Finding Energy Efficient Windows For Your Home | Fort Worth, TX
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There are a lot of ways that you can attempt to increase the energy efficiency of your home. You can look at purchasing new insulation, fixing a faulty HVAC system, or you can concentrate on your windows. Old, leaky windows are one of the number one pathways that fuel energy loss. If your windows are not energy efficient windows then a great deal of your cool air in Fort Worth, TX is probably floating right out of them. Depending on the age, type, and number of panes in your current windows your energy loss might be massive.
The more air escapes through unsealed or old windows the harder your HVAC system has to work. This means high energy bills and more wear and tear on your system. The harder it is to work to cool your home the higher the chances that it is going to break down prematurely or need to be replaced sooner. An HVAC system is a very expensive home appliance, so alleviating some of its workloads can save you a lot of money in the long run, but first, you have to pick the right energy efficient windows out for your home.
If you are not that familiar with the window market, the idea of shopping for energy efficient windows can seem overwhelming. There are dozens of windows on the market and each will market itself as the best choice for you. There are also many different window types and double-pane and triple-pane options to choose from. At some point, while reading the ratings you will probably start to think you are back in algebra class, but in reality, it doesn’t have to be that hard to find effective windows. Here are a few tips on what you should be looking for while sorting through your options.
Choose the Right Frame
Before you can actually start exploring these windows, you need to take a close look at the different frame materials. Energy efficient windows come in a variety of different frames, and since the frame is what seals the area between the glass and the wooden frame of your home you need to make sure you choose a good one. Wood is one of the most common frame materials because it does not transfer heat and cold compared to aluminum, but just because wood is the traditional choice does not mean that it is the only choice.
Vinyl is a popular choice for windows because it costs less than other materials, and when properly installed vinyl can offer great energy efficiency and a budget-friendly option. The trick with vinyl windows is that they have to be installed well to be effective, so this isn’t something you want to attempt on your own. In addition, there are only so many color options when it comes to vinyl which some people don’t like.
Another option is aluminum which is not always the best at stopping heat loss in Fort Worth, TX, but they are great for climates that are humid and rainy which Fort Worth certainly can be during hurricane season. In fact, they are an excellent choice for hurricane areas because of how strong they are so this is certainly a factor to consider while looking at energy efficient windows.
Wood is of course a traditional choice that is extremely energy-efficient, but wood requires more upkeep than other types of frames and they can rot which is a concern in humid areas. However, wood windows that are fitted with energy efficient window panes can last for decades. This is one reason why there are homes that are over a century old that still have their original windows.
Finally, the other popular frame option is wood-clad windows. These are a combination of wood and metal and are usually crafted out of a vinyl or aluminum exterior with a wood interior that helps prevent heat loss. This can help prevent the rotting that is associated with wooden windows while still keeping the main insulation qualities of wood which is why they are one of the most popular energy efficient windows on the market.
Glass Choices Inside of the Frame
Once you choose the material for the outside of your frame, you need to choose the right type of glass for the inside of the frame. These days double-pane windows are the most popular choice for energy-efficient windows because they offer great insulation and are not as expensive as triple-pane windows. The construction of double-pane windows is what makes them so effective. As the name implies, they feature two panes of glass, but in-between the glass pane is super-insulating gas that further helps prevent energy leakage. This gas is called Low-E glass and while it costs a little extra, the extra energy-efficiency is worth the money.
The other option if you are looking at energy efficient windows is triple-pane windows. Triple-pane windows utilize the same technology but instead of having one gas-filled chamber between the panes, they have two gas-filled chambers. The amount of increased efficiency between a triple pane and double pane window, however, is minimal so not all homeowners will find that they are beneficial. In general, triple-pane windows are more recommended in areas that have harsh winters since they can help stop the harsh windows from seeping through.
Pick Your Window Design
At this point, the only thing left to do is pick out the window design for your new energy efficient windows. Double-hung windows, casement windows, and picture windows are the most common choice with casement windows being a popular choice in Fort Worth, TX because they seal tight against strong windows.
If you are in the market for energy efficient windows then Energy Window Solutions can help. Contact us today and we can help talk you through your options.