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Buyer’s Guide To Choosing And Installing Energy Efficient Windows | Plano, TX

Buyer’s Guide To Choosing And Installing Energy Efficient Windows | Plano, TX

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Just as windows do a good job at improving your home’s visual appeal, so do they play a major role in your home’s energy efficiency. It is easy to get caught up in matching your window’s design to your property’s décor and forget about window energy efficiency.

At Energy Window Solutions, we understand that window energy efficiency is a complex equation. However, with our combined expertise and years of experience in the industry, we have gained tons of insight into window energy efficiency. Below is our expert-compiled guide to buying energy efficient windows in Plano, TX.

What Is the Difference Between Energy-efficient and Standard Windows?

An energy-efficient window’s anatomy differs from a standard window’s. Advanced features of an energy-efficient window include:

  • Unique coating. An energy-efficient window has a special coating that retains heat in the house during cold seasons. This coating also keeps the heat outside during hot months by reflecting infrared lights. In addition, such coatings are designed to reflect UV light which typically exposes your furniture to fading

 

  • Multiple panes. Energy efficient windows have several panes to insulate your home better, secure your home from impact, and reinforce noise reduction. A typical energy-efficient window can be made from two or three panes. The more the panes, the more energy-efficient the window is

 

  • Multiple panes with gas or air in between. Multiple glass panes with air or gas between the panes make the windows more energy-efficient than a window with one glass pane

 

  • Low-maintenance framing materials. These windows are designed with low-maintenance framing materials such as vinyl, composite, or fiberglass. This is to reduce heat transfer and assist with insulation.

How Do Energy efficient Windows Earn their Energy-efficient Standard Ratings?

These windows are rated and labeled by a 3rd party nonprofit agency known as the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Despite ENERGY STAR showing if a product is energy-efficient, NFRC provides a more comprehensive breakdown of the same product’s energy performance. It shows the window’s performance in the categories below:

  1. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This shows how effectively the window blocks sunlight heat by measuring the solar energy amount transmitted. Low measurement means the window is transmitting less solar heat
  2. U-Factor. This shows how well your window insulates by measuring the heat transfer rate. The lower the U-Factor, the more effective the window is at insulation
  3. Visible Light Transmittance. This depicts the light amount that the window allows through. Low visible transmittance translates to less visible light. However, if you want more natural light, choose a window with a higher figure
  4. Air Leakage. This measures the rate at which air flows via the window joints. A lower air leakage value means lesser air leakage, meaning better energy efficiency.

Moreover, since windows are designed with varying features, some function better in particular climates than others. Therefore, picking the window type that practically matches Plano, TX’s climate is vital.

Benefits of Energy efficient Windows

Below are some of the pros of buying and installing energy efficient windows in your home:

  • Cost Savings. Statistically, 70% of a home’s energy loss happens via doors and windows, with 90% happening only through windows. High energy loss translates to higher energy bills. Installing new energy efficient windows helps to lower your energy bills by increasing your home’s energy efficiency

 

  • Increase Home Comfort. These windows are also designed to make your home more livable. Worn-out windows may have cracks where air seeps in to create uncomfortable drafts. Additionally, an energy-efficient window blocks up to 90% of harmful UV rays

 

  • Increase Property Value. Any home improvement tends to improve your property value, especially if you plan on reselling your home. More prospective homebuyers tend to lean towards sustainability. Therefore, installing these windows gives you a bargaining chip that you can use to increase value and get a significant Return On Investment. A prospective homebuyer is likely to be enticed by the idea of saving money on energy bills.

Tips to Consider Before Buying Energy efficient Windows

Are you planning to replace your old windows with improved energy-efficient ones? To avoid settling for less, below are some experts tips we recommend before purchase:

  1. Research and Compare Companies and Brands. Ensure you are buying from a reputable window brand that our window experts most likely recommend
  2. Decide the best window styles for your property. Windows come in various styles to match individual home styles and customer needs. Such variations may include awning, sliding, bay, casement, bow, double-hung, and customized windows
  3. Understand energy-efficient window terms and ratings. Energy-efficient window products tend to be very costly. However, these windows typically have higher savings in the end once you offset the initial investment cost
  4. Consider your replacement window quality. Ensure your energy-efficient fixtures are custom designed to fit your openings without using fillers or expansion pieces accurately
  5. Consult about window warranty.

Energy Windows Solutions has installed thousands of energy-efficient products across Texas. We can help you settle on the best energy-efficient choice.

Window Types That Increase Energy Efficiency

There are multiple ways to determine a window’s energy efficiency that can be hard to keep track of all. Each window type below has at least one characteristic that increases its energy efficiency.

  • Fixed Windows. A fixed picture window doesn’t provide any functionality. However, this may be considered a brilliant thing regarding energy efficiency. These windows are ideal for areas that don’t need ventilation

 

  • Hinged Windows. These are designed for ventilation. What grants them their energy efficiency is the advantage they have over windows that slide close and open, which is reduced air leakage

 

  • ENERGY STAR Windows. Only the most energy-efficient window products earn the ENERGY STAR highly coveted blue sticker

 

  • Insulated Windows. Extra insulation means less heat loss, meaning increased energy efficiency

 

  • Low-E Windows. A Low-E glass blocks infrared and UV light while letting in visible light. Low emissivity coating on windows helps to improve thermal performance.

Energy Efficient Windows, Plano, TX

Energy Window Solutions provides energy efficient windows for homes. If you want to increase your home energy efficiency by replacing your windows, call us today to schedule expert consultation and install high-quality windows.