California Energy Consultant Service

Many of the homes in Fair Oaks were built in the 1960s and 1970s. This means that many of the properties of this region – not only Fair Oaks, but also Orangevale, Folsom, and Citrus Heights – are the popular “Mid Century Modern” designed homes.

Mid Century Modern homes – also known as MCM homes – were properties that were typically designed with natural lighting in mind. Many of them have lots of windows, large sliding glass doors, and other features to bring in natural light.

But it’s been 50+ years since the end of this style of property, and many of these MCM homes are in desperate need of window replacement. As a Fair Oaks window replacement company, we have unique experience in this area, replacing windows of all sizes and styles. The following are some considerations to make with your window replacement.

About California Energy Consultant Service

California Energy Consultant Service is an energy efficiency and replacement window contractor in the Greater Sacramento area. We are based in Orangevale, and serve Fair Oaks, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, El Dorado Hills, and throughout Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County. We offer some of the best rates available with the highest quality window designs and styles. Contact us for an estimate.

It’s Probably Time to Replace Your Windows

First and foremost, the vast majority of MCM properties are in need of new windows. Many of them still have their original 1960s single pane aluminum windows. These windows:

• Leak as much as 30% more energy than double pane (or more)
• May shatter in dangerous ways.
• Often have leaks in the corners or sides from aging frames.

If you still have your 1960s windows – especially as the cost of electricity keeps rising – replacing those windows is long past due.

However, not everyone has their original 1960s windows. Does that mean your windows still need replacement? The answer is frequently yes. The double pane windows of the 1980s and 1990s are not as efficient or effective as the windows of today. If they’re still suiting your needs, and you like how they look aesthetically, you may still be able to wait a bit longer.

But many homeowners find that these windows are no longer operating as efficiently as they used to. That means it’s probably time for window replacement.

More Colors Are Available

When these MCM homes were built, aluminum windows were typically all that was available. But today, there are frames in almost every color you can dream of. White is the most cost effective and most common, but there are also:

• Black window frames.
• Gray window frames
• Brown window frames.

There are also green, mahogany, red, almond, beige, taupe – pretty much every color you can imagine. You can find a frame that matches your current paint, or consider repainting your home to match the color – whatever your preferences may be.

Both Retrofit and New Construction Are Fine – With New Construction More Popular

Retrofit windows are replacement windows that fit into an existing frame. They are more affordable. New construction, which we can provide here at California Energy Consultant Service, are windows built into your home by replacing your drywall, siding, etc. around the new window.

Both are great choices, and there is no wrong answer, but when it comes to window installation in Fair Oaks, new construction tends to be more popular. The reason is that MCM homes are often built around windows, and retrofit can decrease the visible space slightly. However, there is no wrong option, as both can be great choices.

Windows Are Only Part of the Energy Efficiency Process – But They’re a Good One

All MCM homes in Fair Oaks that haven’t received large scale upgrades are likely to have energy efficiency problems. 1960s siding tended to be less insulated, HVACs systems are often getting old, and there may be other leaks in and around your home from 60+ years of aging property.

Windows may not solve all of these problems, but they are likely to be a tremendous help, especially if you have the original aluminum windows. You should notice the difference right away, with energy bills that save you a considerable amount of money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Learn More with Cal Energy

California Energy is one of Northern California’s favorite window replacement contractors. We provide full service window installation, including new construction, for properties all throughout the region. If you’re in Fair Oaks, or any nearby city, and you’d like to learn more about what is available for windows, contact our team today.