A Window Installer’s Guide To Improving Home Energy Efficiency: Must-Have Features Of Home Windows | Fort Worth, TX
Energy efficiency is one of the things and perhaps the first on the list when purchasing new windows for your home. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that non-energy-efficient windows could cause a spike in your energy bill by almost 25 percent.
Surely, weatherproofing drafty windows year after year is tiresome, and what’s more disheartening – your energy bill will still skyrocket, a reason to upgrade to energy-efficient windows.
Nevertheless, in a market flooded with so many window options labeled “energy-efficient,” you could easily choose a counterfeit product for your window needs, especially if you don’t know the qualities to look for. Don’t fret, though.
If you’re planning to replace your old home windows with energy-efficient ones, here is a simple guide on features to check for before buying the windows.
Panes of Glass
As the adage goes, two are better than one. So is the case with your glazing options. To ensure your home windows are as energy-efficient as you would want, go for windows with extra glass. Single-pane windows won’t provide enough protection against the elements. They’ll cause leakage of cool air in the summer or heat during winter.
On the other hand, double-pane glass solutions offer much of a barrier, making them more efficient in preventing outdoor air from entering your home or indoor air from escaping outside. And while triple pane windows are way more expensive, they are the most efficient. Compared to two-pane windows, they command a higher thermal insulation level.
However, when choosing windows for improved efficiency, you should look at other factors because multiple panes are only sometimes a guarantee that the window will be energy-saving.
Low-E Glazing
If you’re seeking optimal energy efficiency, the type of glass you choose for your Fort Worth, TX home windows matters most. The best energy-efficient window solutions have a high-grade, low-emissivity (or Low-E) coating.
Low-E glazing consists of transparent films incorporated with a special type of microscopic insulating element that allows natural light to pass through the glass while blocking off excess heat. Low-E glass is perfect in almost all climates and can help protect your decor or furniture from fading.
Insulating Window Frames
Besides glass features, the window frame is also an important aspect of your new energy-efficient home windows. The type of window frame you choose can affect the strength, insulation value, and even the lifespan of your replacement windows.
Window frames are made of different insulating materials – metal, wood, or plastic. Metal is known for conducting cool and hot air into the house instead of keeping it away. On the flip side, wood and vinyl are the best for window insulation.
However, even though wood frames provide a significant amount of insulation, they aren’t as energy-efficient as their vinyl counterparts. Also, wood demands a lot more maintenance than vinyl. This is probably the reason why vinyl is considered an ideal window-insulating material.
Helpful hint; when purchasing your windows, always check with your contractor in Fort Worth, TX to ascertain the vinyl frames are insulated.
Gas Fills Between Panes
Energy-efficient windows utilize inert gas in the buffer space between the glass panes. This invisible, odorless gas, which in most cases is argon, acts as additional insulation for your window, which helps keep heat inside the house.
Caution, though; not all home windows with multi panes have gas fills within them. Thus, before anything, confirm from the window provider that the gas is present. Don’t assume!
Energy Star and NFRC labels
Energy Star and NFRC labels are one of the easiest ways to tell if a window is energy-efficient. For windows to bear these labels, they must pass stringent tests in the industry to be approved for energy efficiency.
The Energy Star certification implies that the window was inspected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has met or surpassed the minimum energy requirements of your state. That means Energy Star-certified home windows have proven energy-saving qualities.
The National Fenestration National Council (NFRC) is a not-for-profit organization that’s also a window certifier. The difference between the certifications is that whereas Energy Star approves only the glass, NFRC inspects and certifies whole-window performance.
Therefore, an NFRC stamp is equally important when searching for the most energy-efficient home windows.
Low U-Factor and SHGC
These are other ways you can gauge a home window’s energy efficiency. A low U-factor is a metric that measures the rate at which a window lets warm air escape from your indoors. Typically, a window’s U-factor ranges between 0.20 and 1.20.
Consider looking at your replacement windows’ solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC measures the amount of solar radiation a window allows into the house. This number is usually between zero and one. The general rule of thumb is that the lower the U-factor rating and SHGC of a window, the higher the energy efficiency.
In Conclusion
It doesn’t matter how high quality your new home windows are; improper installation negates your desire for enhanced energy efficiency in your home. So, if you want to get the results, hire a qualified and experienced contractor in Fort Worth, TX to do the job.
Working with ill-experienced folks may result in gaps in your home windows. Again, watch out for installers who must apply excessive expanding foams or sealants to fit a new window correctly. This could lead to massive problems in the long run.
Energy Window Solutions: Experienced, Most Efficient Window Installer to Hire
After finding these helpful tips for choosing the best energy-efficient home window solutions, at Energy Window Solutions, we’re glad to assist you with anything you need, whether you want to learn more about this or want an installation.
Our team of experts has advanced knowledge in all aspects of home improvement services, commanding over 30 years in the fenestration industry. Besides window installations, Energy Window Solutions also provides window treatments and door varieties such as hinged, sliding, and folding. Give us a ring now!