Feeling a cold draft in the winter or the stifling heat of an oppressive summer are signs that your windows are wasting your heat or air conditioning. While a properly fitted and installed window is important for decreasing your home’s heating and cooling expenses and saving money, so are the window materials you choose. One of the most effective ways to improve a building’s energy efficiency is to capitalize on the benefits of energy-efficient windows.
Energy-efficient windows have increased insulation that helps prevent your air conditioning or heat from escaping your home. They also help keep outdoor temperatures from creeping in and battling with your HVAC system. You can choose between double or triple-pane windows to help add that extra insulation.
For better energy efficiency and heat preservation, energy-efficient window materials have a higher insulating value than conventional windows. Features include:
Energy-efficient windows work as a more efficient barrier to the heat transfer process than traditional windows. Single-glazed windows were used in older homes, and though they still exist in the market and in outdated homes, most new windows consist of energy-efficient, multiple-glazed windows to help reduce heat transfer.
To best understand how energy-efficient windows work, it helps to look at the heat transfer process:
When it comes to energy efficiency, these are some terms that are likely to pop up frequently over the course of your research and shopping.
Energy-efficient windows cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per window, including installation. This can depend on a number of factors, including the number of windows needing replacement, the size of the windows, and upgrades like low-E or reflective coatings.
You can save anywhere between $100 to $600 yearly on your utility bill by switching to energy-efficient windows. How much you save depends on:
When you’re ready to shop for replacement windows, these are some factors to keep in mind to ensure energy efficiency.
Energy Star Label
An Energy Star label is energy-efficient regardless of the window type. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program focuses on providing consumers with the most energy-efficient, home-related products. Again, ENERGY-STAR-certified windows lower household energy bills by an estimated 12% nationwide.
National Fenestration Rating Council Label
The National Fenestration Rating Council label provides information about “whole window” energy factors. A window’s entire energy value is expressed in several values, including:
The energy efficiency of a window is also affected by an invisible protective layer called an e-coating. Argon or krypton gas sealed between each layer further enhances the efficiency of multiple-glazed windows.
When installed properly, windows are more likely to function properly and with the utmost energy efficiency. You can tell if your windows are properly installed by checking the level, plumb, bowing, and square.
The location of your windows will also impact energy efficiency. This is true on both a larger and smaller scale—in other words, your home’s location in the world and your window’s location in reference to your specific property. The local climate where you live will impact energy efficiency. For instance, if you live somewhere with extremely cold temperatures, you will need more intense insulation methods.
Additionally, the orientation of your home and the degree of shading impacting the home play a role in energy efficiency. For example, if your home is surrounded by many trees, then less warmth will get in through the windows.
The type of frame your window has impacts energy efficiency since different materials have different insulating abilities. For example, wood windows are a solid option for insulation as wood has low conductivity, keeping the heat and cold from passing from outside into your home. Another option is fiberglass window frames with similar insulation effects to wood and weather-resistant properties that keep them intact.
The types of specifications you might need for your home may vary, so make sure you speak with a window company near you if you’re uncertain about which windows would be best for your home.
Particularly handy homeowners can DIY a window replacement project, but it’s generally best to hire a local window replacement company to do the job. Attempting to DIY the project without the skills and experience could end up costing you by jeopardizing your window’s performance entirely.
A window pro will accurately measure your windows, repair damaged window trims, recommend the best replacement windows for your region, and install them well so that you get the most savings on your utility bills.
Allie Ogletree contributed to this piece.
Reposted by KVCore
Article Link: https://www.angi.com/articles/do-energy-efficient-windows-work.htm
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