Whether you’re building a home or looking to replace the windows in your current home, energy-efficient windows are a hot topic – and for good reason. First, energy-efficient windows can translate into significant savings.
For example, the Department of Energy estimates a savings of anywhere from $126 to $465 each year. If you switch out single pane windows for double- or triple-pane window glass. With a better grade of the window, you will reduce the demands on your heating and cooling system, thereby saving you money each month.
Also known as a “fenestration product,” products like energy-efficient windows have been shown to reduce “carbon emissions by 547 million metric tons, or [the] one-year equivalent of electricity use by 70 million U.S. households… [which also equates to] taking 118 million passenger cars off the road” (usglassmag.com). By reducing your carbon footprint, your energy-efficient windows will be doing the environment a favor as well by creating less pollution in the environment.
On a smaller scale, your furniture and flooring will thank you, too. Since your home’s interior will not be fully exposed to the damaging effects of the sun. With more energy-efficient windows, then, you’ll slow down and reduce the amount of fading to your windows and floors.
When it comes to deciding which type of windows are best for you and your home. The varieties and price points in the window market are seemingly endless. This makes the decision to find the most energy efficient windows an overwhelming and sometimes confusing task.
Before you make your decision – and to help you narrow your options and focus your search. Consider the following factors:
Window Type & Design
The way the windows are constructed and manufactured will play a key role in making window energy efficient. There are several features you will want to look for, as one or more of these elements will increase your window’s efficiency:
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Double-Pane and Triple-Pane Glass
Move beyond single pane glass and consider double- or triple-pane glass. Double- and triple-pane glass windows have argon or krypton gas in between the glass panes. And this provides an additional protective, insulating layer.
The insulating property of double- and triple-pane glass will also help keep cool and warm air where it belongs. This way, your home will remain cooler in the summer, while keeping the heat in your home (where it should stay) in the winter.
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Window Tints / Coating
A solar window tint is a simple solution for rooms that get too warm or too cold, depending on the season. The thin adhesive layer can effectively reduce the heat that enters through the windows. And it can also help to prevent heat loss in the winter.
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Low-E windows
Another great coating option that maximizes your window’s efficiency is to check out what is known as Low-E (low emissivity) windows. Home Advisor describes Low-E windows this way:
“A Low-E glass window is… a windowpane coated in microscopic layers of metallic oxides. The coating appears invisible to the naked eye, allowing as much natural light into the house as possible. However, though transparent, this coating also protects your home from unwanted UV rays. Plus, it also helps to control radiant heat (infrared light) as it enters and leaves a room. In other words, it keeps your house warmer in the winter by reflecting certain segments of the sun’s light spectrum back into the home. And cooler in the summer by reflecting particular sections outside” (homedavisor.com).
And although these windows keep harmful UV light out. Plenty of the sun’s rays will get through, so you can still enjoy a bright, naturally-lit room.
Other Considerations
In addition to selecting a style of window that is energy efficient, consider these factors as well before hiring a contractor or making your final decision on the window you’ve been eyeing up:
What’s your window’s rating?
When considering the most energy-efficient replacement windows, take the time to research the window’s energy ratings. The standard value that reflects a window’s energy efficiency is its U-factor. This is the “rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow . . . [and] the lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window, door, or skylight” (energystar.gov).
Who is going to install your windows?
Once you have made your window decision, remember to consider another critical factor: Installing the window properly for a correct fit. Energy-efficient windows are only as good as their installation in your home. Otherwise, the investment you made could fall victim to leaks and moisture. And completely neutralize the energy-saving benefits these windows have to offer.
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company: For the Most Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when deciding on new windows or replacement windows for your home. It is no small decision, so take your time to ensure you make a wise investment when it comes to this important home improvement.
To ensure that you get the most out of your energy-efficient windows, let the professionals at Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company help with your next window replacement and installation project. Our experienced contractors are knowledgeable about the best energy-efficient windows. We can help you make the decision-making process easier. What’s more, we’ll help you find a window that fits your home’s architecture, your personal style, and your budget.
Contact Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company today for more information or for a quote at (410) 918-0563. Or, you can visit us online at https://midatlanticremodelingco.com/.
