diego homeowners and allow them to make more informed decisions. Windows come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in various styles with names you may not be familiar with. In this article, I hope to “decode” some of the terms you might hear as they relate to the window styles, so you can decide … [Read more...]

What are Casement Windows and Are They a Good Choice for San Diego Homes?

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If you're not familiar with window terminology, a casement windows has a single glass panel that swings open to the outside. Typically, they swing outward, away from the frame and the wall, from a single hinge. Some casement windows can swing outward up to 90 degrees from the building. These windows usually operate via a crank that makes the window simple to open and close. Casement windows are perfect for areas in your home where an unobstructed view is desired, especially San Diego homes in … [Read more...]

Quiet Your San Diego Home with Noise Reducing Replacement Windows

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Many Southern California homeowners live in close proximity to noisy freeways and busy surface streets. San Diego residents are no different, whether it’s an annoying dog barking or you live close to the airport, outdoor noise can be a major nuisance that disrupts sleep and invades your home with unwanted noise pollution. Old windows can be the main culprit in allowing noise to seep into San Diego houses. Replacing single pane aluminum frame windows with new dual pane windows with vinyl … [Read more...]

Is the HERO Program a Good Financing Option for Replacement Windows in San Diego?

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The HERO program, which is a financing option through the government’s PACE financing program, allows homeowners to get new windows with no money down and pay for them over time along with their property taxes. This has been an attractive option for many homeowners who didn’t have the cash on hand for new windows. However, there is a potential drawback to the HERO program that is not always disclosed to homeowners applying for this type of financing. Many homeowners are told that when they … [Read more...]

Window Frame Material Options for San Diego Homes

by     3 min read    

Energy efficient windows are typically recognized by their treated glass, but don’t neglect the importance of framing materials when shopping for San Diego replacement windows. Window frames contribute up to 30% of the window’s total weather resistance and energy efficiency. Inserting a highly energy-efficient window pane into a frame that allows a terrible amount of heat transfer is self-defeating. That being said, energy efficiency isn't the only factor to consider when choosing a window … [Read more...]

Understanding Bay and Bow Windows in San Diego

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We've noticed that some of our customers use the terms "bay window" and "bow window" interchangeably. And while the two types of windows have similarities, they are a little bit different, and as someone shopping for replacement windows in San Diego, it would be helpful for you to know the difference. What's the Difference Between Bay and Bow Windows? Bay and bow windows are both specialty “show off” windows formed from three or more windows that each project out from a wall. In a bay window … [Read more...]