4 Tips For Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Energy Efficient Windows | Fort Worth, TX
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Did you know that windows are a major source of heat loss and can contribute to high utility bills? In fact, 25% to 35% of the heat that is lost in a home is lost through the windows. You can easily bypass the statistics by installing energy efficient windows in Fort Worth, TX, like double or triple pane windows.
However, there’s only so much that energy efficient windows can do. Just because you have these windows installed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that no heat will escape or enter through this area. You can further improve the overall energy efficiency of these windows by doing the following.
#1. Install Roller Shades
One of the easiest ways that you can prove the energy efficiency of energy efficient windows is to install roller shades. Roller shades are extremely common in many homes, and they are a very effective energy saver if they are installed properly. Roller shades are able to block airflow and form an insulating layer of air between the inside and the outside of the home that actually act as an insulator.
As you already know, triple pane windows are more energy efficient than double pane ones. The more layers of insulation that you add, the more energy efficient windows will be. When you install roller shades, you’re essentially adding another layer of insulation to the windows.
Conventional roller shades that are mounted inside the frame can reduce heat loss by approximately 20 to 30%. However, if you add sidetracks to the shades, you’ll be able to increase the energy efficiency to anywhere from 40 to 50%. For optimal efficiency, install roller shades with side tracks for a tight fit. These shades should also be placed approximately 1 inch from the glass. If you want to go the extra mile, you should also have shades that are covered with reflective material on the side that’s facing the glass.
#2. Get the Windows Treated
Normally, these windows do not come with any type of glazing or window treatment. If you want to improve the energy efficiency of these windows, all you have to do is get the surface of the windows treated. There are many different types of treatments that you can opt for depending on your concerns, needs, and budget.
In general, window treatments fall into three distinct categories: glazing treatments, operable products, and non-operable products.
Glazing treatments are basically a second layer to the glass. An example is clear polyethylene sheets that are placed over the window and sealed. These treatments can do more than just improve the energy efficiency of the windows. They can also provide added privacy by preventing those outside the home from being able to see inside. They can also prevent UV rays from entering your home. If your biggest concern is energy efficiency, you will need to consider the R-value of the various window treatments. The R-value will tell you all that you need to know about how much more energy efficient windows will become after getting treated.
Operable products are those that you can easily open and close. For example, it can be an insulated window shade. On the other hand, non-operable panels or those that you put in place during the heating season.
#3. Install Drapes
If roller shades don’t appeal to you aesthetically, you can consider installing drapes instead. With that said, conventional drapes are not energy efficient. They cannot reduce heat loss by a significant margin. In order to ensure that the drapes become even more efficient, you’ll need to close the top area. You’ll also need to seal both sides and permit the drapes to touch the sill or the floor.
By doing this, your drapes might look a little weird, which is why most homeowners will avoid this solution altogether. However, if you don’t mind the weird look, installing drapes can help improve overall energy efficiency by 20% or so.
#4. Insulate Panels and Shutters
This is necessarily doable for all windows. It really depends on the style and design. However, whenever possible, consider insulating the panels and shutters. This can greatly increase the energy efficiency of the window.
In general, the panels or something that you were placed in front of the windows during the heating season. They are only used in situations where daylight and view are not as important as reducing heat loss. Shutters, on the other hand, or attached to each window frame. They remain there whether the windows are opened or closed.
If you’re interested in insulating shutters and panels, you’ll need to consider the hardware and design of the insulation. It can vary quite significantly. For example, when it comes to shutters, you can choose ones that are hinged with a center opening or hinged with a side opening. There are many other variations.
You’ll also need to consider the type of material that the insulation is made of. This can also vary significantly, and the material that is chosen can have a huge effect on the overall increase in energy efficiency. The insulating core can be made of either rigid foam boards, cellulose or other loose-fill insulation.
Give Us a Call to Learn More
Energy efficient windows are all the rage nowadays. It’s difficult to find a home that doesn’t have energy efficient windows installed due to the amount of energy savings that they offer. These windows can also greatly improve the comfort level within the home. Fortunately, the installation costs for energy efficient windows are quite affordable. After installing these windows, you’ll see a great decrease in your utility bills, so you’re not actually paying a lot out of your pocket for them. In fact, you’ll save money in the long run.
Give Energy Window Solutions a call at 972-290-1848 for a free estimate of energy efficient windows. One of our specialists in Fort Worth, TX can sit down and discuss the different ways that you can improve the overall energy efficiency of your windows.