Will New Windows Help Me Beat the Heat? | Fort Worth, TX
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It can get hot in Fort Worth, TX, and with energy costs rising, it isn’t very easy to both cool a house and not max out on the electric bill all summer long.
Will new windows help me beat the heat? Yes, the gain of heat through windows is responsible for 25 to 30 percent of cooling energy costs.
Benefits of New Windows
There are so many benefits associated with installing windows in your home, including lower energy costs and easier house maintenance and enjoyment. The technology used to make windows have changed over the years, and homeowners benefit greatly.
Energy Costs
The U.S Department of Energy recognizes replacing single-pane windows brings the most energy cost savings, but it is also recommended to update double pane windows, as well. Technology has come a long way.
Comfort
There are benefits beyond saving money on your home cooling costs. Having updated windows means you will be more comfortable because you will avoid having drafts when it is chilly and hot spots and overheating when the sun blazes.
Condensation
Windows are made with technology that has frames that are designed to keep the interior of the glass warmer to prevent or reduce the amount of view-covering condensation that appears on windows.
Home Value
Updated windows increase the value of your home, as they are considered a significant improvement. New home buyers are on the lookout for new windows because they understand the added value, making new windows an excellent return on investment.
Fading
It is frustrating to spend the time and money to decorate the inside of your home only to have your items fade from the sun coming through your windows. You could shut the blinds, but that would block your view.
Windows have improved technology that protects your belongings inside your home from fading due to exposure to ultraviolet rays.
What Makes a Window Efficient?
- U-Factor: This is the rate of heat gain or loss of non-solar heat. If the U-factor of your windows is lower, that means your window will be resistant to heat gain and loss.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Your windows will have an SHGC and whether or not this number is high or low depends on your local climate.
- Visible Light: windows also have a visible light transmittance number that tells you how much visible light is transmitted. If that number is high, that means more light is transmitted.
- Air Leakage (AL): If your windows have a lower AL, that means less air gets through the cracks.
- Condensation Resistance: Condensation can undoubtedly ruin your view. Your windows will have a number that measures how well they resist condensation.
Tips for Selecting Windows for Your home
The range of temperatures in Texas makes it essential for homeowners to consider the quality of their current windows. When looking into new windows, there are some tips to keep in mind.
Window Styles
There are options for homeowners when it comes to window style. The style of your home and your personal preferences will help guide this decision. New windows have different opening mechanisms and come in different materials and shapes to suit your needs.
- Bay windows: these windows can be many different shapes, but they project out from the walls of the home.
- Casement windows attach to the frame with a hinge on the side.
- Double and triple-pane windows both work to maintain the energy efficiency of your home, reduce condensation, and reduce sound from outside. These windows have a layer of air or gas between the new window panes.
- Awning windows are hinged at the top and are useful so you can open upwards and have airflow even in rainy conditions.
- Double-hung windows are a popular new window choice for Fort Worth homeowners. They offer flexibility for how the window opens and its ability to tilt.
Glass Options
Windows come with options for the glass of the window.
- Your windows will come with the choice between a double-plane and triple-pane glass. The double-pane gives you one layer of air or gas between the panes, while the triple adds one more layer.
- Argon gas is denser than air and is filled in between the panes of glass to improve the ability of your windows to resist heat being lost or gained.
- Krypton gas is an even denser gas option. It works the same way as argon gas.
- Low-e glazing is a glass option, as well. It is a coating applied to windows either on the inside or the outside. It works to reduce the transfer of heat. In the summer, the coating reflects the sun and keeps it from warming up your home. When it is cooler, the sun is allowed in to help keep it warmer.
Installing New Windows
You need not look any further for a reputable window installer. Energy Window Solutions has the experience you need in all areas of the window business, including building the windows, helping you decide what best suits your needs, installing, and helping with any follow-up questions or concerns.
Energy Window Solutions has its plant located in Fort Worth, TX, where they manufacture all their new windows. They are dedicated to the manufacturing process and are leading the industry in high-performance windows.
The Time Is Now
The experts at Energy Window Solutions in Fort Worth, TX, are available to answer all your new window questions. They can help you save money on energy costs in your home, as well as increase the value of your home while making you more comfortable.
There has never been a better time to install new windows in your Fort Worth, TX home. Contact Energy Window Solutions and find out how much you can save on cooling your home this summer!