Windows make up a large portion of your home’s design. They contribute to a home’s aesthetic and can significantly impact its energy efficiency.
New window styles are earning big attention in magazines, on HGTV, and in homes all over America. These new windows are stylish and energy-efficient.
Double-pane windows have two glass panes with a space between them that can be filled with inert gases like argon to improve insulation.
Single Sliding Windows
Single sliding windows, also called horizontal sliders, offer a simple design that allows you to bring more natural light and ventilation into your home. They glide smoothly along the frame and are often easier to clean than other window styles.
These windows consist of one stationary and one operable sash that slides vertically across the sill to open and close. They are a popular choice for modern homes and older heritage-style homes.
Sliding windows are a great choice for low-ventilation areas because they can be opened wide to bring in fresh air. Plus, they provide ample glass area to brighten drab rooms. They are also a more affordable option than casement windows and come with a wide selection of options and customizations. Fusion-welded frames and sashes are stronger and more durable than other window designs.
Double-Pane Windows
Double pane windows are another popular window style that can save homeowners money and provide a comfortable home. These windows offer energy efficiency, lowered heating and cooling costs, and noise reduction.
Also known as dual-pane windows or insulated glass units, they feature two sheets of glass in a single frame with a space between them that is either a vacuum or filled with dense gas such as argon for insulation purposes. You can find them in a variety of styles, including single-hung, double-hung, casement, bay, bow, and picture windows.
You can tell if your windows are double-paned by looking at the outside edges of the glass where they meet the window sash. You should see a metal divider between the two panes that separates them from each other.
Triple-Pane Windows
Adding an extra pane of glass provides a greater level of insulation for your home, making triple-pane windows the best choice for energy efficiency. In fact, with a high-efficiency rating and a number of features like Low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fills, triple-pane windows can exceed double-pane window performance levels by up to 20%.
Triple-pane windows also promote superior condensation resistance by reducing moisture, which helps prevent rotted frames and mildew growth. They also reduce the amount of outside noise that enters your house. Street noise, aircraft noises, and other distractions are reduced when your windows are well-sealed.
Triple-pane windows are more expensive than double-pane options, but they provide a high return on investment for homeowners. The added benefit of peace and quiet is worth the extra cost for many homeowners.
Argon Gas-Filled Windows
Argon is a nontoxic gas that can be added to double- or triple-pane windows as an energy efficiency upgrade. This makes them less prone to condensation and prevents unwanted heat from entering the home. When combined with low-E coatings, these features provide optimal performance in any climate.
These window types are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs. They minimize heat loss and gain, which requires the HVAC system to work less hard to maintain your preferred temperature. This results in reduced utility bills, and it may even save you thousands over time. The gas also helps prevent the buildup of frost on your windows in winter. These insulating properties also increase your home’s property value. These windows are also a good choice for new construction or renovations.
Bay & Bow Windows
Unlike other window styles, bay and bow windows project out from the walls of your home. They create a unique architectural feature that is eye-catching and adds to the visual appeal of any room.
They are popular in living rooms and master bedrooms. The angled part of the bay or bow window can be equipped with operable casement or double-hung windows to bring in fresh air. The curved part of the window often has a flat shelf that can be used as an extra sitting area, to display trinkets or even make a cozy window seat.
Both bay and bow windows let in a lot of natural light and give a more expansive view of the outdoors. However, bow windows tend to have a more graceful and gentle curve than bay windows.