Energy-efficient vs. regular windows can have a dramatic effect on your property.
What does that mean for you? Energy-efficient windows will lower heating and cooling bills and provide higher property value. Read on to discover why installing energy-efficient windows might be an investment well worth its initial cost over time.
Keep Hot and Cool Air In
In the winter, the typical heat lost through regular windows can increase your home heating bill by up to 25 percent. In the summer, that flow reverses. Sunlight warms your interior space through your windows and causes air conditioning units to work harder, increasing your monthly electric bill. Installing energy-efficient windows decrease losses of heating and cooling elements.
To start, check if the energy-efficient windows have an Energy Star rating. The Energy Star program is cooperatively run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy and is aimed at promoting environmentally friendly energy practices. The use of Energy Star rated products saves customers billions of dollars in utility bills every year.
To qualify, window manufacturers meet standards on the following metrics for an Energy Star designation:
- U-value: This measures the window’s resistance to heat loss.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures the amount of heat entering a home through the glass.
Structural & Surface Differences
While regular windows contain a single pane of glass, they also have frames with a highly conductive material like aluminum. The type of framing your window should have can vary from vinyl to aluminum, wood to wood-cad. Each has its place and best setting, depending on climate and environmental factors. Discuss your options with a professional to ensure you choose the best frame for your new windows prior to installation.
Energy-efficient windows contain multiple panes of glass to minimize heat transfer and insulating air spaces between the panes filled with nontoxic gases. In addition, coatings can be applied to surfaces of windows to help control the transfer of heat. These are often described as Low-E glass windows.
The Importance of Proper Installation
Regular or energy-efficient, essential to any window’s functionality is proper installation. Be wary of the use of too many expanding foams or sealants, as those products do not hold up to weather over time. They are not waterproof and can lead to problems. Hire a professional for flashing and caulking work to prevent water leakage.
At DeLuxe Window & Door in West Lawn, PA, Berks County, we aim to make your dreams of owning maintenance-free windows a reality. An award-winning, 70-year family business, we employ professional installers and can help you to select the windows perfect for your property’s needs. Come visit us in our showroom for a customized and personalized experience. Learn more by calling 610-678-2654.
