Technologies And Types Of Energy Efficient Windows | Plano, TX
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Boosting a home’s energy efficiency is among the reasons why homeowners in Plano, TX, decided to upgrade or replace old inefficient windows. Your home can lose up to 30 percent of heated or cooled air through outdated windows.
Energy-conscious homeowners strive to reduce heating and cooling costs in their homes by investing in energy efficient windows. These windows have features and technologies that make them energy efficient, durable and increase their aesthetics.
When purchasing new windows for your home, be sure to seek advice from a professional window installation company. An experienced window expert can help you clarify features such as glazing, frame material, operating types, gas fills, and spacers, which are crucial when buying energy efficient windows. These features affect the energy efficiency of these windows. Read on to learn more about technologies and types of windows to ensure you select the right product for your home.
Frame Material
When buying new windows, homeowners may fail to consider the frame material, yet it affects the window’s energy efficiency. The most energy efficient windows have frame materials that do not transmit heat or cold. The window frame you choose should prevent heat loss or heat gain during winter and summer, respectively. Each window frame has cons and pros, but some, including vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and composite materials, have better-insulating properties than metal.
Aluminum frames may be a choice for most homeowners because of their lightweight and low or no maintenance. Even so, this type is the least energy efficient. Since it’s a good conductor of heat, your home can lose a large amount of heat during winter and gain too much heat during summer.
That means you’ll have an uncomfortable home and pay more for energy bills. To minimize heat loss and heat gain, you can ask a window installer to install a thermal break, an insulating material mounted on the inside and outside of each window frame to minimize heat transmission.
Vinyl frames are made of PVC and UV stabilizers to enhance their resistance to harmful UV rays. They are also advantageous in that they do not need repainting and are resistant to moisture. When properly installed, vinyl framed windows offer excellent thermal properties because of tight construction that eliminates air leaks.
Wood frames are the most energy efficient since they do not transfer any heat. They also require regular upkeep than vinyl, wood-clad, and aluminum frames. Choosing energy efficient windows with wood frames can ensure your home remains comfortable regardless of the season. These frames may not be suitable for rainy or humid areas because of their susceptibility to rotting.
Glazing
Glazing or glass influences the energy performance of your home windows, and that’s why it’s crucial to make the right decision. The type of glazing you choose may vary depending on window design factors, including orientation, climate, and building design. You may also decide to install different glazing features in each of the windows.
Glazing options available in the market include single-paned, double-paned, and triple-paned windows. Double-glazed windows insulate better than single-glazed windows. Triple-paned windows are the most energy efficient windows because they feature three layers of glass. A well-insulated window has a lower U-Factor and SHGC. These windows with lower U-Factor insulate more.
Another feature of energy efficient windows is the low-E coatings. The film regulates heat transmission through the insulated glass. Although windows with low-E coatings cost about 10 to 15 percent more than standard windows, they can lower indoor energy consumption by approximately 30 to 50 percent. This feature creates windows that have low U-Factor.
In addition, it controls visible light transmission and heat gain through the insulated window. Depending on the type of low-E coatings you choose, some may have high, moderate, or low SHGC.
These coatings are cost-effective and may serve you for about 10 to 25 years before they need replacements. In addition, they can make your Plano, TX home more comfortable, lower utility bills, and prevent furniture from fading.
Some of these windows also feature spectrally selective coatings, which can filter up to 40 to 70 percent of the sun’s heat and allow natural light into your space.
Gas Fills and Spacers
Dual or triple glazed windows have spaces between the glasses, usually filled with argon or krypton gas. The two gases are harmless, inert, and odorless. Krypton has better insulation properties, but it cost more than argon.
Spacers keep glass layers at the correct distance apart and create a tight seal to prevent moisture and air leakage. They also allow room for pressure difference and thermal expansion.
Operating Types
When out in the market, you should also consider how energy efficient windows operate. Windows that do open may allow air leaks that increase your home’s energy consumption. The air leakage rate may be based on the type and quality of seals and weatherstripping and may increase with time because of operational use.
Fixed windows do not open. Since you cannot open them, their seals remain airtight, which enhances their energy efficiency. Picture windows may be suitable for rooms that do not require ventilation.
Casement windows are attached to the frame by hinges at the sides. These windows open outwards and allow fresh air and provide adequate ventilation. When closed, sashes seal tightly to keep out cold drafts and prevent air leakages.
Awning windows have hinges on the top and open outwards. They work well in rooms where maximum ventilation is required. When you close them, the sashes press against the window frame, thereby minimizing air leaks. They are easy to open and are perfect for hard-to-reach areas.
When shopping for new windows, it’s essential to consult an experienced window contractor. Not all energy efficient windows have the same features and technologies, so if you are a starter, only a specialist can distinguish between the multiple window replacement options available in the market.
Need Energy Efficient Windows?
Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your home or purchasing new windows, our specialists at Energy Window Solutions can help you. For more than 30 years, we have served clients in Plano, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Our window products feature the latest technologies. They can keep out fluctuating weather conditions and keep everyone in the house comfortable. For more information about our products, contact us.