Regular vs Energy Efficient Windows: Which One Should You Go For? Fort Worth, TX
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Your home’s windows greatly determine whether you will spend more or less on electricity bills. During the cold winters in Fort Worth, TX, regular windows will lose heat to the outside environment, forcing you to spend more on heating your home for the extra comfort required. On the other hand, the hot summers will cause sunlight to warm your home through the windows, making your air conditioners work harder.
Having energy efficient windows will easily solve these comfort problems and reduce costs on electricity bills. The windows are even much better if your home’s electricity stems from a fossil-fuel power plant since they will reduce greenhouse emissions, thus minimizing your house’s carbon footprint.
Some homeowners believe that replacing their regular windows with energy efficient ones is quite expensive, yet they work more or less the same way.
However, this narrative is far from the truth since energy efficient windows have proven to be more cost effective once installed and come with a ton of benefits. According to the Department of Energy, you will actually save $125 to $465 annually by replacing regular windows with energy efficient ones.
Still not convinced on why you should go for these windows? Let’s further have a look at the major differences between regular and energy efficient windows.
Difference in Structure
The majority of regular windows have a single glass pane that readily conducts heat into and out of your home. Regular window frames also accelerate heat loss from your home if they are made using high conductors of heat like aluminum or are not sealed tightly.
On the other hand, energy efficient windows come with a series of glass panels that dramatically lower heat transfer and insulate the air spaces between the window panes. Energy efficiency is further enhanced when the air spaces are filled with gases like argon (non-toxic), and the spacers used between the window panes are low heat conductors.
Coating of Their Surfaces
One great way of controlling the transfer of heat is by applying low-emissivity (low-e) coatings to glass surfaces. These coatings are only available on energy efficient options.
When these coatings are applied to the outside glass panes, they keep your home cooler in the hot summer by reflecting rather than absorbing sunlight. During the cold winters, the low-e coating in the interior window panes maintains your home’s temperature by trapping heat and preventing it from escaping.
Energy Star Considerations
Products having the Energy Star label have met the federal requirements for energy efficiency. Both the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency implemented the Energy Star program to promote environmentally friendly behaviors in the U.S.
This aim has gradually been achieved since the country has witnessed better environmental practices and has saved more money. For instance, using Energy Star products saved the nation approximately $17 billion on utility bills in 2009 and reduced the emission of greenhouse gases similar to those released by roughly 30 million cars.
Regular or Energy Efficient Windows?
One thing we are all sure of is that leakages and old windows in your home are not doing you any great favors, particularly when it comes to your utility bills. Regular windows which use single pane windows cannot save more energy than double pane windows.
Replacing your old windows with new energy efficient ones or installing energy efficient windows in your home may seem costly, but is the investment worth it? Of course it is!
Like we had stated above, the U.S. Department of Energy advocates for energy efficient windows because you will end up saving a lot of money when you replace regular windows with double pane ones. In fact, you could save close to 50% of your utility costs depending on the type of replacement glass you choose.
Therefore, when selecting new windows or replacing the old ones in your home, the best solution is to choose the most energy efficient ones that work best with your climate.
Update Your Existing Regular Windows To Enhance Efficiency
If the windows you currently have are in good condition, it is advisable to take the necessary steps to prevent further heat loss or gain to increase your home’s comfort and save on electricity bills.
Here are some simple steps you can follow to increase the efficiency of your existing regular windows if they are still in good condition.
- Check if there are any air leaks on your existing windows.
- Add coverings and window treatments.
- Add panels or storm windows.
- Add solar control film.
- Add external shading like exterior blinds or overhangs.
Replace Your Regular Windows with Energy Efficient Ones
The appropriate time to replace your windows would be before selling your home since it will add financial value and prevent a fast and cheap sale.
However, you don’t have to wait till you sell your home to replace your windows. Some significant signs that you need to replace your windows are high energy bills, distortion to your glass panels, frequent noises, and damages to the window glass.
Even with double pane windows, you may need a replacement if you discover condensation between the window panes. Condensation shows that the seal is beginning to fail, which may drastically lower your window’s performance.
Also, if the windows were insulated with gas, it will gradually start to leak, making your double window panes less energy efficient.
Generally, replacing your regular windows with energy efficient ones is an excellent investment for most Fort Worth, TX homeowners, especially if they already have other energy efficient improvements such as insulation and air sealing.
Installing energy efficient windows in a new home also saves you money since you will spend less on heating and cooling costs in the long run. When searching for new windows, confirm with local utilities on different incentives for installing energy efficient replacement windows. The most efficient windows for cold climates will vary from those for warmer temperatures.
Thinking of Replacing or Installing New Energy Efficient Windows?
Working with a professional window provider and installation company will help you choose the most energy efficient windows suitable for the climate and sunlight conditions of Fort Worth, TX. Contact Energy Window Solutions today for all your window replacement and installment needs.