Choosing windows that meet energy efficiency requirements can save money, protect your valuables, and help you maintain a comfortable home environment. Look for ENERGY STAR certified windows that use whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs to rate performance.
Upgrading your windows can bring advantages that you might not expect, including improved comfortability and increased home value.
Durability
Energy-efficient replacement windows are made to insulate your home. Choosing double or triple-pane windows improves thermal performance, helping to lower your energy bills.
Fiberglass, vinyl, and wood frames are all good insulators. Wood and clad-wood windows are a popular choice for those looking to add a natural look to their home, and they also insulate well.
When selecting replacement windows, be sure to look for ones that are Energy Star-rated. This is a government-backed symbol that indicates they meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency and comfort.
The Energy Star website provides an easy-to-use tool to help you compare window energy ratings. The main ratings to consider are air leakage, visible transmittance, U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and emissivity. Low-emissivity glass reflects sunlight, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, a warm-edge spacer minimizes the transfer of air and can tack on an extra 5% in energy savings.
Energy Efficiency
New windows bring many benefits to the home, including reduced energy costs and improved comfort. Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights reduces household energy consumption by an average of 12 percent nationwide, saving families money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY STAR windows feature low-e glass that prevents infrared and ultraviolet rays from entering the home while allowing regular light to pass through. They also help to insulate the home, preventing hot air from rising in the summer and cold air from escaping in the winter.
Energy-efficient replacement windows are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass and wood. They also have different energy-use ratings, which help homeowners select the best windows for their homes. Look for the ENERGY STAR label and review ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The higher the NFRC rating, the more efficient the window will be. Choose windows with a lower U-factor for greater thermal resistance in cold climates, and choose those with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to reduce heat loss in warmer climates.
Aesthetics
Window replacement offers a wide range of aesthetic choices. They come in different frame materials and colors to match your existing home design. Besides, they can be customized with grid patterns and hardware. They also help to minimize drafts and regulate temperature, which makes your indoor environment more comfortable throughout the year.
Energy-efficient windows minimize heat loss and gain, reducing the load on your HVAC systems. This results in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. In addition, they offer UV protection, which protects furniture, carpeting and other valuable items from fading due to too much sun exposure.
Energy-efficient windows feature multiple panes of glass separated by an airspace, providing excellent insulation. They also use aluminum and fiberglass frames, which are strong and durable. Some of them are filled with inert gases such as argon and krypton, which further improve thermal performance. These features make them a great choice for Mandeville homes that need more effective insulation.
Cost
A professional window installer can help you select a style and material that complements your home while also maximizing energy savings. They are familiar with the many window types available, including Bay and Bow windows that protrude from the wall and flood rooms with natural light. Single-hung and double-hung replacement windows have movable sashes, while casement and awning windows open like a door. Garden and picture windows don’t open, but they provide unobstructed views of the outdoors.
Energy-efficient windows are designed to minimize heat loss and gain by utilizing multiple panes of glass and other insulating materials. Some are sealed with foam spacers that prevent the transfer of heat between the glass panes. Others use nonreactive noble gases, such as argon and krypton, to fill gaps in the glass. They are generally more expensive than standard windows, but they can produce significant energy savings over time. Moreover, they are eligible for tax rebates in some states.