Windows play a significant role in making your house feel like home. They influence a room’s aesthetic, safety, and energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient windows prevent warm air from escaping during winter and hot air from entering during summer, which reduces the strain on HVAC systems and lowers electricity costs. They also limit the penetration of harmful UV rays, which protects fabric and furniture from fading.
Low-E glass
A home or business’s windows are a major source of energy loss. To prevent this loss, energy-efficient windows use Low-E glass. This type of glass is designed to reflect heat while allowing light to pass through. It helps to lower energy bills and improve the comfort of your home or business. This type of window is ideal for use in areas that receive a lot of sunlight.
A microscopically thin coating is applied to the surface of low-e glass. This coating reflects infrared heat. This is important during the winter, as it will help to keep your interior warm without letting heat escape through the windows.
Additionally, the Low-E coating helps to keep your home or business cool in the summer. It does this by reflecting solar heat, rather than absorbing it like standard glass. It also helps to protect fabrics, furniture and flooring materials from damage by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is an important consideration for families with children and pets, as UV rays can bleach their skin and hair.
Low-emissivity coatings
While safety is the number one reason for replacing old windows, homeowners are also looking for ways to reduce energy bills. Investing in replacement windows with low-emissivity coatings minimizes heat transfer and helps to regulate indoor temperatures, saving on heating and cooling costs.
A microscopically thin coating on the inside of the glass reflects infrared light and limits solar gain while allowing a significant amount of natural light to enter the home. This translates to a warmer house in winter and a cooler home in summer, which can significantly lower energy bills.
Adding double- or triple-pane windows with argon or krypton gas fills between the panes enhances the thermal insulation properties of the window, further reducing heat loss and increasing occupant comfort. Additionally, these gases reduce harmful UV rays that cause fading of furniture, carpeting, and artwork over time. These windows are available in casements, awnings, and double or single hung styles to suit the aesthetic preferences of the homeowner.
Argon or krypton gas fills
The insulating power of windows is boosted by replacing air in the spaces between window panes with argon or krypton gas. This prevents thermal energy from leaving or entering the home and lowers heating and cooling bills.
Argon is a colorless, odorless, inert gas found naturally in our atmosphere. It is denser than air and, therefore, has a significantly lower thermal conductivity. When used in insulated glass units (IGUs) in double or triple-pane windows, it reduces heat loss and increases thermal efficiency.
Krypton is also found in our atmosphere, but it is twelve times denser than air. Like argon, it reduces heat transfer and increases thermal efficiency in IGUs in double or triple-pane windows. Additionally, krypton has sound-reducing qualities. As a result, krypton is widely used in commercial and residential buildings to reduce noise. Krypton is also a key ingredient in xenon lighting and some medical equipment. The gas is supplied in cylinders and is easy to install and refill.
Energy-efficient hardware
Replacing windows with energy efficient models can help reduce your energy costs, increase comfort and contribute to environmental sustainability. These models are designed to minimize heat transfer and drafts, allowing indoor temperatures to remain steady year-round. They also allow natural light to enter your home while blocking harmful UV rays, protecting furniture and carpets from fading.
Choose a reputable window company that carries ENERGY STAR-rated products and provides professional installation. It should have a proven track record in the industry, positive online reviews and referrals, and support charitable organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The right frame material and glass options can significantly improve your window’s performance. Double-pane windows with a Low-E coating, warm-edge spacers and quality seals provide improved thermal insulation. Triple-pane windows with argon gas fills offer even better performance. They can keep warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer and reduce noise from outside. These add-ons also reduce condensation and air leaks, improving your window’s insulating properties.