Energy-efficient windows are great for homeowners and business owners who want to reduce energy costs. They also help to cut out unwanted outside noises.
There are many options available for homeowners looking to replace their windows. Some of these include: single sliding windows, double or triple pane glass and low-emissivity argon gas.
Energy Star certification
ENERGY STAR-certified windows prevent heated and cooled air from escaping your home, which lowers your energy consumption and saves you money on electricity bills year-round. You can identify energy-efficient windows by checking their NFRC ratings. Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGC ratings rather than center-of-glass numbers.
Energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings that reduce the amount of heat that passes through them. They also have high-quality frames and sash materials that insulate, which reduces heat transfer and air leakage. They also have a low U-factor, which means that they keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
New energy-efficient homes must pass a third-party inspection process to achieve ENERGY STAR certification. This includes a rough-in inspection, computer-modeled index score, structural air infiltration measurement and duct leakage testing. This process can be costly, but it will pay off in the long run when you cut your energy costs. ENERGY STAR-certified products, including windows, are available from a wide range of manufacturers.
Double or triple-pane glass
From the heat of summer to the cold blasts of winter, your windows are the number one source of temperature exchange within your home. Insulated windows limit this transfer and take some of the burden of regulating your indoor climate from your HVAC system.
New technologies have made double-pane windows energy efficient and affordable. For optimal savings, choose a double-pane window that uses argon gas between the glass panes. This dense, colorless gas is a great insulator and helps reduce the rate of energy loss in your home.
Triple-pane windows are also energy-efficient, but they’re usually more expensive than double-pane windows. They offer an even greater boost to energy efficiency by keeping more conditioned air in your home. In addition, triple-pane windows can use Low-E coatings to block infrared light that makes homes hotter. It’s important to consider your region’s energy-efficiency recommendations when deciding whether triple-pane windows are right for you. A good place to start is with the R-value rating, which is a guide for selecting materials that are best suited to your local climate.
Low-emissivity glass
A window with low-emissivity glass prevents heat from escaping in the summer and allows warm air from the HVAC system to enter during the winter. This lowers energy costs and creates a comfortable indoor environment. The windows also block harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn and fade fabrics and carpeting.
The emissivity of a material is its ability to reflect or transmit heat. High-emissivity materials absorb and radiate heat more readily. Low-emissivity glass has a microscopic metallic coating that limits the amount of heat that passes through it. The result is a dramatic reduction in the U-factor of a window.
Low-emissivity glass reflects infrared and UV rays to help keep homes and buildings cool in the summer. It also blocks the flow of cold outside air, which helps reduce heating bills in the winter. In addition to reducing utility costs, low-e glass protects furnishings and fabric from the sun’s damaging UV rays. This option is available in various styles to complement both traditional and contemporary architectural designs.
Storm windows
If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency without replacing the windows, consider installing a storm window. These windows are easy to install and cost a fraction of replacement windows. They can also lower your utility bills by preventing heat loss. They also reduce condensation and improve the look of your existing windows.
You can find storm windows that are available in different styles to suit your needs. Choose from interior or exterior models. The interior ones allow you to ventilate during the summer, while the exterior storm windows provide protection from rain and snow. There are even triple track storm windows that feature a removable screen.
When choosing storm windows, you should first measure the exact dimensions of your existing window opening. The measurement is made from the inside of the casing at three points: at the bottom, in the middle and at the top. You should report these measurements to the window manufacturer.