Features Of High-Quality Energy Efficient Windows | Flower Mound, TX
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Whether you are building a new house, or your old home in Flower Mound, TX, needs new windows, you need to insist on getting high-quality energy efficient windows. Unless you install energy efficient windows, your HVAC will struggle to keep your indoor temperature comfortable, especially during summer and winter when the weather becomes uncomfortably hot and cold, respectively. But what makes a window energy-efficient, and what should you look for to ensure that you are investing in a top-quality window? At Energy Window Solutions, we have been dealing with energy efficient windows for many years, and we fully understand what high-quality, energy efficient windows entrail. Below are some common features that are associated with high-quality energy efficient windows.
A High-quality Window Frame
The window frame is one of the most important parts of a window. If the window frame is not of good quality, your window is not going to last for as long as it should, and therefore, you will have to start thinking of investing in a replacement window sooner than you need to. A poor-quality window frame may also cost you more when it comes to maintenance. As such, it is imperative for you to go for windows that are made of high-quality materials that are strong and durable. Examples of such window frame materials include aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl. Fiberglass and vinyl are known for their ability to resist corrosion in addition to having great insulative properties. Therefore, windows made of these materials will not only be energy-efficient but also durable.
Multiple Panes of Glass
A single pane window may seem cheap, but it can prove to be your worst enemy as temperatures drop. During the winter, it will not do enough to prevent cold air from getting into your house or prevent the warm air in your house from escaping to the outside. Therefore, you will have to pay more for energy to keep your house warm. Besides, once the air inside your house has been warmed, the water vapor in it will condense as it comes into contact with the cold surface of the windowpane. This will reduce the amount of light getting into your house and make it harder for you to enjoy the landscape outside from the comfort of your house. Condensation on the surface of the window panes will also cause water damage as the water finds its way into the mortar or wood around the window. On the other hand, a window with multiple layers of glass will do a better job in helping you to keep the temperatures of your home comfortable at a relatively lower cost.
Gas Fills Between the Layers of Glass
For a multiple-pane window to serve its purpose, the space between the layers of glass should be filled with inert gas, such as krypton or argon. These gasses are denser than air, and they have great insulative properties. Argon and krypton are colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, and harmless, meaning that you do not have to worry about safety when you buy a window filled with these gasses. Remember that not all multiple panned windows have gas fills. Therefore, if you are shopping for energy efficient windows, you need to double-check to confirm that the windows you are about to invest in are filled with one of the above-mentioned gasses.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
During the winter, being warmed by the sunlight from the comfort of your house sounds like a great treat. However, during summer, the extra heat from the sun can make your house uncomfortably hot and cause your air conditioner to work harder than it should. As such, it might end up increasing your energy bills. To prevent such an eventuality, you need to pick a window with a low solar heat gain coefficient. This is a coefficient that measures the amount of solar radiation getting into your house through the windows. For example, if your window has an SHGC of 0.5, it means that it allows 50% of solar radiation landing on it to get into your house. Therefore, the lower the coefficient, the more energy-efficient a window could be.
Low-E Coating
This is a thin, invisible metallic coating that is usually placed on the surface of the glass to minimize the penetration of UV rays. For a window to be considered energy-efficient, at least one of its layers of glass should have a Low-E coating. Barring the UV rays from getting into your house will not only prevent your home from overheating during summer but also protect your belonging from getting damaged by UV rays.
Proper Installation
No matter how great a window might be, poor installation can make it inefficient. For instance, if a window is not installed properly, it can allow drafts to get in, or the heated air to escape, making your HVAC system less efficient in keeping your house comfortable throughout the year. Similarly, a poorly installed window can be difficult to close and open properly, meaning that you might be forced to leave it open when it is supposed to be shut.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that if you are looking for new windows in Flower Mound, TX for your new house, or you need replacement windows for an old house, you need to do your due diligence to ensure that you pick energy efficient windows. The above-discussed window tips should guide you in choosing the best quality of energy efficient windows for your house. If you are looking for a windows expert to guide you in this regard, Energy Window Solutions is an excellent company to talk to. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and energy efficient windows.