7 Things You Should Look For When Buying Energy Efficient Windows | Lewisville, TX
Energy efficient windows are an important part of any home energy-saving plan. They will help keep your Lewisville, TX home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and they can also save you money on your energy bills. They can also improve the comfort of your home and make it quieter. But how do you know if a window is truly energy efficient? Here are seven things to look for when you’re shopping for windows:
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy-efficient windows are an important factor to consider when purchasing new windows for your home. The energy efficiency rating (EER) measures how well a window blocks heat transfer. They indicate how well a window will insulate your home and how easy it will be to heat and cool. The higher the EER, the better the window is at blocking heat transfer.
Therefore, when you’re shopping for energy efficient windows, be sure to look for ones with high energy efficiency ratings. You’ll save money on your utility bills and help keep your Lewisville, TX home more comfortable all year round.
U-Factor
U-factor is a measure of heat transfer and airflow through a material. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the material is. When shopping for energy efficient windows, it’s important to look for products with a low U-factor. In addition to being more energy-efficient, windows with a low U-factor can also help keep your home more comfortable during extreme weather conditions.
In the summer, a low U-factor helps keep your home cooler by blocking out solar heat. In the winter, a low U-factor helps keep your home warmer by preventing heat loss. When choosing new windows, look for products with a low U-factor for the best results.
Air Leakage Rating
When shopping for energy efficient windows, one of the factors you should look for is the air leakage rating. This rating indicates how well the window seals against air infiltration and is expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute (cfm). The lower the air leakage rating, the more energy efficient the window will be.
Most energy efficient windows have an air leakage rating of 0.30 cfm or less. To put this into perspective, a standard double-hung window has an air leakage rating of 0.60 cfm. So, if you’re looking for new windows, check the air leakage rating to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Frame Color and Texture
The color and texture of a window frame can also affect the window’s energy efficiency. Dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, so windows with dark-colored frames will be less energy efficient than those with light-colored frames.
In addition, smooth surfaces reflect more heat than textured surfaces. So, windows with smooth, glossy frames will be more energy efficient than those with textured, matte frames. When shopping for energy efficient windows, look for products with light-colored, smooth frames for the best results.
Glass Type
The type of glass used in a window can also affect its energy efficiency. Clear glass transmits more heat than tinted or coated glass, so windows with clear glass will be less energy efficient than those with tinted or coated glass.
Tinted and coated glasses work by reflecting or absorbing solar radiation, which helps to reduce the amount of heat transmitted through the window. When shopping for energy-efficient windows, look for tinted or coated glass products for the best results.
Window film is a thin, transparent film that can be applied to the glass of a window to improve its energy efficiency. Window films typically have a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which helps to reduce the amount of heat transmitted through the window. In addition, some window films also have a low U-factor, which helps to reduce heat loss. When shopping for new windows, look for a window with the film already installed.
Warranty
When shopping for energy efficient windows, be sure to check the warranty. Most reputable manufacturers offer warranties on their products, so you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product. A good warranty will cover both the glass and the window’s frame, and it should be transferable to the next owner if you sell your home.
The length of the warranty is also important. For example, a 20-year warranty is much better than a 10-year warranty. Make sure to read the warranty’s fine print so that you know what is covered and what is not. By choosing the right windows with a solid warranty, you can help ensure that your investment will pay off for years to come.
Energy Star
Energy Star is an international symbol of energy efficiency. Products that have earned the Energy Star label are independently certified to save energy and money while protecting the environment. When it comes to windows, an Energy Star label means that the window has been designed to meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Department of Energy.
To earn the label, windows must meet stringent solar heat gain, air leakage, and UV protection standards. As a result, Energy Star windows can help reduce your heating and cooling bills while protecting your home from harmful UV rays. If you’re looking for energy efficient windows, be sure to look for the Energy Star label.
Consult an Expert
If you’re unsure where to start or have questions about energy efficient windows, it’s a good idea to consult with an expert. A qualified contractor or window dealer in Lewisville, TX, can help you choose the right windows for your home and advise you on installation and maintenance.
We Are the Windows Experts!
If you need help finding the right windows for your home, our team at Energy Window Solutions can help. We are experts in energy-efficient windows and can help you find the perfect products for your home. We also do window installation and replacement, so we can help you get your new windows up and running in no time. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.