Inquire About These Energy-Efficient Windows Before Scheduling Your Window Installation Service | Fort Worth, TX

Inquire About These Energy-Efficient Windows Before Scheduling Your Window Installation Service | Fort Worth, TX

Most homeowners don’t think about windows until there is an issue to address. Maybe one of the windows struggles to open, or perhaps they desperately need a wash. More significant issues such as high utility bills can be attributed to outdated windows or a poor window installation service.

With the average US home losing 30% of heat through the windows, it stands to reason that you’d want to replace your outdated windows with energy-efficient ones. Aside from lowering energy costs and improving your home’s value, energy-efficient window solutions also make it easier to brave the brutal heat of the summer months of Fort Worth, TX.

This post explores some of the options a window installation service may recommend based on your specific needs.

Glazing and Glass Coating Options

Depending on factors such as window orientation, building design, and climate, your window installation service may recommend different types of glazing for different windows in your home. Single glazing is common in older buildings, while newer ones favor insulating glass units.

More commonly known as IGUs, insulating glass units feature at least two panes of glass separated by spacer material such as air or noble gas (argon or krypton), then sealed at the edges. There is a wide variation of IGUs available depending on the type of glass, gas used, and coating. Below are the most common technologies and coatings our windows installation services offer.

Low-E Glass Coating

Often described as low-emissivity coating panes, these windows minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that comes through the glass. They improve thermal performance without minimizing the amount of natural light that enters your house.

Low-e windows have a microscopically thin and transparent coating that reflects and maintains temperature consistency by reflecting indoor temperatures back into your home. You can think of low-E coatings like a thermos, which reflects the temperature of the drink it contains.

There are two main types of low-E coatings – solar control and passive. Passive low-E coatings maximize heat gain in a home, creating the effect of passive heating while reducing artificial heating reliance. Solar control low-E coatings limit the amount of solar heat that gets into the house. This cools your home while reducing reliance on the air conditioning system. A window installation service can recommend the best type of low-E windows for your home.

Insulated Window Glazing

Insulated windows include double pane and triple pane windows. Triple windows have three panes of glass while double windows have two. The additional layers provide extra insulation, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Many homeowners prefer triple pane windows over double pane windows because they provide better noise reduction. They also create a better insulating barrier, allowing less heat to escape and reducing condensation. On the other hand, some homeowners prefer double pane windows because they offer a nice balance of price and energy efficiency. When you enlist the help of our window installation service, a technician will talk you through double and triple pane windows to help you determine what’s best for your home.

Window Operation Types

Another important consideration when choosing replacement windows is how they operate. Because operable windows allow different levels of air leakage, the operation type impacts energy efficiency. With that in mind, below are the most common operation types a window installation service will discuss with you.

Awning Windows

Awning windows leak less air than traditional windows, thus increasing your home’s thermal performance. They are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, allowing for better ventilation while protecting against the rain. Awning windows are often placed on higher walls for privacy but are also great for the basement.

Casement Windows

These windows open outward from the left or right side, depending on where the hinge is located. Like awning windows, they allow minimal air leakage and provide better energy efficiency than traditional windows. They allow for top-to-bottom ventilation, making them ideal for above the kitchen sink. They also provide flexibility to group them in unique combinations.

Bay Windows

Bay windows have been around for more than 500 years, and during that time, architects discovered that these windows could do more than add elegance and architectural detail. They can fill rooms with natural lighting, improve airflow, and carve out additional space in your home,

Fixed Windows

Fixed windows don’t offer any functionality but are incredibly energy efficient. They have an airtight design that prevents air from leaking into or out of the house. They also come in various shapes and sizes to fit your design needs.

What About Energy Star Windows?

The best window types for your home may not be the same as what works for your neighbors. Before jumping in, discuss the above types of windows with a window installation service in Fort Worth, TX, to determine what works best for the space while improving efficiency.

With that said, ENERGY STAR® labeled windows are the most efficient. ENERGY STAR® has established minimum energy performance criteria by climate. However, the guidelines don’t account for window orientation, which can affect efficiency. For instance, south-facing windows collect more heat and let in less light than north-facing windows. Windows on the east and west-facing sides make it difficult to control heat and light when the sun is low in the sky.

All parts of windows, including frame type, operating type, glass coating, and glazing, affect energy efficiency. This is why you must contact a window installation service before choosing a replacement window for your house.

Thinking About Installing Energy-Efficient Windows? Give Us a Call

There are many factors to consider when choosing energy-efficient windows, and chief among them are glazing options and operating types. We highly recommend consulting a professional window installation service to help you get the best energy-efficient window for your home. Whatever your home’s energy profile, our experts can assess your needs and prioritize the improvements you need to improve efficiency.

If you are considering installing energy-efficient windows, contact Energy Window Solutions in Fort Worth, TX, for help.

Photo By hikesterson at istock