Go To Energy Window Solutions For Energy Efficient Windows | Southlake, TX
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Many people take the windows in their home for granted. However, they shouldn’t necessarily do this because windows can be very important in a home. Not only do they allow you to look outside and bring light into your home, but they also should be considered when you are looking at energy efficiency within your home. One thing that you should keep in mind is that you want windows that are not going to allow too much cold or warm air into your home or let too much air escape.
If you are in need of energy efficient windows in Southlake, TX, there are a few different companies that you can contact. One of these is Energy Window Solutions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Energy Efficient Windows
When you are choosing these windows for your home, there are a few different factors that you will want to consider. These factors will do quite a bit to determine exactly what types of windows that you will end up getting.
Frame
There are many different materials that are available in terms of a window frame. There are both advantages and disadvantages to each one. It is really going to be up to you to decide which one is best for you, based on your personal style and how much money you are willing to spend.
- Vinyl. Vinyl frames are usually less expensive, but this does not mean that the materials are poor quality. They can be well constructed and properly installed, giving you a good and energy-efficient choice. However, many people don’t really like the look of vinyl in their homes.
- Wood. Wooden frames will give you the best insulation, although they require quite a bit more upkeep than the other types of frames. They also have potential for rot, so they are not the best choice if you live in a very rainy or humid climate.
- Aluminum. This is not the best choice in terms of heat loss in transfer, but these are actually quite practical if you live in a humid or rainy climate. They also meet very strict coastal building codes if you live in an area where there are many hurricanes.
- Wood-clad. Wood-clad windows will have low maintenance exteriors and also a wood interior that is resistant to temperature transfer. However, these are not the best windows for weather climates, since they are somewhat prone to water intrusion and rotting.
Glass
The type of glass that is inside the frame matters quite a bit for energy efficient windows as well. Basically, the best windows will have double paned windows with low-e glass and a vacuum sealed argon fill. These windows will provide a lot of protection for the inside of your home from the ultraviolet rays and heat that come from the sun in the summer, and they will stop heat from escaping your home during the winter.
Some people might think that triple paned windows would be more energy efficient. However, they can also significantly cut down on the visibility and light transmittance of the window, which would reduce their quality overall.
In order to qualify for Energy Star status, the manufacturers of energy efficient windows will have to meet standards on two basic metrics; these are the U-value (this measures the resistance to heat loss within a window unit) and the SHGC or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (this measures the amount of heat that will enter a home through the glass). When it comes to both of these metrics, lower is usually better. The lower the number, the higher the performance of the window will typically be.
Design
Some window designs are going to be more efficient than others. There are some types of windows that are just more likely to be energy efficient windows overall when compared to other types. These include the following:
- Double-hung windows. These are very common traditional units in many different homes. They are particularly common in homes that were constructed before World War II. With these types of windows, the bottom will slide up to open the entire unit. They can be efficient in many cases, but they might not be the best choice for people who live in very extreme climates because of the possibility of air intrusion that can occur between the sliders.
- Casement windows. These are often chosen by people who live in very windy climates. These windows include a crank that will swing the window outward in order to open it. These windows will seal themselves off and tighter when wind blows towards the home. You should keep in mind that they require a good amount of maintenance on seals and hinges in order to keep them stable and energy efficient windows.
- Picture windows. Most of the time, these windows will not open and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. However, these can be energy efficient windows as well, particularly if they are made of the right type of glass and have gas-filled interiors.
Installation
Even the best and most expensive window unit is not going to perform well if the installation is poor. Proper caulking and flashing are very important for window installation, even if they are the parts of the installation that cost the least. Windows are not going to be truly energy efficient if these steps are not done with a good eye for detail. Pre-installation waterproofing is also an important thing to have done; you do not want to have a contractor coming to your home and use sealants or foams in order to get a window to fit properly.
Conclusion
If you are located in the city of Southlake, TX and are interested in learning more about energy efficient windows and how they can benefit your home, you should contact the professional that Energy Window Solutions. These individuals will be able to answer any questions that you have about energy efficient windows and how they can benefit your home. They may even be able to point you in the right direction in terms of having these windows installed.