Factors To Consider When Shopping For Energy Efficient Windows | Fort Worth, TX
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If you live in Fort Worth, TX, you understand how high the cost of keeping your indoor temperatures comfortable throughout the year can be. Therefore, you can appreciate the importance of making your house more energy-efficient. There are many ways of improving your home’s energy efficiency, and investing in energy efficient windows is one of the most effective ones. However, it is worth noting that although many window manufacturers claim that their windows are energy-efficient, finding a truly energy-efficient window is not easy. This is because there are many things you need to consider to ensure that you get value for your money. Therefore, it is imperative for you to do your due diligence to ensure that you settle for top-quality energy efficient windows. Below are some factors you should consider when shopping for these windows.
Frame Material
The frame is one of the most important components of a window. The quality of the frame will determine the durability of the window and how much maintenance it will require. However, it is important for you to know that the material for a window frame also affects its energy efficiency. Some materials that are known for building window frames for energy efficient windows include wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Although steel window frames are highly durable, steel lacks the necessary insulative properties to build an energy efficient window. Therefore, if your objective is to make your house more energy-efficient, then you can go for a window made of vinyl or fiberglass.
Layers of Glass and Gas Fill
Ordinary windows usually have a single layer of glass. On the other hand, energy efficient windows have multiple layers of glass. Some have two layers of glass, but more advanced options have three. But for a window to be energy efficient, the spaces between the layers of glass should be filled with argon or krypton gas. These gasses are denser than air, and they are known to enhance insulation. It is also important to remember that some multiple-paned windows do not have a gas fill, and therefore, in addition to finding multiple-paned windows, you need to ensure that they are filled with an inert gas.
Low-E Coating
During winter, being warmed by the sun rays getting into your house through the windows can bring you quite a great feeling. However, this can be quite undesirable during summer. If your home gets heated by the sun during summer, it will be very difficult for your air conditioner to keep it cool. Therefore, the air conditioner will have to work harder than necessary to keep the temperatures of your house comfortable. The good news is that by investing in energy efficient windows, this is a problem that you can solve. This is because their glass usually has a Low-E coating, which is essentially a thin layer of metal that prevents the sun’s UV and infrared radiations from getting into your house. Therefore, by choosing such windows, you will ensure that your house benefits from the sun’s natural light without getting overheated. This means that you will need less energy to keep your house cool no matter how hot the weather outside gets.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
Solar heat gain coefficient can be understood as the fractions of the sun’s radiation that goes through a window. The radiation can get directly into your house through the windows, or it can get absorbed by the windows and then released into your home. A window with a relatively lower solar heat gain coefficient will allow less solar heat in your house. On the other hand, a window with a higher solar heat gain coefficient will allow more solar heat into you’re your house. Therefore, if your pick a window with a higher solar heat gain coefficient, it can be great at helping you keep your house warm during winter. However, it can be quite problematic during summer, when you need to cool your home. Therefore, since winters in Fort Worth, TX, are mild, while summers are extremely hot, you will need to go for a window with a lower solar heat gain coefficient since keeping your house cool during summer will is your primary HVAC concern.
Installation
As you shop for energy efficient windows, it is imperative for you to remember that for an energy efficient window to serve its purpose, it must be installed properly. No matter how well a window has been designed, it might fail at making your house energy efficient if it is not installed properly. Therefore, in addition to ensuring that your windows are designed for maximum efficiency, you need to ensure that the people responsible for installing them understand what needs to be done. To this end, it is wise for you to buy your window from experienced window experts, such as Energy Window Solutions. In addition to supplying you with high-quality energy efficient windows, these professionals will ensure that the windows have been installed correctly.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that if you are thinking of improving your home’s energy efficiency, then it is wise for you to invest in energy efficient windows. These windows will significantly reduce the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Consequently, they will go a long way in reducing the amount of energy and money that you need to run your HVAC system. 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 have a team of dedicated professionals who are willing to listen to you, understand the kind of windows you are looking for, and advise you on the best way forward. Feel free to call Energy Window Solutions today for more information about our products and services.