Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows in Hot, Dry Climates

Basics

• Wood windows were once the only kind available. About 50 or 60 years ago, aluminum window frames were introduced and became an affordable alternative to wood. Next, advances in technology allowed the creation of vinyl windows as another good alternative to wood. Although energy efficiency is not the only factor, it should be a consideration in choosing windows because no one wants to pay more than necessary to cool a home. In hot, dry climates, warmer exterior air can transfer into the home while cooler interior air transfers out of the home through the window frames even when the windows are closed.

Aluminum

• Aluminum window frames are lightweight but strong; they resist moisture and do not easily dent or crack. Although they come in different colors, you can also paint them as you would a wood frame. Because aluminum frames are thin, they make a good choice for picture windows because they offer a bigger unobstructed view and let in maximum light. However, like many metals, aluminum is a conductor of heat and cold, which means they are not energy efficient in hot, dry climates.

Vinyl

• Vinyl window frames also come in different colors, and some even resemble wood. Unlike aluminum frames, the color is part of the vinyl frame, and you generally cannot paint the frame. However, that means vinyl windows require less maintenance, since they never need repainting. In addition, vinyl windows provide insulation. They have a moderate to high R-value, a measure of their insulating performance. A high R-value can save money on air conditioning in hot, dry climates, since there is less transfer of outside heat into the home through vinyl window frames than there is with aluminum.

Miscellaneous

• Although vinyl window frames offer insulation power, vinyl is not as durable or strong as aluminum. That means vinyl window frames for large openings often need reinforcement with an internal metal frame for support, which lowers the R-value. In addition, in hot climates, heat can build up inside the frame, softening the vinyl and causing it to expand, warp, bow, twist, crack and fade. Aluminum window frames do not have those types of problems in hot, dry climates.