Should You Consider Energy Efficient Windows?

Windows account for 30% of energy loss in homes. That is why the Department of Energy recommends energy efficient windows. Read on to find out the relationship between windows and energy loss and why you should consider energy efficient windows.

How do energy efficient windows work?

These windows are designed to reduce energy loss in your home. There are several components and technologies used to make these windows efficient. They include:

Low-E glass

Glass is a poor insulator; meaning it transfers heat in and out of your home easily. So, during the summer, your windows allow heat inside resulting in the high use of the air condition system.

Energy efficient windows use Low-E (low emissivity) glass. This type of glass blocks sun rays reducing the amount of heat entering your home.

Double or triple paned windows

Traditional windows have only one glass pane separating the interior of your home from the climate outside. And, as you already know, glass is a poor insulator.

Increasing the number of panes to two or three improves the insulation properties of glass. In fact, manufacturers fill the space between the panes with air to improve insulation.

Window spacers

Traditional windows use metal, a good conductor of heat, to separate window panes. Instead of metal, energy efficient windows use spacers, which are made from poor conductors such as vinyl, silicone, or fiberglass.

Energy-efficient materials

All types of energy efficient windows have components and options that reduce energy loss. However, some are more efficient than others due to the type of materials used. For example, fiberglass provides the best energy efficiency. The material is a good insulator, and it has minimal expansion and contraction during hot and cold weather.

The advantages of energy efficient windows:

  • Save money: Heating and cooling contribute to more than 50% of the average American home’s energy bill. So, by reducing energy loss, energy efficient windows save you a significant amount of money.
  • Extended window life: Energy efficient windows are designed to insulate your home by withstanding harsh weather. Therefore, they are stronger and more durable than the traditional windows.
  • Helps your home systems: Increased heat transfer between your home and outside makes you use systems such as the HVAC a lot. With energy efficient windows, you reduce the use of these systems thereby extending their life.
  • Increase your home resale value: In the real estate industry, energy efficiency is a factor when pricing homes. People are willing to pay more for energy efficient homes since, in the long run, they will save a lot of money on utility bills.

Replace or Upgrade

Replacing your existing windows with windows with an Energy Star label is the best option. However, you still have the option of updating your existing windows. For instance, you can fix air leaks and add solar control films to reduce energy loss through your existing windows.

It is vital that you work with local windows experts such as The Window Authority. Such a company will consider the climate challenges of Northern Texas when replacing or upgrading your windows.