Energy efficient windows prevent heat transfer, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They also save money on utility bills.
The most important feature to consider is the window’s energy rating. This consists of the U-factor, SHGC, air leakage and visible transmittance. A homeowner in a colder region should focus on the U-factor, while a resident of Florida should look for Low-E.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are made of a plastic material called polyvinyl chloride. They are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. They are available in a wide range of colors and textures. They can also be customized to match the style of a home.
Vinyl is resistant to wood-destroying insects like termites, which can damage traditional wooden windows. They also provide superior insulation compared to aluminum windows. This helps homeowners save on energy costs and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Our vinyl windows are ENERGY STAR-certified and have low-E glass and argon gas filling to reduce heat transfer. This will lower energy costs and make your home more comfortable all year round. They are a great choice for Florida homes because they are highly durable and resist the effects of hot and humid weather.
Aluminum
The slim frames of aluminum windows allow for large panes of glass, maximizing natural light and unobstructed views. Unlike vinyl, aluminum does not warp or swell in warm climates, and it can resist rust and corrosion. They require a minimum of maintenance, and they are a great option for homeowners who want their windows to have an energy-efficient profile.
They can prevent heat from entering a home, thereby saving on air conditioning costs. Similarly, they can prevent cold air from exiting a home, lowering heating bills. Because of this, homeowners can enjoy an excellent ROI when they install these energy-efficient windows Waldo FL.
Wood
Wood frames offer a classic aesthetic, and they provide more insulation than virtually any other material. They will help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing utility costs all year long. Historic wood windows can be made even more energy efficient by removing lead-based paint (LBP) and repainting them.
Modern wooden window models feature aluminum clad protective exteriors to resist Florida’s harsh weather conditions, cutting maintenance requirements. Some also use a warm-edge spacer system to reduce condensation and edge-to-glass temperatures, further improving energy efficiency.
When choosing new windows for your home, look for the ENERGY STAR label to identify high-performance products. Check for whole-window U-factors and SHGC ratings rather than center-of-glass numbers, which can give a more accurate picture of performance.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows are a relatively new addition to the window industry, offering an array of benefits. Their strength, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements make them a standout choice for Waldo homeowners.
They offer a tight seal and fewer mullions to let in more natural light and boost home air quality. They also offer superior insulation, reducing homeowners’ energy bills by eliminating heat transfer.
In contrast, aluminum frames can become a conductor of heat in the summer, forcing homeowners to run their HVAC system more often. Fiberglass frames don’t expand or contract as easily as aluminum, so they can retain their shape and provide better insulation. They’re available in a variety of styles to fit any home’s architectural style. They’re also easy to install using insert window installation, which keeps the frame intact and saves homeowners time and money.
Low-E
Low-E windows have a practically invisible coating that minimizes heat transfer, which lowers energy bills for homeowners. This feature is an important factor to consider when selecting a window system.
Unlike tinted glass, which absorbs and emits heat radiation, low-E windows reflect and transmit only a small portion of infrared light. This reduces the workload of your AC and keeps your home cooler during the summer. It also prevents warm air from leaving your home in the winter, reducing heating costs.
Low-E windows also allow in less ultraviolet (UV) rays, which prevent furniture and rugs from fading. This option is especially beneficial for Florida homeowners, who must deal with harsh UV rays throughout the year. If you live in a condominium, be sure to check your Declaration for restrictions on material alterations before installing new energy-efficient windows.