Do you want to save money? We are revealing what makes windows energy efficient to help you reduce your bills!
Alright, let’s get real about saving some bucks on your heating and cooling costs! Do you know the secret sauce? Understanding what makes windows energy efficient, friends. Seriously, this little nugget of knowledge can totally transform your financial game and the overall cozy feeling in your home.
So, here’s the deal: windows play a huge role in keeping your pad comfy and your wallet happy. They’re like the gatekeepers of temperature, and if they’re not up to snuff, you’re in trouble. Cheap windows? Poor installation? Prepare for drafts galore! You’ll be cranking up that thermostat in the winter and maxing out the AC in the summer.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. Once you wrap your head around window energy efficiency, you’ll be ready to tackle this problem head-on. That means no more settling for subpar windows! Armed with this knowledge, you can make savvy choices when picking or upgrading your windows, ensuring your home remains comfortable regardless of what the weather throws at you. So, let’s dive into the world of energy-efficient windows and watch your savings soar while you live your best life at home!
Understanding What Makes Windows Energy Efficient.
A window’s energy efficiency depends on a few factors. It starts with the materials and ends with the installation. Glass is a poor insulator. It needs special treatment to protect it from unwanted heat loss or heat gain. So heat entering or escaping through your window panes will be a dead giveaway that you have poor-quality windows. Using low-E coatings can help improve your energy efficiency to some degree. But glass is not the only thing you need to worry about.
Everything from the frame to the construction and even the installation comes into play. More likely than not, that cheap, old window that’s been sitting in your house for years doesn’t have what it takes to provide you the energy efficiency you deserve.
When shopping for new windows, you likely base your decision on three things:
- the overall price of your home improvement project
- the window style and its appearance
- the energy efficiency ratings
You will find that cutting corners on energy efficiency to lower the price now will cost you a lot of money on your energy bill later. No one wants an ugly window. So, of course, you will leave some room in your budget for aesthetics. But investing all your money into a beautiful window that lacks energy efficiency is how you wind up with windows you hate, in a house you hate, and no money to do anything about it (which you will also hate).
Do not let that be you. Design your perfect energy-efficient window with all the bells and whistles you are looking for when you choose Windows & Doors By The Men with Tools.
When selecting windows for your home, you must consider what makes energy efficient to make the right choice. An excellent place to start is learning how to read NFRC stickers. Look into how different materials impact how your window performs as well. We explore all of that below.
Your Window Construction and Energy Efficiency
Well-made windows are one of the best-kept secrets among savvy homeowners. They keep your home cozy and your wallet happy. Trust us, high-quality windows are worth every penny and more compared to those cheapo $200 options you see at the local home center. Here’s the scoop: top-quality windows not only last longer but also do wonders for your energy efficiency. Those drafts? Not in your well-insulated fortress! Sturdy frames seal the deal, leaving no room for sneaky gaps to mess with your comfort.
But that’s not all! Better construction means stronger windows, while premium materials bring you A+ insulation. It’s like a force field against the elements! Those drafts won’t stand a chance. Air won’t be slipping in or out through the frame or glass, either. So, remember this golden rule: invest in well-made windows, and you’ll reap the rewards in comfort and savings. Your home will thank you, your wallet will thank you, and you’ll be relaxing in style. Happy home, happy life, right?
Unlocking Energy Efficiency: What Makes Windows Energy Efficient? 4 Essential Characteristics to Consider
- A low air leakage rate.
Your window’s air leakage rating is a major factor in their overall energy efficiency. The more air leaks through your windows, the less energy efficient they are. We make windows with an air leakage of 0.02. That’s 15x more airtight than the industry standard! The lower the air leakage rating, the better. Even our competitors can only achieve NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) ratings between 0.17-0.3. Your window may be letting a lot of air escape without you even realizing. - . A low U-factor.
The U-factor measures how well your window blocks heat from entering or escaping the house. The lower the number, the better it performs. Your windows will reflect unwanted heat away from your home, while propelling any warmth you want to hold onto back inside. Our exclusive ThermaLast windows have a U-factor of 0.24. - A low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
The higher the SHGC number, the easier it is for the sun to heat your home in the summer through your windows. If you ever find yourself baking in the hot summer sun, needing to pump the air conditioning all the way up just to save yourself from sweating, your window’s poor U-factor may be to blame. You want as low a number as possible. ThermaLast’s SHGC rating is 0.21. That’s low! We achieve that rating without using dark glass that kills your natural light. - A high R-value.
The R-value measures how much heat your window frames protect against heat loss on a scale of 0-1. It’s vital for maintaining the temperature that you set. The higher the number, the better. Ours is 23. Most companies don’t even reach an R-Value of 20.
You will find these ratings on the NFRC stickers on any window you purchase. It is best to compare this information across a few brands before you make your final decision.
Double Pane Windows and Energy Efficiency
Double-paned windows get their name because they have two glass panels between the frame instead of one. The two layers of glass help to insulate your home a little bit, but glass does not insulate well on its own. To provide extra insulation, argon gas or some other non-toxic gas sits between the inner and outer layers of glass. This gas acts as a filter that slows the transfer of heat from the sun’s rays. It also helps prevent heat or cold from penetrating your home. The construction of double-paned windows makes them more energy efficient because they reduce heat transfer through the window.
It saves you money by helping to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. If you live in an area like New York or New Jersey, where temperatures get below freezing during winter and above 100 degrees in the summer, double-pane windows will help keep your home at a stable temperature year-round. That means lower energy bills for you and a higher return on your investment!
Take Advantage of Energy Efficiency Today
Installing energy-efficient windows in your home can save you, on average, between 7-30% on your monthly expenses. If you’re looking for energy-efficient windows for your home, get in touch! We’d be happy to provide you with all the information you need. Plus, our quotes are good for a full year.