Save Money with High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Windows
Today, as climates continue to shift and change, it’s increasingly important to conserve energy and decrease our carbon footprint. Creating a more energy-efficient home can help to reduce impacts on the planet and also provides cost savings to homeowners.
So what’s important to know before installing energy-efficient windows in your residence? There are several different factors to consider when selecting high-performance windows, including design, construction materials, and glass quality.
Energy-Efficient Windows vs. Regular Windows
Many modern, innovative features separate energy-efficient windows from conventional products. These systems are designed to insulate and protect the integrity of your home’s internal climate without compromising natural light and appealing aesthetics. Energy-efficient elements generally include multi-paned glass, low-E coatings, gas-filled window panes, and thermal breaks to minimize the warming or cooling effects of outdoor weather conditions.
Shown below is a breakdown of some of these common features.
Frame Materials
Efficiency goes beyond the glass and relies heavily on the materials used to construct window frames. There are several different material options, such as wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully weighed when deciding on windows that fit your unique needs and situation. Important considerations for choosing materials include budget, local climate and weather, and desired energy efficiency.
If your main goal is to make your home more energy-efficient, the ideal choice is aluminum. Aluminum is a non-toxic, nonflammable construction material that has long-lasting durability and high-performance properties. Unlike wood and vinyl, which can expand or contract over time, aluminum is a durable solution that isn’t affected by climate or weather conditions and makes for excellent environmental windows.
Multi-Pane Glass
Multi-paned glass creates a barrier that helps to maintain comfortable temperatures in interior spaces. Dual glazing, for example, establishes a separation between two layers of glass, which protects the internal layer from direct heating by the sun. This safeguards your home from wide-ranging external temperatures and helps block incoming debris and pollutants from filtering indoors.
Low-E Glass Coating
Low-emissivity coatings, also known as low-E coatings, are the most innovative feature of today’s best energy-efficient windows. Low-E coatings are engineered to reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light that can permeate windows. This is achieved without affecting the amount of visible light, which benefits the natural ambiance.
Types of Energy-Efficient Windows
Of course, your home’s design will likely vary from room to room. It may seem as if certain spaces aren’t suitable for an energy-efficient window installation. But energy-efficient windows come in all shapes and sizes, offering a solution for every possible application. Your options include window walls, sliding doors, double-hung products, fixed windows, and many more choices.
Many homeowners appreciate the flexibility of installing energy-efficient windows without compromising their unique needs or design aesthetics. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing property, these high-quality products translate to long-term cost savings. For many people, the energy savings from window replacements also makes the investment worthwhile.
Looking for more information on energy-efficient windows? Contact us today to learn about upgrading windows in your area.