Unique Features That Make Energy Efficient Windows | Lewisville, TX
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One thing that the summer and winter seasons have in common is to increase your monthly energy bills. Your home windows are the key fixtures when it comes to controlling heating and cooling bills.
Old and malfunctioning windows may lose up to 30 percent of the conditioned air in your home. Inefficient windows have leaks and drafts that allow cooled or heated air to escape.
As a result, your HVAC system may have to overwork and result in high utility bills. Thanks to modern technology, energy efficient windows address all those issues. Therefore, when making home updates or shopping for new windows, you should consider these windows to save money in the long run. If you choose wisely, you will not regret it.
You’ll get a chance to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment during summer and winter without having to pay for heating and cooling bills. Not all windows are the same.
Some are effective at keeping out heat and preventing heat loss in hot and cold weather, respectively. There are specific features that make windows thermally efficient and utility-friendly. Read on to understand some of the features that improve the window’s energy efficiency.
Frame Material
Investing in energy efficient windows is a great idea for Lewisville, TX, homeowners who wish to save some cash on energy bills. But, that may not be the case if you choose inefficient frame materials.
Window frames are available in multiple materials, and each has varying degrees of thermal resistance, which affects the overall energy efficiency of the window. Among frame materials used in these windows include fiberglass, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite.
Although durable and affordable, aluminum windows should not be a choice because they conduct too much heat, making them inefficient. Wood, vinyl, and fiberglass windows have better insulation features. However, vinyl offers better insulation, and it can improve your home’s energy efficiency if you choose a high-quality frame.
Therefore you should seek advice from a window installation expert when purchasing new windows for your home. If you fail to do so, you may end up selecting low-quality frames that wear out sooner, resulting in drafts that leak the conditioned air in your house.
Window Design
Some of these windows are designed to offer better insulation than others. These may include a picture, casement, and single-hung windows. Picture or fixed windows are the most energy efficient windows. They do not open, thereby no chance of air leakage through the frame.
There’s no other window design offering the same energy efficiency as picture windows. You can install them in some rooms in your home that do not require ventilation. Casement windows offer both functionality and excellent energy efficiency. These windows have strong seals, keeping them airtight when closed, thus preventing air drafts. They easily open and closes if strong winds blow towards your home.
Also, instead of installing double-hung windows with two operable sashes, consider single-hung windows with one operable and fixed sash to boost energy efficiency in your Lewisville, TX home.
Multiple Glass Panes
The window glass protects every home from external weather elements such as winds, snow, rain, and too much heat. Older homes usually have single-pane windows, which may not be good at preventing heat gain or heat loss.
Windows that are energy efficient have two or three glass layers. The more the number of layers, the more energy efficiency a window offers. If you wish to have a more energy efficient home, you should invest in triple pane windows. The air pockets between the glass layers give the window better insulation properties, making it more energy efficient.
These windows have low U-factors, and the lower the value, the better the insulation. They can keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, thereby reducing monthly energy bills. In addition, these windows reduce the chances of condensation and keep out unwanted noises. Also, the multiple glass layers make it difficult for break-ins to occur.
Low-E Coating
Standard windows can let in cold temperatures or allow heat to escape through the glass. Energy efficient windows have metal oxide coating on the glass, which regulates heat transmission through the windows in your home.
Although such windows can cost more than regular windows, they are worth investing in them because they lower energy loss by about 30 to 50 percent. In hotter temperatures, the coating reflects sun rays and allows shortwave light to penetrate your home. While in winter, it reflects your house to minimize heat loss to the outside environment.
You can improve the energy efficiency of the existing windows by adding the low-E coating without having to replace them. Energy efficient windows with this coating can block intense heat and let in natural light. Low-E coating also lowers the U-factor hence improving the efficiency of the window.
Gas Fills
Energy efficient windows usually have gas fills between the glass layers to make them more efficient. Window manufacturers add odorless, dense, and inert gases such as Argon and Krypton to spaces between the window panes.
These gases are denser than air and offer better insulation. They are non-toxic, and they do not cause any health problems to you and your family. Energy efficient windows with Low-E and gas fills can insulate your Lewisville, TX home better.
Quality Installation
Although energy efficient windows cost more than traditional windows, improper installation can render them useless. However, they can be a great investment if you hire qualified experts to install them. The performance and energy efficiency of the windows will depend on the quality of installation.
An experienced window expert will ensure that you get the right size that fits your home. Such a professional can ensure the spaces between the window frames and the house framing remain insulated.
The windows should also be easy to close or open. Therefore, you should work with qualified contractors to get a quality installation that has maximum energy efficiency.
Energy Window Solutions: A Local Window Contractor You Can Trust
Several features affect the energy efficiency of windows, ranging from the quality of frame material to installation. Understanding what to look for when buying new windows can save you money on energy bills.
At Energy Window Solutions, we offer the most energy efficient windows. Investing in new windows improves the curb appeal of your home and reduces energy losses. That’s why you need to make informed decisions when it comes to windows. You can contact our experienced team to learn more about our window products.