Energy Efficient Windows | Southlake, TX
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These days, whenever you make any type of purchase the number one thing on most people’s minds, seems to be energy efficiency. It is easier to measure and visualize energy efficiency when it comes to things like major appliances and cars, but windows can be a bit trickier to get a grasp on. Especially since energy efficient windows look the same to the naked eye as any other type of window. However, since you can’t see the difference, the only thing you may notice while shopping is the higher price tag.
Why Get Energy Efficient Windows?
The price may be a little higher, but what you get in return is well worth it. Bumping up your window to a two-pane or a three-pane window can actually save you a great deal of money on heating and cooling costs. Installation is a one-time cost, but for the next few decades, the increased efficiency will continue to save you money on your bills. This alone should make you want to think about investing in energy efficient windows.
If you still need some convincing, it may be helpful to learn how energy efficient windows are manufactured. While you may not be able to see these features, knowing they are there makes it easier to see just how the windows can help prevent loss of energy. Window technology has come a long way, and if you are thinking about replacing the windows in your home you need to consider the following.
Spacer Systems
One key element included in energy efficient windows is a spacer system. This spacer system helps keep condensation off your windows and helps improve the overall thermal efficiency. In many cases, this type of spacer is a polymer structural foam that replaces typical metal. The end result is less heat loss. The type of spacer that is used in a window will determine how efficient it is overall.
Glass Coating
In most energy efficient windows a glass called Low-E glass is used that helps to block out sun rays. The end result of this low-emissivity glass is that heat stays outside during warm months in Southlake, TX, and heat stays indoors during cooler nights. When it comes to glazing, there are multiple options depending on how much you are willing to spend and the energy efficiency rating that you ultimately want to have installed in your home. Some additional glass glazing options include reflective coatings, gas fills, and tings. All of this helps reduce the amount you spend heating and cooling your home, but for the sake of your budget, you may not necessarily need them all on your windows.
Modern Window Technology
Window technology has come a long way since the colonial days. While we still use glass as the main structural component of windows, the type of glass, and how it is used varies greatly. Multiple panes of glass and the use of gas to create an extra barrier has really helped improve the way that windows perform. While windows allow you to look out and see the world, they are also meant to be a barrier between your home and the world. In particular, a barrier between the outdoor elements.
Double and triple-pane windows are able to greatly decrease the number of UV rays that seep into your home. When you choose a triple pane window, as much as 97% of all UV rays are blocked. In turn, this means that your home will stay comfortable without high energy bills. Additionally, this can help solve problems with hot spots in rooms that are so well lit they tend to be warmer than the rest of the house. With triple pane windows, you can have a brightly lit room and still stay comfortably cool in Southlake, TX.
Another great benefit of triple pane windows is that they can reduce the amount of fading that happens to your flooring and fabrics. Anyone with curtains knows that at the end of the year they can start to pale out from the constant sun exposure. Replacing window treatments constantly can be expensive, but with triple pane windows, this is no longer a problem.
Krypton Gas
Krypton gas is another new window technology that helps enhance the energy efficiency of standard windows. The Krypton gas is used to fill the space that exists between the panes. This gas acts as another barrier to the outside and prevents heat or cool air from drifting through the windows.
Windows are reasonable for most of the energy loss that occurs in your home. They are likened to a thermal hole by some people. Depending on the age of your home and windows, it is possible that as much as a third of all the money you spend on your air conditioning and heating is escaping right out your window. It’s literally like tossing money out of the windows in your home.
Replacing your windows is the best way to stop wasting your money and start reducing your monthly budget. While it may take a year or two for the savings to add up to the initial cost of your investment, it will pay off. If you stay in your home for the next few years you will see your energy costs drop right away and begin to enjoy opening your energy bills. If you decide to sell your home, the installation of new modern energy efficient windows will enable you to raise your asking price.
If you are thinking about installing new energy efficient windows, give us a call at Energy Window Solutions. We are a local window installation company that has been happily helping customers lower their heating costs for years. Stop watching your money slip through your windows and find out how easy it is to upgrade your window system with energy efficient windows.