Energy Efficiency Through Glass
We’ve discussed the energy efficiency that ample and professionally installed insulation can provide a home. Hot air rises, so during the winter, when that warm air your heater had dispersed through your home rises, attic insulation will keep it down, where you need it. Still not warm enough or costing too much to heat up your home? Have you looked into having energy efficient window installed?
What is the difference between energy efficient windows vs regular windows? Just what makes a window energy efficient? There are three big differences between these two windows, and once you’ve read this and did some research on your own, energy efficient window installation will be on your to-do list.
- Structure: Regular windows are a single pane glass that allows heat to escape during the winter, increasing the heating bill by 25% or more. During the summer, the heat flow is reversed and warm UV rays beam through the windows, causing the air conditioning to work harder which raises the energy bill. The frame around regular windows are highly conductive material, aluminum, or wood. An energy efficient window is made with multiple glass panes that minimize transfer of heat with the insulated air spaces placed between the panes. Energy efficiency is increased more by nontoxic gas like argon or krypton, along with low-conductivity spacers.
- Coating: An additional way to control heat transferring is to apply a low-emissivity coating to the surface of window glass. At the factory, this coating is applied to the exterior side of the glass panes. Energy efficient windows have a coating is a metallic oxide or microscopically thin metal layers applied that can keep your home cooler by reflecting the summer UV rays. This low-e coating on windows interior the winter maintain indoor temperatures prevents that expensive heat from escaping.
- Bonus: Energy Star: Why get energy efficient windows? Energy efficient windows with the Energy Star label means they are energy efficient by federal guidelines standards. The Energy Star program is one of many to promote environmentally friendly and energy saving practices. There are tax credits and rebates to entice a homeowner to purchase them, and the savings on utility bills give you a ROI.
What is the most energy efficient window?
With energy efficient window installment, you’ll increase your home’s energy efficiency while reducing the energy bills, which will save money. You want to get the best possible for the money to get the most savings, and the best energy efficient window to do that are casement windows. The design of casement windows are seal on all the way around and when the window is closed, the sash pushes firmly against the frame, keeping air from passing through.
When a window won’t seal securely, air leak around the frame and sash, letting cold air inside in the winter and cooled air out in the summer. This will have you adjusting the thermostat, making the air or furnace work harder, which affects the utility bills.
Are vinyl windows energy efficient?
Vinyl windows today are energy efficient windows, because of features like Low-E coated glass, frames that are foam-enhanced, and warm edge spacers. All of these features will reduce energy transfer while limiting the impact of light penetration.
These are things that will help your HVAC system regulate indoor temperatures easier all year long. This is a big bonus for homes where the climate fluctuates.
How can I tell if my windows are energy efficient?
Are a few easy and quick things you can do that will tell you if you have energy efficient windows or not.
- The U-Factor: This is the measurement of heat transferred through the glass. On the frame of the windows, if you find an NFRC rating label, this will give you the U-Factor. from the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) on them, so you can check what U-factor the windows have been rated at.
- The Framing: Another feature that will tell you that you have energy-efficient windows is the framing. Most windows are aluminum or vinyl material, older homes that have never been updated will have wood frames, the least energy-efficient windows. Insulated vinyl windows are the best at being energy-efficient windows, reducing the heat loss, and minimizing air leaks.
- Are They Single Pane or Double Pane: Double pane windows are more energy efficient windows compared to single-pane windows because of the layers and thicker glass.
Can you make old windows energy efficient?
The majority of the heat lost in your home is through the windows from air drafts, typically wooden windows. Fortunately, this and other minor repairs can make your windows energy-efficient windows with a little elbow work.
Step One: Cold air leaks through cracked panes, disintegrating putty, cracked frames, and around windows that don’t shut properly. A few minor repairs to these things will give you some mileage until you’re ready to invest in energy-efficient windows.
Step Two: For drafty windows, add weatherstripping or insulating materials in the gaps so that it helps your window close up when shut and make them energy-efficient windows.
Step Three: Replacement windows are necessary to get those energy-efficient windows and the effect of double-pane windows. Purchase storm windows at a fraction of the cost and you’ll get an ROI in 4 to 5 years.
Are energy efficient windows good? Yes, all windows with the ENERGY STAR rating will provide the following benefits:
- Save Money – energy bills are lower with energy-efficient windows because you’ll use less energy. It also reduces your carbon footprint.
- Comfort – With energy-efficient windows, no ore cold drafts in the winter or overheated space in the winter.
- Protection – With the Low-e coating on energy-efficient windows, there are fewer UV rays coming through to damage your carpet, floors, and furniture.
Call 817-937-6267 today to get started with energy efficient glass in Fort Worth, TX.