How To Choose The Best Energy Efficient Windows For Your Home | Flower Mound, TX

How To Choose The Best Energy Efficient Windows For Your Home | Flower Mound, TX

The average home loses about 30% of its heating through windows. Windows are an unsuspecting conduit for heat loss and a leading cause of astronomical energy bills, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Energy efficient windows utilize various technologies to reduce the loss of heated or cooled air in your home. This helps you retain your home’s comfort and reduce your energy spending.

Energy efficient windows are gaining a lot of traction. These windows are immensely beneficial for homes and businesses across the city. However, with complicated terms and plenty of options, finding the best windows for your home is easier said than done.

In today’s post, we offer a detailed guide on how to find the best energy-efficient windows for your home.

Check the Energy Ratings

The energy rating indicates how much light and heat energy can enter through a window. The higher the energy rating, the more efficient a window is.

The first thing to look for is whether the window in question has an Energy Star label. This label is a trusted symbol of energy efficiency that the government backs. It indicates that the window meets specific energy efficiency standards and produces significant energy savings throughout its manufacturing and service life.

If the Energy Star label is present, take it further and check for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) energy performance window label. This is an independent, non-profit organization that creates product-specific energy performance ratings. This label will give you more information about the window’s efficiency.

Decide on the Number of Panes

Standard single-pane windows leave much to be desired in terms of energy efficiency. Double- and triple-glazed windows offer better insulation and energy efficiency. The more the number of panes, the better the window’s efficiency.

Window manufacturers fill the space between the panes with an inert gas like krypton or argon. A non-conductive spacer also sits between consecutive spaces to secure them in place. The combined effect of the gas and spacer creates an insulating barrier preventing heat escape and heat influx into the home.

Double-pane energy efficient windows will suffice for most homeowners. However, you can always up the ante and get triple-paned windows. Quadruple-pane windows with four panes may be unnecessary but offer the best efficiency.

Choose the Right Frame

A window frame significantly affects a window’s energy efficiency. There are several frames you can choose from. Fiberglass is the most energy-efficient window frame option, but also expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can consider the following:

  • Wooden frames
  • Vinyl frames
  • Composite wood frames

Besides the cost and energy efficiency, you also want a window frame that complements your home’s interior. Wooden frames are an excellent choice for aesthetic flair and efficiency but are expensive. Composite wooden frames are much cheaper and look almost similar to wooden frames.

Aluminum frames look good and aren’t costly, but they aren’t very efficient. You’ll have to invest in extra insulating additions like frame cladding to achieve your desired efficiency levels.

Check the Energy Efficiency Metrics

Energy efficient windows have certain metrics that tell you how energy efficient a window is. It’s important to check them out before taking your pick. Some of these metrics include:

  • Visible Transmittance: This describes the amount of visible light that can pass through the windows. It ranges from 0 to 1. The lower the number, the less the amount of light that can pass through it.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much solar heat can pass through the windows. You want a window with a low SHGC to reduce the amount of solar radiation entering your home.
  • U-factor: This value captures the window’s insulating capacity, typically ranging from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the u-factor, the better the window’s efficiency.
  • Air infiltration: This shows how much air the window allows to pass through it when closed. The measure shows how many cubic feet of air can pass through a window over a given period.
  • Condensation resistance: This measures the window’s potential to form condensation on its frame and panes. The higher the condensation resistance, the more efficient a window is.

The Type of Coatings and Gas Injections

Energy efficient windows have different coatings to block radiation from entering your home. On the other hand, gas injections provide an extra insulation layer to reduce heat transfer through the windows.

Low emissivity (Low-E ) coatings are invisible layers of metal oxide applied on window panes that deflect UV radiation while allowing visible light. It’s worth noting that UV radiation carries heat energy and is responsible for the sun’s heat. By deflecting this radiation, Low-E coatings reduce the heat influx into your home without compromising its natural lighting.

Multi-pane windows also have inert gas injected between them to provide an extra insulation layer. This gas is invisible and non-toxic and a bad conductor of heat. Krypton and argon are inert gasses most manufacturers use in their energy efficient windows. The former has better insulating properties but is more expensive than argon.

The Window Vendor

The quality of the energy efficient windows you settle for is just as important as whoever you purchase from. There’s no shortage of window suppliers, but you should settle for the best if you want the best.

Check out online reviews about the window contractor you have in mind. Focus on areas like service quality, product authenticity, and whether they guarantee their work. Steer clear of any company with negative reviews. They are likely to disappoint.

Also, ensure you work with a licensed and insured company. All companies require a valid state license to operate in Texas. Insurance protects you from out-of-pocket costs should an unexpected incident occur.

Get Professional Window Installation

Picking the right energy efficient windows for your home can be challenging, but the above tips will help. It’s important to explore all your options and get your windows from a reputable window contractor. If you’re looking to get energy efficient windows for your home, contact Energy Window Solutions today for professional window installation services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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