3 Factors That Make Replacement Windows Energy Efficient
Thinking of replacing your windows for enhanced home energy efficiency? Well, it would be best if you first got to understand what exactly you ought to consider when purchasing your windows.
12/05/2021
Just like most homeowners, you may want to take on your window replacement project by yourself — with the obvious reason of wanting to cut down on your expenses. However, contracting the services of a professional will help enhance your windows’ longevity as well as their overall efficiency, which is a plus when it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency. This is in addition to the other window replacement benefits such as enhanced comfort, noise reduction, and enhanced home value.
Thinking of replacing your windows for enhanced home energy efficiency? Well, it would be best if you first got to understand what exactly you ought to consider when purchasing your windows. Below is a breakdown of the three key points to pay attention to:
1. Check out the following for window energy efficiency
• Window panes
Most energy efficient windows are known to have two to three window panes. Such additional insulation ensures low energy consumption by preventing the inside conditioned air from escaping and the outside cold air from seeping in.
• U-values
Always check the labels for the U-levels of replacement windows you intend to purchase. U-values, determine how much heat your window panes can allow in. The lower the level, the better the insulation provided by the window. A replacement window with lower U-value will definitely save you energy.
• Condensation resistance
To know how much of the moisture build-up your replacement window can resist, you’ll need to check its condensation resistance value. If the value is higher the better since only less condensation will occur; hence saving you money.
• Air leakage
A cold draft seeping through your windows is the major reason why you run heaters to warm up the house, which in turn implies using a lot of energy hence higher bills. However, replacement windows with low air leakage value could save the day! Lower air leakage (AL) value directly translates to less or no air leakage through the window, and this, of course, enhances the energy efficiency of a home.
• Visible transmittance
A darker room, even during the day, means that your lights will need to be on 24/7 for you to be able to maneuver around, therefore, forcing you to pay hiked up energy bills. How much light your window lets through is determined using visible transmittance.
Having a replacement window with higher visible transmittance will help cut down your energy bills considering that such windows allow for sufficient light penetration.
• Solar heat gain coefficient
If your air conditioner has to run throughout the day because your house feels like a roasting oven every time, then it means that your windows could be allowing more solar heat through.
Replacement windows with lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) will enhance your energy efficiency by allowing only minimal solar heat through.
2. Window materials
• Pane spacers
If you are considering window replacement to enhance the energy efficiency, double or triple-glazed windows with warm edge spacers will be the perfect choice for maximum energy efficiency since they contain little or no metal at all.
• Gaps between the glass panes
Double and triple-paned windows have the reputation of being energy efficient. However, to enhance their energy efficiency, the gaps in between the panes should be filled with gases such as krypton, argon or xenon. Therefore, consider having this factor at the back of your mind.
• Window glass
Perhaps low emissivity (Low-E) glass is the most energy efficient glass type there is. This type of glass allows in heat and light while also preventing the heat from escaping. Selecting double or triple-glazed windows with low emissivity glass will improve overall energy efficiency.
• Window frames
Another important consideration when you are shopping for replacement windows with high energy efficiencies is the window frame material. There are various types of window frames offering excellent energy efficiency levels such as wooden, vinyl, and fibreglass frames. And so, your budget and taste become the major determinants when it comes to decision making.
Fibreglass and Wooden frames offer the best insulation, but they are quite expensive and attract high maintenance costs. Vinyl frames are the most widely used since they tend to be pocket-friendly.
3. Window installation
To guarantee energy efficiency, proper window installation is a must. Instead of opting for self-window installation, hire a trained professional to install your windows accordingly based on the manufacturer’s specified instructions. Proper window installation ensures a weather tight seal around the frame, thereby preventing air leaks and energy loss.
The Takeaway
Want to save money while also improving your home energy efficiency? Then consider double or triple-paned replacement windows, which offer significant energy savings and cut down on your bills.
Finally, remember that a rewarding window replacement project calls for the utilization of efficient windows blended with a quality installation process.