When it comes to boosting the energy efficiency of your home, you have many options. From clad windows to solar panels, you can save money on your energy bills while decreasing your carbon footprint.
Double pane windows are one of the best options. Find out what makes them more efficient than single-pane windows.
Energy Efficiency
Double pane windows are an energy efficient choice that minimize heat transfer, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. This lowers your utility bills and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling equipment, making them a smart investment for any homeowner.
Unlike single-pane windows, which use aluminum frames that have poor insulating properties, double-pane windows feature two separate glass panes separated by an airspace filled with an insulated material, typically argon or krypton. Some also use a special moisture-absorbing spacer to prevent condensation and weep holes at the bottom of the window that allow water out and air in.
To get the most out of your double-pane windows, regularly inspect them for air leaks around the frame and trim nearby vegetation that could obstruct ventilation. It’s also a good idea to periodically apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving parts like locks and hinges to keep them operating smoothly. This helps to reduce friction and prolong their lifespan.
Lower Utility Bills
The energy efficiency of double pane windows helps you save on your home heating and cooling costs. They also help the environment by reducing your energy consumption. This means less fossil fuels will be burned and fewer greenhouse gases will be released into the atmosphere.
Aside from the energy savings, you’ll also enjoy a more comfortable home with double pane windows. There will be no drafty spots in your home and you can set the temperature you like every time.
Another advantage of double pane windows is that they reduce outside noise. They are a great upgrade for homes with noisy neighbors or busy streets. In addition, they help to protect your furniture and carpet from UV rays. This is important because too much exposure to UV rays can cause the fabrics in your home to fade over time. Double pane windows can prevent this by blocking out the UV rays from entering your home.
Reduced Noise
The world outside your windows may be beautiful, but the sound pollution it creates can interfere with the privacy of your home. Double pane windows reduce noise from street traffic, airplanes and loud neighbors by limiting how much sound can enter your house.
Insulation research continues, and today’s double-pane windows are a vast improvement over those of years past. The space between the panes is filled with a dense gas, such as argon or krypton, to maximize insulative benefits.
The type of window you choose will have a large impact on your overall replacement cost, as different styles of windows have different prices associated with their insulated glass. For instance, bay and bow windows protrude from your walls, requiring more materials and labor to install. Similarly, specialized windows such as egress and skylights will require more specialized installation services.
Increased Home Value
Double and triple pane windows offer more layers of insulating glass than single-pane options. They keep out cold air in winter and heat in summer, allowing you to lower your energy bills. They also reduce outside noise, making your home more comfortable.
A professional window installation expert can help you pick the right type for your home or business. They can help you choose the best material for your project, as well as answer any questions you might have about installation costs.
A clad-wood window combines the beauty of wood with an aluminum or vinyl exterior, for an attractive and durable option. They are also energy efficient, as they reduce outside noise and help maintain a constant temperature throughout the year. This window style is perfect for any home in the New Orleans area.