What You Need To Know About Energy-Efficient Home Windows | Fort Worth, TX
Energy-efficient home windows are crucial when it comes to conserving energy and keeping the house warm in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to the obvious benefits of more natural light and airflow, windows can also help regulate the temperature within your home. Contact Energy Window Solutions if you want to switch to energy-efficient home windows. Here’s a guide to energy-efficient home windows.
What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
Energy-efficient windows are designed to limit the flow of warm air from indoors to outdoors. This can help keep cool air in and hot air out throughout the summer, making air conditioning less necessary. Energy-efficient windows are especially useful in the winter because they prevent warm air from escaping and make it easier to keep the house at a suitable temperature.
What Are the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Home Windows?
Energy-efficient home windows let in just the right amount of light and warmth and block out the cold and noise. The many advantages of energy-efficient windows include the following:
- Reduced energy bills: Energy-efficient windows require less energy to operate, lowering your monthly electricity bill. They last far longer than standard windows, too, so you won’t have to spend as much time and money maintaining them. They are common in colder regions because of their superior insulation.
- Better insulation: ENERGY STAR-certified windows are great for reducing drafts and uneven temperatures throughout the house. In the winter, energy-efficient windows prevent the harsh outside air from seeping inside. They do a good job of keeping out the summer sun and, in turn, save money on air conditioning bills.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?
A Quality Frame
The window frame is a crucial part of an energy-efficient window. Your window’s insulating value will be maximized if its frame is well-made and prevents air leakage. Consider the following types of frames:
- Aluminum frames: Aluminum is an excellent choice for making energy-efficient windows. It’s simple to work into frame form and doesn’t weigh much. Also, it has high thermal conductivity, so it can efficiently let warm air out of a building.
- Vinyl frames: Vinyl windows are fantastic because they’re inexpensive and energy-efficient. Vinyl frames are constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that has been treated with UV stabilizers to prevent fading from the sun.
- Wood frames: When looking for energy-efficient windows, wooden frames are your best bet. The reason for this is that they are excellent at retaining heat. That means they’re great for both the cold winter and hot summer months, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature all year round. In addition, they have a high R-value, which indicates that they are effective in preventing heat from escaping.
- Fiberglass frames: Due to their dimensional stability and the ability to have insulation placed within their air cavities, fiberglass window frames provide better thermal performance than wood or uninsulated vinyl.
Multiple Glass Panes
Although energy loss through windows is possible, the glass itself can be designed to reduce conduction. There won’t be much insulating value from just one pane of glass. For greater efficiency, install double or triple-pane glass. The heat loss through windows can be reduced by using multiple panes. Insulation, durability, and silence are all benefits you’ll reap from using multiple window panes.
Low-E Glass Coating
Low-E coating is a thin metallic coating that goes on the glass. It goes on the inside of the outer pane of the window. It’s useful during the winter since it prevents warm air from escaping the house and prevents unwanted heat gain during the summer. The Low-E coating’s protection against UV rays shields the interior and furnishings from wear and tear over time.
The Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) reports that upon impact with a transparent glass surface, 84% of the long-wave radiation is absorbed, and only 16% is reflected. Low-e glass reflects 96% of light and absorbs only 4% of it.
Low-e coatings can block infrared and ultraviolet radiation on glass without significantly decreasing the quantity of natural light that enters a home.
Gas Fills and Warm Edge Spacers
Even with multiple panes of glass with a Low-E coating, some space can still exist. Argon, krypton, and other gasses are used to insulate the space between the panes of some energy-efficient windows. Such odorless, colorless, and non-toxic gasses provide superior insulation to regular air.
A spacer is used to maintain the correct gap between the two panes of glass. The spacer contributes to the seal around the glass at its point of contact with the frame. A warm-edge spacer is installed between the pane and the frame to prevent heat loss through the window.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping can be seen along the sashes of most modern windows. This plastic forms a tight barrier, preventing air from leaking in or out. The effectiveness of weatherstripping and its quantity are critical components of energy-efficient window design. Fibrous material is often used in high-quality weatherstripping to improve its seal. Every extra inch of weatherstripping on a window is a plus.
Proper Installation
Even the most energy-efficient home windows are useless if not installed properly. The efficiency of a window mainly depends on how well it is installed. This is as critical as the frame material and gas fill. The windows must fit into their frames with precision. Insulation is required in the space between the window frame and the house framing. It should be easy to open and close the window.
Energy Window Solutions contractors know how to properly install energy-efficient home windows in Fort Worth, TX.
Contact Energy Window Solutions
Energy-efficient home windows are an essential part of any house. With the help of an energy-efficient window, you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature while saving money on heating and cooling. No matter the weather, you can enjoy the comfort of your home by sealing off any drafts or leaks. Contact Energy Window Solutions for the installation of ENERGY STAR-certified home windows in Fort Worth, TX.