Energy-efficient windows keep heat from escaping during summer and in during winter. This prevents your HVAC system from working harder, lowering your electric bills.
They are also great for the environment. They minimize the usage of fossil fuels by keeping internal temperatures stable and reducing your carbon footprint.
They block harmful UV rays that can cause damage to carpets, wood furniture, and fabrics.
Frame Materials
New advancements in window materials and construction keep Southern homes cooler and putting less strain on air conditioning systems. Advances like uPVC vinyl and Low-E glass make it easier to regulate interior temperatures, keeping your HVAC system from having to work so hard in the summer and saving you energy bills.
The type of frame you choose also has an impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Aluminum frames are the least energy-efficient because they conduct heat and cold very rapidly. Wood frames require a lot of maintenance, sealing, and staining to maintain their insulating properties. Vinyl is a more durable and low-maintenance option that offers natural insulating qualities and superior thermal performance. Our Intercept warm-edge spacer system further reduces edge-to-glass temperature transfer and keeps your windows and doors at peak energy efficiency.
Glass
Most energy-efficient windows use multiple features to minimize heat loss and gain. They contain glass panes separated by insulating gases and can be coated to reduce the amount of visible light that makes it through. The result is lower energy bills.
Energy-efficient windows keep heat out during summer and in during winter, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. They also prevent a significant percentage of harmful UV rays from entering your home, which keeps furniture and interiors from fading.
Window replacement is an investment in your comfort and the value of your home. Look for the ENERGY STAR label and review ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council to select products that meet your specific needs.
Spacers
The best energy efficient windows have a double-pane window with a spacer between the two sheets of glass. These plastic, metal, or foam spacers separate, support, and help seal in the gases inserted between panes.
Some windows have a low-emissivity (low-e) coating that filters out long wavelengths of solar radiation. This reduces solar heat gain in summer and lets warm air flow into the home in winter.
Getting top quality windows is an investment that begins paying you back right away in lower energy bills. But understanding your options can be confusing with all the jargon and claims. A Great Lakes Window Dealer can help you select the most energy efficient windows for your home.
Gas Fills
Energy-efficient windows, sometimes called triple-pane or high-performance windows, use multiple glass panes separated by insulating gases. They may also be coated to reduce the amount of heat that they let in. Although they are more expensive than standard windows, they can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
They can help minimize heat transfer, which accounts for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy usage. By reducing this waste, they can lower your energy costs and make your HVAC system work less hard.
The gaps between window panes are filled with nonreactive noble gas, usually argon or krypton. This improves thermal resistance, reducing the U-factor and SHGC of the window. For the best performance, look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs rather than center-of-glass numbers.
Insulation Rating
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates windows for their insulating properties, how well they block sunlight and its harmful UV rays, air leakage, and condensation resistance. When selecting new windows, homeowners should look for the NFRC label and Energy Star ratings specific to their region of the country.
Energy efficient windows help homeowners save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint by preventing heat transfer through the window. This puts less strain on a home’s air conditioning system in the summer and reduces the need to use fossil fuels for heating in the winter.
To maximize a window’s energy efficiency, select frames made of wood or vinyl with a clad surface. This allows the exterior to be covered with a weather resistant material such as aluminum or fiberglass that is thermally non-conductive. Choose double or triple-pane glass with an insulated core for the most effective results.