Energy-Efficient Windows for San Francisco Homes

Popular Local Trends & Styles

• Double-Pane Windows

  Ease the burden on your heating and cooling systems with double pane windows that can help keep your home’s climate comfortable no matter the weather conditions. Double pane windows contain insulating argon gas between the two panes of glass, providing an additional layer of insulation between your home and the elements outside.

• Glass Options When the San Francisco summers by the bay bring warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine, consider whether your window glass is up to the task of providing adequate insulation. Advanced Low-E or SunDefense^™ Low-E are both examples of low emissivity glass that help block the sun’s ultraviolet rays and can reduce the amount of heat transferred.
• Frame Options

  The panes of glass alone are not the only factor that affects the energy efficiency of your windows. Consider the different looks and insulating benefits of each type of window frame. Wood and fiberglass are both popular choices among San Francisco homeowners because each possess low conductivity and offer excellent insulation for your home.

• Between-the-Glass Blinds

  If you are going to install windows with multiple panes of glass, make the most of that space with between-the-glass blinds. Sandwiched between the panes of glass, these window treatments are protected from dust, dirt, and allergens. Pella’s between-the-glass blinds can also be operated through the touch of a button with Pella’s Insynctive Technology.¹

¹Requires connection to a compatible home automation system and smart device.

Product Lines

• Architect Series® Traditional
• Architect Series® Contemporary
• Pella® Lifestyle Series

Recommended Customizations¹

Choose from a wide selection of hardware and grille options as you customize your windows for a more seamless integration into your home. If you are a San Francisco homeowner looking to bring a more contemporary look to your residence, consider hardware with clean lines and high contrast finishes. Satin nickel and bright brass represent more traditional alternatives. Find more customizations here.

¹Not all customizations are available in all Pella product lines.

San Francisco Climate Recommendations

On the coast of California, San Francisco’s climate is largely dictated by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The effect is a generally mild climate with moderate temperature swings, defined by typically moist winters and dry summers. But the sharp topography of San Francisco has resulted in a multitude of different microclimates, with colder winters and warmer summers to be found in areas farther inland from the coast.

Why Choose Pella?

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Frequently Asked Questions

•   What factory-prefinished stain and paint colors are available on Pella products?

  • Wood Windows and Patio Doors – Wood interiors offer more design flexibility — windows and patio doors can be stained or painted to match your decor.  Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's wood products.

    As part of Pella Corporation’s commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, we use Water-Based Green Chemistry. Our factory-applied stain is water-based, which significantly decreases the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted into the air.

    Fiberglass Windows and Patio Doors – Available in colors offering the quality look of painted wood — including a dual-color option. Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's fiberglass products.

    Vinyl Windows and Patio Doors – Pella's unique vinyl formula is performance-tested for excellent weathering, durability, and color retention. Solid- and Dual-Color frames are available. Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's vinyl products.

    Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors – You'll save time and finishing costs when your entry door arrives prefinished in your choice of paint or stain color that will look beautiful for years. Explore interior and exterior finish options for Pella's fiberglass and steel entry doors.

•   What general maintenance is required for my Pella windows and patio doors?

  • Pella recommends you inspect your windows and patio doors at least annually as part of a home checkup. Maintenance can prolong the life of your Pella windows and doors and will help ensure maximum warranty coverage.
    
    As needed, clean, repaint or restain your windows and patio doors, and recaulk around them to help maintain optimal performance. Also, be sure to regularly check for leaks and improper drainage above or around vents and sprinkler systems that may subject your windows and patio doors to prolonged water exposure.
    
    Review the Maintenance section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual for additional details about how to properly maintain the interior and exterior of your Pella windows and patio doors.

•   How do I clean my Pella windows and patio doors? What can I use to clean them?

  • Clean the interior and exterior frame surfaces with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Stubborn stains and deposits may be removed with mineral spirits. Or Pine-Sol® can be applied with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Do not use abrasives. Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface. Should you need it, touch-up paint is available at the Pella Window and Door Showroom nearest you.

    Clean the window sill using the brush attachment on a vacuum and vacuum off any debris.

    It is normal for water to accumulate in the sill and track. On products with weep holes, the water is intended to drain to the outside via the drainage or "weep" holes.

    • To clean the weep (drainage) system, check to make sure that the weep holes are clear of obstruction (dirt, sand, or building materials).
    • To clean the weep holes, use a small, soft brush to clear the opening. Weep holes may be located both inside and outside the window in the bottom of the frame. If the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between the units.

    WARNINGS:

    • Do not use abrasive or caustic solvents as they may damage your windows or patio doors.
    • Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface. 
    • Do not power-wash.

    Review the Cleaning section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual for additional details about how to properly clean your Pella windows and patio doors.

•   What type of glass is energy efficient?

  • Choosing the right glass for your products is an important decision. No matter where you live, Pella offers you the right options. Learn more about the innovative energy-saving glass options available from Pella, each designed for specific climates.

•   What is ENERGY STAR®?

  • ENERGY STAR is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Pella's commitment to ENERGY STAR extends to product design, testing, consumer education, sales, marketing, public outreach, product labeling, specification development and training.

•   Can I tint the glass on my Pella windows?

  • Pella offers tinted double-pane glass on most Pella products, and tinted triple-pane glass is available on Designer Series® and Pella® 350 Series windows and patio doors and Pella® 250 Series windows. If the tinting contributes to a defect in the product, the defect would not be covered under the warranty. Read our limited lifetime warranty for complete details.

•   Why should I choose energy-efficient windows?

  • Choosing energy efficient windows is one of the most important considerations to realize a good return on investment for a window replacement. But there are a lot of factors, including proper installation, window material, and glass type that will eventually determine how much improved thermal performance and comfort you’ll see in your home. Learn more.

•   What makes Pella’s windows energy efficient?

  • Pella provides top energy-saving glass and exceeds the standards for energy efficiency. Learn more about how Pella creates advanced energy efficient windows.

•   What are the benefits of replacing my windows?

  • Energy efficiency, reduced noise and curb appeal are chief among the key benefits of replacing your windows. Learn more about how replacement windows can represent an investment in your home.