Energy-efficient windows are designed to help reduce your heating and cooling costs by reducing heat transfer. They also help your HVAC system not have to work overtime to regulate indoor temperatures.
They are made with double-pane glass, low emissivity coatings and insulated frames and sashes to keep heat and air inside your home while keeping outside temperatures out. They are available in many styles and sizes to suit your space and design preferences.
Low-E Glass
With sweltering summers and chilly winters, Huntsville residents value solutions that prevent excessive heat transfer. Standard windows allow the sun’s harmful rays to enter and heat to escape, requiring air conditioning systems to work overtime and leading to costly energy bills.
Low-E glass is made from windows with a coating that minimizes the amount of infrared and ultraviolet (UV) radiation that passes through a window. UV radiation is known to fade carpets, furniture and artwork over time and may even damage skin.
The coating on low-e glass is designed to reflect infrared radiation rather than absorb it. The reflected energy is then re-radiated by warm items in the living space, such as fireplaces or radiators, and the room is warmed by this natural process.
Argon Fill
Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas that makes up less than one percent of Earth’s atmosphere. It is used in energy-efficient windows to replace air between window panes to help reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills.
Unlike regular air, argon doesn’t expand and contract, so it is better able to resist the exchange of hot and cold air that causes energy loss. It also helps filter damaging UV rays that can fade furniture, rugs and artwork.
Whether you choose wood, vinyl or clad frames, your windows will be more energy efficient if they are insulated with argon. Typically, double-pane argon-filled windows will experience a leakage rate of about 1% per year. This can be minimized by selecting windows with well-sealed seals and proper installation.
Weatherstripping
Gaps and cracks around windows can allow warm indoor air to escape during the winter, driving up heating costs. They can also let hot outdoor air infiltrate the house during the summer, forcing cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Weather stripping minimizes heat transfer and reduces energy consumption.
The type of weatherstripping used depends on the location of the window. Choose a material that can withstand friction, extreme weather, and temperature changes. For example, door bottoms and thresholds need a durable material that won’t drag on carpet or erode from foot traffic. Window sash weatherstripping should accommodate the sliding of panes up and down, sideways, or out without interfering with operation.
Felt weather strips and foam tape are affordable DIY options that can be cut to length and applied easily. Vinyl V strips, which fold into a “V” shape, are another popular choice for gaps along the sides of double-hung and sliding windows and around the top of doors.
Sealing
The insulating properties of your windows can play a major role in energy efficiency. However, gaps and cracks around the frames can cause heat to leak out in winter and air to blow in during summer. Investing in sealants can help keep these drafts at bay.
This DIY project can significantly reduce drafts, save energy costs, and improve comfort in your home. It is also a cost-effective option to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. Proper insulation can also reduce the noise coming from outside, allowing you to enjoy your home’s tranquility without interruption. It can also prevent hot and cold spots and provide consistent temperatures in your home. These benefits can lower your heating and cooling bills while reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
Installation
Upgrading your windows is one of the most effective ways to lower energy bills in Huntsville. Energy-efficient windows are designed to keep heat inside during the winter and out during the summer, reducing the workload of your HVAC system. They also block harmful UV rays, which protect carpet, wood furniture and skin from fading.
The material of your window frames plays a crucial role in boosting energy efficiency. Vinyl, fiberglass and wood frames are all good choices because they provide insulation. These frames also expand or contract less with temperature changes, which reduces air leaks and drafts.
Double-pane windows are another excellent choice for energy efficiency. They contain two sheets of glass with a space between them, which limits heat transfer and takes pressure off your AC.