Energy Efficient Windows: Types Of Windows That Enhance Energy Efficiency | Plano, TX
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Windows are a vital part of a home, and you should ensure they are energy efficient. Shopping for windows requires enough time to analyze different features to ensure they fit your preferred style. It is a process that also needs budgeting and consideration of aspects such as window type, window installation services, and framing materials.
A window technician in Plano, TX, can help ensure the windows are as energy-efficient as possible. The hired expert in window installation and replacement installs the windows correctly for optimal performance. The energy efficient windows you get will reduce your utility bills because the heating, lighting, and cooling costs will drastically reduce due to natural light and minimum loss or gain of heat.
How to Tell the Window Efficiency
Efficiency Ratings
The National Fenestration Rating Council is responsible for testing, labeling, and certifying windows to show their performance ratings. NFRC U-factor is essential because it shows the rate energy efficient windows transfer heat. The window glazing or glass, frames, and spacer materials have the U-factor ratings for you to choose wisely.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): is a rating in energy efficient windows that shows the fraction of solar radiation that gets into a house through the windows, doors, or skylights. When checking the SHGC ratings, you should consider aspects such as the climate of your location and the external shading of the windows.
You should select windows with SHGC suitable for the climate in Plano, TX, which excels in keeping the home warm or cool. With the help of a window expert, you should choose windows with a U-factor less or equivalent to 0.30 and SHGC of less or equal to 0.25 for your home in Texas, which is in the South Central region of the country.
Framing Materials
The frames come in diverse materials such as wooden, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite. Wood and vinyl are the best insulators and make the best frames for custom-made energy efficient windows. You can also go for uPVC window frames because they provide additional insulation for higher efficiency.
If you want the best window performance and outcome, you should invest in an experienced and highly trained technician to install the window frames and glazing in a way that boosts maximum efficiency. You can avoid aluminum and metal frames due to their poor insulation.
Insulation of the Panes
Folks can also choose insulated windows to increase energy efficiency. Insulation is in windows that have more than one pane of glass. You might go for energy efficient windows with two or three glass panes, whichever you can afford.
The double or triple-pane windows have argon or krypton air tightly sealed in between the glass for higher window efficiency. They also lower the SGHC and U-factor ratings for extra energy efficiency.
The more panes you consider for your energy efficient windows, the better. Apart from lowering your utility bills because of air leakages and drafts, the windows with double or triple glazing also increase security and reduce the amount of noise getting into your home.
Low E-glass
Windows that have panes with low emissivity coatings can also increase the level of retaining or releasing heat or conditioned air from your home. The Low-E glass is good for boosting your window’s thermal performance.
As much as the energy efficient windows allow visible sunlight inside, it prevents infrared and ultraviolet light from getting in. The ultraviolet light is dangerous to your fabrics and clothes because of the fading effects it causes. During winter, the Low emissivity glass will reflect heat in your home. It also helps in the reduction of heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
Types of Windows That Increase Energy Efficiency
Hinged Windows
What makes a window energy efficient is its ability to retain heat, preventing air leakage and drafts. Hinged windows are the best ventilators because you can open the window completely to the left or right. They open outward with a push for sufficient airflow during the day and close firmly against the frame during the night, reducing air leakage. The firm close of the window lowers the rate at which conditioned air can escape your home, reducing your utility bills. Some of the hinged windows are:
Casement Windows
They have hinges on the sides and open outwards, allowing enough air to circulate your home for maximum ventilation. They are easy to operate and have tighter seals that form when you close them, making them energy efficient windows. They lock the wind and outdoor cold outside and prevent the conditioned warm or cool air from escaping your rooms.
Awning Windows
It is similar to casement windows because of the hinges. But the hinges are at the top, allowing you to push it outwards from the bottom up. It also has tighter seals that prevent air-conditioned warmth and coolness from leaking.
The more heated or cooled air escapes your home, the more uncomfortable your house becomes and vice-versa. Therefore, having awning windows enhances the energy efficiency, helping to save money for other household expenses. The energy-efficient windows also make rooms warmer than during winter and vice-versa for maximum comfort.
Fixed Windows
You can also go for fixed windows, which are the type that gives you the perfect view outside. They are mainly for adding beauty to your home. The unmovable windows are also the best for rooms that don’t need ventilation because they don’t have operational windows. They increase energy efficiency because there is no space for heat to penetrate outside or indoors.
Picture Windows
The picture windows are the best in preventing air from getting in or outside your house. The permanent seals make the windows energy-efficient, a feature that you might love. Apart from giving you eye-catching expansive views, the energy efficient windows can also provide ventilation using two operation windows on each side.
Call For Professional Services!
If you want the best energy efficient windows for your home that are highly efficient, you should reach out to Energy Window Solutions in Plano, TX. The company has qualified and trained staff that offers installation and replacement services. They will accurately install your new or replacement windows for peak performance. The professionals also service windows, providing the best service for your energy-efficient windows.