Window installation is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. However, make sure that you choose a company that is qualified to do the job correctly.
Heat gain and loss through windows is a major source of heating and cooling costs. Replacing your old windows with ENERGY STAR certified models can reduce these expenses by 25%-30%.
Low-E glass
Adding Low-E glass to your windows can help you cut down on energy costs. This coating works to slow radiant heat transfer by reflecting longwave radiation (heat) back into your home during cooler periods and blocking shortwave radiation (solar energy) to keep you comfortable throughout the year.
This can make a significant impact on your energy bill, but it also helps protect your furniture, carpeting and other interior materials. It prevents harmful UV rays from penetrating your furnishings and damaging them over time.
Low-E coatings are either a “soft-coat” that is applied to pre-cut glass or a “hard-coat” that is fused into the float glass during production. Both drastically improve the energy efficiency of your windows.
The soft-coat coating is better for solar control, while the hard-coat coating is better for colder climates. U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings help you determine which type of Low-E glass is best for your home.
Double-hung windows
Windows play a significant role in the overall energy efficiency of your home. Not only do they allow natural light to enter the home, but they also provide ventilation and protection from the elements.
Double-hung windows are a popular option for homeowners who want to maximize their ventilation options while maintaining a classic look. They are also incredibly easy to clean, as both sashes tilt inward for ease of cleaning.
Single-hung windows have one sash that is fixed in place and can’t be opened. They are generally less expensive than double-hung windows and can be easily installed.
When you’re replacing your windows, it’s important to choose a style that fits both your budget and needs. Double-hung windows are the most popular choice among homeowners and they’re a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. You can also select dual-pane, triple-pane, or insulated frames to maximize the energy efficiency of your new replacement windows. Plus, you can add laminate, tinted, or low-E glass to improve your home’s insulating properties and reduce your energy costs.
Storm windows
Storm windows are a low-cost way to improve the energy performance of your existing window frames. They reduce drafts, block noise transmission, and make existing windows perform more like new.
They are also a good choice for homes that don’t qualify for full replacement. For example, lower income homeowners, residents of historic properties, or people working with HUD or weatherization programs may be able to add storm windows without incurring the high cost of a full window replacement project.
Adding storm windows to older windows also helps protect the existing, single-pane window against exterior storm damage. It also allows you to improve the insulation of your home without replacing all of the windows at once.
Glass replacement
Glass replacement is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The right glass can reflect heat in the summer and keep it inside in the winter, helping your home maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.
In addition, the type of material your window frame is made of can have a significant impact on its energy performance. Wood, vinyl, composite (Fibrex(r) material), and fiberglass are all common options.
Another important feature is the glazing, or coating of the glass. Today’s replacement windows use various coatings to block rays from the sun, reduce heat loss/gain, and add ultraviolet protection.
Other features include fills with inert argon gas, laminated or tinted glazing, and low-E coatings. These features can reduce heating and cooling costs, lower carbon emissions, and increase your home’s overall energy efficiency.