Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows

 

Energy efficient windows prevent heated or cooled air escaping from your home. The increased insulation reduces your home’s energy usage, providing better thermal comfort and increased home property value. To learn more about the benefits of energy efficient windows see the points listed below.

Increased Life span of Windows – Regular window frames can get damaged or have mold or mildew developing on them. This happens because of condensation on window frames in winter. Aluminum windows are not efficient as they conduct heat. Energy efficient windows with composite window frames are highly efficient as the frames are designed to improve the window’s insulating abilities. The materials reduce the transfer of heat and insulate the windows keeping them secure and clean.

Better Comfort – Regular windows permit air drafts to enter the house. The Department of Energy estimates that upgrading to new energy star rated windows can save you 7%-15% on annual household energy bills depending on your geographic location. Energy efficient windows usually have a double or triple pane sandwiched together with spacers which are sealed and filled with gases such as argon, krypton etc to prevent air from entering or escaping.

Reduces Fading – Sunlight entering through windows, can lighten your furnishings. Energy efficient windows have low-E coatings that reflect heat energy either into or out of the house and can protect your furnishings from UV-induced fading.

Increased Home Value – Installing energy efficient windows will increase property and resale value of your home depending on the type of windows being replaced. On average homeowners recoup about 78% of the cost when selling the house.

Tax Rebates – Some local governments provide tax rebates for installing energy efficient windows. Make sure that the windows you purchase satisfy the local regulations so that you are eligible for a tax rebate.

Knowing about the different types of windows available on the market and factors that determine energy efficiency can help you to make an informed decision.

Single-Glazed – This type of window consists of tinted or clear glass. It includes only a single layer of glass. Without a tint, this type allows the most amount of heat to transmit into the home’s interior.

Double-Glazed – This consists of two layers. Double-glazed energy efficient windows have various types. The common examples of these are high-performance tinted, moderate solar gain low-E glass, clear, high solar gain low-E glass and low solar-gain low-E glass.

Triple-Glazed – This type of window contains three layers. Between the middle and outermost layer exists a gas that secures air from being lost. The center layer consists of either plastic or glass film. If a homeowner resides in a very cold climate, this type maintains heat loss to a minimum but lessens the amount of solar heat gain.

The department of energy has made performance criteria for energy-efficient windows using an Energy Star Score. These standards are based on U-factor rating and solar heat gain coefficient. U-Factor – measures the rate of heat transfer through the window. The lower the U-factor the greater the window’s resistance to heat flow. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient SHGC – This measures how much of the sun’s heat comes through the window. The lower the SHGC the less solar heat the window lets in.