Energy Efficient Windows: Types Of Windows That Enhance Energy Efficiency | Fort Worth, TX
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If you have ever been to Fort Worth, TX, during summer, you understand how hot the weather can get around here. It is, therefore, not surprising that air conditioning is one of the most significant consumers of energy in homes. To minimize the amount of energy that air conditioners need to consume to keep homes comfortable, it is imperative for homeowners to invest in solutions that can make their homes more energy-efficient. One way of making your home more efficient is by investing in energy efficient windows. But what are energy efficient windows? Simply put, they are windows that can help you minimize the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to keep your house comfortable throughout the year. Below is a rundown of types of windows that can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Multiple Pane or Insulated Windows
For many centuries, single pane windows used to be the industry standard. Things started changing in the 20th century when window experts realized that adding an extra layer of glass provides extra insulation. Indeed, an extra layer of glass lowers both the heat gain coefficient and the U-factor. Today, energy efficient windows have two or three layers of glass. Furthermore, the areas between the layers of glass are filled with argon or krypton. These are colorless, harmless, and odorless gasses that are denser than air. They add an extra layer of insulation, making the windows even more energy-efficient. By investing in double pane or triple pane windows, you can significantly reduce the amount of heat getting into your house during summer, and consequently, reduce the amount of energy your air conditioner requires to keep your indoor temperatures cool.
Low-E Windows
The surface of a windowpane also matters when it comes to determining the energy efficiency of a window. Low emissivity (Low-E) coating is one way of improving the thermal performance of a window. Low-E coating is a metallic layer placed on the surface of the glass to minimize the penetration of infrared and UV radiations. Windows made with Low-E glass will help with protecting your belongings against damages that might be caused by UV radiation. Furthermore, this kind of glass will help with preventing your house from overheating. This is because it will significantly reduce the amount of infrared radiation getting through. Consequently, by investing in Low-E windows, you will make it easier for your HVAC system to keep your indoor temperature comfortable throughout the year.
Hinged Windows
Hinged windows are designed in a way that can also help with ventilation. In other words, they pivot outwards to allow in fresh air when needed. Hinged windows are better than sliding windows because they have a lower rate of air leak. When closed, they press firmly against the frame, preventing drafts from getting in and the warm air in your house from going out, particularly during winter when you need to keep your house warm. Therefore, by investing in these windows, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy that your HVAC system needs to keep your indoor temperatures within a comfortable range throughout the year.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are energy efficient windows that do not open at all. In other words, they do not help with ventilation. However, when it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, this is quite an important property. Since you will not be opening the windows, you will not break their air-tight seals. During winter, this ensures that you will not have to worry about drafts that might make it difficult for your heating unit to keep your house warm. During summer, having an air-tight window will ensure that the cooled air in your house does not escape, and therefore, it will be easier for your air conditioner to keep your indoor temperatures low. Therefore, investing in fixed windows will go a long way in helping you keep your heating and cooling costs low.
ENERGY STAR® Windows
Although most window manufacturers claim that they produce energy efficient windows, only the most energy efficient windows are qualified to get the coveted blue sticker issued by ENERGY STAR. These windows are certified by the government based on a wide variety of parameters. When you see a window with an ENERGY STAR sticker, then you can conclude that it is more energy-efficient than windows without this sticker. However, it is worth noting that ENERGY STAR certification is usually based on climate and geography. Therefore, windows that are rated favorably in the north may not perform well in the south. Therefore, if you are in Fort Worth, TX, you need to insist on getting windows that are highly rated for the local climate. Such a window will help you keep your house cool during summer without necessarily making it hard to stay warm during winter.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that if you would like to reduce the cost of cooling and heating your home, you need to invest in home insulation. One way of doing this is by investing in these windows. It is worth noting that there are several kinds of energy efficient windows, and you can pick your choice based on the design and functional goals that you want to achieve. If you are looking for high-quality energy efficient windows in Fort Worth, TX, Energy Window Solutions is the best place to get them. We offer highly rated energy efficient windows, and you can count on us to customize yours and even help you with installing them for maximum efficacy and efficiency. Feel free to contact Energy Window Solutions today for more information about our company and the products that we are known for.