Everything You Need To Know About Energy Efficient Windows | Flower Mound, TX
As a Flower Mound, TX homeowner, you have probably heard a lot about energy efficient windows in the last few years, and you probably have more than a couple of questions about what benefits you can get from owning them. Given the fact that they are more expensive than standard windows, it is easy to overlook the many reasons why energy efficient windows can be the best option for your Flower Mound, TX home. With this in mind, in this article we cover the most important features and benefits of energy efficient windows, in order to dissipate any doubts you may have, and help you make the best decisions for your home and finances.
How and Why They Work so Well
It has been found that homes across the nation suffer from a 10 percent power loss through their windows. While there could be many reasons for this, the most common explanations are drafts and the use of single pane windows. Old or incorrectly installed windows can develop spaces between a home’s wall and the window frame. These spaces will result in hot air from the outside leaking into the home, and cool air from the inside leaking out of it, which leads to a higher use of electricity by your air conditioner to keep the inside of your home at the set temperature.
On the other hand, single pane windows will promote a higher temperature exchange rate. Because they are very poor insulators, single pane windows will heat up as the temperature outside increases, radiating that heat into your home, resulting in a higher demand on your air conditioner, resulting, again, in a higher use of power.
Energy efficient windows use either two or three panes of glass, with gas injected into the space between each pane. This gives them a high insulating capacity, which will result in very little or no hot air entering into your home, and no cool air escaping it. They also work in the opposite direction, keeping the warm air inside during the winter and the cold out of your home. In either case, the high insulating capacity of energy efficient windows diminishes the demand of power by your HVAC system, reducing your power bill in a noticeable way.
What Materials Are Available?
One of the most interesting things about energy efficient windows is the fact that their frames are made out of the same materials as standard windows, including wood, and aluminum, among others. The energy efficiency of these windows mostly depends on the glass used and the number of panes they have. In this manner, low emissivity glass coated with a thin layer of metal oxide is the best choice for double or triple pane windows.
Additionally, the spaces between each pane can be filled with a variety of materials, including air or argon, which is an inert gas. This helps slow down the temperature exchange between the outside and the inside of your home.
One of the best ways to determine what types of materials you should select for your new windows is by talking to an expert, who will be able to give you a series of tips and pointers that will help you make the best choice for your needs.
How Long Do They Last?
Energy efficient windows are manufactured to have a much longer lifespan than standard windows, especially single pane windows. Generally speaking, these types of windows are designed to last an average of 20 to 30 years, depending on the number of panes used in their design. While it may take a while to get a return on your investment, the good news is that if you consider how many times you would have to replace single pane standard windows in the span of 2 or 3 decades, you will come to realize how much money you would end up saving on both fronts.
It is to be understood that you may balk at the investment you would have to make to replace your current windows to an energy efficient option, but if you keep in mind that you will start saving money immediately on your home’s power bill, you will be fully convinced about them being the better option for your home. So, between saving money on power, and their increased life span, as compared to standard windows, the investment is well worth it.
Installation is Key
The installation of your new windows is probably the most important part of their energy efficiency. A shoddy installation job can leave behind spaces that would allow moisture and air into your home, as well as allow the air from inside to escape, reducing the insulating properties of your windows. With this in mind, it is imperative your windows are installed by knowledgeable and experienced technicians. This will ensure they work at maximum capacity and provide the energy efficiency they were ultimately designed for.
How to Prepare for Installation
One of the biggest parts of installing your new windows is verifying that the area surrounding the place where they will be located is in good physical shape. While most window installers will do this for you, as well as perform any necessary repairs prior to installing your new windows, you may also want to contact a general contractor to inspect the area and repair any defects that would hamper the installation of your windows.
Additionally, you should also remove any furniture that might get in the way of the installers, and all fragile objects that might be in the area to avoid any unwanted accidents. Don’t forget to ask your installation company what else you should do prior to their arrival to ensure the process is performed as efficiently as possible.
If you are in the market for energy efficient windows in Flower Mound, TX, your best bet is to contact Energy Window Solutions, where we are always happy to help you find answers to your questions about energy efficient windows and much more. So, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone to give us a call to ask about everything we have to offer today!