What You Need to Know About Energy Efficient Windows | Fort Worth, TX
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With advancements in technology, there are myriads of ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. One of the most energy efficient fixtures you could adopt in your Fort Worth, TX home today is energy efficient windows. Not only do they boost they improve the value of your property, but they also significantly increase the comfort of your home.
Getting the right windows can be a challenge. Deciding the quality of a product, prioritizing certain, and knowing what to look for is essential. This guide is designed to help homeowners in their quest for energy efficient windows for their homes.
What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows?
Lowers energy costs
Since energy efficient windows better insulate your home, keeping the temperatures at desired levels, your HVAC unit doesn’t need to work quite as hard to regulate the temperatures. This means that it will consume less energy offering you significant energy savings on your bills. Some states also provide tax incentives for upgrading to energy efficient doors and windows. These tax credits may come to a third of your property cost.
Better insulation
One of the main advantages of installing energy efficient windows is eliminating hot and cold spots in your home. Whether during summer or winter, these windows create a barrier that prevents the cold or the heat from seeping into your home. Windows ensure your home is uniformly cool or heated.
Ecofriendly
With the increased effects of global warming and climate change, energy windows are a significant step towards minimizing your carbon footprint. Their excellent thermal reflection properties ensure they use less fossil-powered energy keeping your home environmentally friendly.
Increased property value
A home’s energy efficiency is one of the main factors home buyers consider when purchasing a home. Installing energy efficient windows and doors, therefore, will increase the value of your property.
What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?
Several factors come into consideration when determining whether or not a window is energy efficient. Here are some of the crucial factors:
R-value: This refers to a window’s resistance to heat flow. An energy efficient window is better if it has a larger R-value scale. This measurement is applied to the frame and the center of the glass.
U-factor: This is a window’s ability to conduct the flow of heat. The U-factor scale ranges from zero to one. The lower the figure, the better the energy efficiency of the window.
Air leakage: Air leakage is measured in cubic feet per minute—the lower the figure, the lesser the air leakage.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This refers to the ability of a window to block heat-producing rays. A low SHGC is crucial in hot weather climates as a lot of energy is used to keep the home cool.
Visible transmittance: This refers to a window’s ability to transmit visible light. Most homeowners desire high visibility. The higher the figure, the lighter your space will have.
Energy Star Rating and Energy Performance Ratings
The United States has put in place an Energy Star program to set standards for energy-efficient homes fixtures and appliances. The Energy Star ratings for windows and doors also vary based on the different climates that present different home cooling and heating challenges.
Energy Star products such as energy efficient windows and doors need to meet a certain set criterion to be rated by the Energy Star program.
- Must be produced by an Energy Star partner
- Must be tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council
- Must have ratings that meet guidelines set by the EPA
Does the Number of Panes Impact the Energy Efficiency of a Window?
Windows with extra layers such as double and triple pane windows tend to offer more insulation. With each extra pane of glass, a window’s energy efficiency increases. Single pane windows are ineffective and have an R-value of 1, while untreated triple pane windows have a 3.2 R-value.
Other features that can make your windows more energy efficient include:
- Low-e glass coatings: Glass coatings are an effective way of maintaining the heat within your home during the cold season and shutting it out during the summer.
- High-quality window frames: High-quality window frames ensure there is less transfer of heat and better insulate your home.
- Gas-filled insulation: Using krypton or argon between your energy efficient window panes ensures your home is better insulates against heat and cold.
- Windowpane spacers: Window spacers optimize energy efficiency and minimize the transfer of heat.
Types of Energy Efficient Windows
There are different types of energy efficient windows in the Fort Worth, TX, market. A window’s design significantly affects its energy efficiency. Here are some common types of windows:
- Casement windows: These windows can swing open on hinges and are one of the most energy efficient windows that can open and close. This is because when closed, they are designed to seal tightly.
- Picture windows: These are some of the most energy efficient window designs. They aren’t designed to open and leave very little chance for an air leak. This window’s energy efficiency can be further increased by treating it with a special coating such as low-E.
- Sliding windows: These doors can easily slide right or left on a track. Due to a flexible seal, sliding doors aren’t as energy efficient as other windows but offer more compared to others, such as double and single hung windows.
- Bay or bow windows: Bow and bay windows introduce a lot of light into your space as they project away from your home. Some are made of single or double-hung windows and casements. They are energy efficient as long as the window is well maintained and quality materials are used in its manufacturing.
- Single-hung windows: It consists of two sashes, one moving sash, and an unmovable sash. They are pretty airtight since one sash is fixed to the frame.
- Double-hung windows: This has two moveable sashes designed to slide along two individual tracks. Unlike single-hung windows, double-hung windows become energy inefficient as they become loose in their tracks over time.
At Energy Window Solutions, we are the leading window provider and installation company in Forth Worth, TX. For over three decades, we have effectively and efficiently offered energy efficient window solutions to nearby residents. After installation, we also offer service to ensure you receive value for your investment and peace of mind. Get in touch with us today for more information about our services.