Energy-efficient windows can not only lower your energy bill and energy consumption, but they make sure that your home is cozier, no matter what the temperature outside. The best energy-efficient windows will provide long-term performance and efficiency. Understanding the pros and cons of windows that are energy efficient will give greater clarity to your investment.
This guide will go over all you must know about energy-efficient windows, which includes:
- What is it that makes windows energy efficient?
- The energy efficiency metrics that are associated with windows
- The advantages of windows that are energy efficient
- How can you improve the energy efficiency of your windows?
- What are brands of windows known for their energy efficiency?
What is it that makes windows energy efficient?
Windows can be the cause of 30 percent of cooling and heating expenses. The purchase of energy-efficient windows can reduce these expenses. You may want to block the heat from coming into or going out. Energy-efficient windows can accomplish this regardless of the conditions. The replacement of your windows with energy-efficient models will help you save money in the long run since they can reduce energy bills.
The following aspects are essential to think about when looking to buy windows that are energy efficient:
- The frame serves as the foundation for the window. Materials to think about include aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl wood, and composite. The frame material you choose can affect how a window stores energy (i.e., insulated vinyl, whereas wood has higher insulation levels and wood has less). The more robust the frame is, the less likely it will be to break, reducing drafts. Foam-filled structures also provide an additional layer of insulation.
- The energy can escape from a single-pane window. However, energy-efficient windows with two or three panes of glass can stop this. Multiple panes offer insulation and can stop heat transfer.
- A thin metallic layer, also known as the soft E coating, is placed on the exterior pane to prevent heat from leaving your windows during the winter months. In summer, it keeps the sun’s heat from coming into the interior.
- Gas fills between panes of glass provide further insulation.
- Spacers are placed between glass panes to form an airtight seal and decrease heat transfer.
- Weatherstripping is placed across the outside of the window to form an airtight seal to keep drafts from entering—the higher quality of the weather stripping results in windows that are energy efficient.
- Professional installation will ensure that they fit your home with no gaps or leaks. A properly installed window will ensure correctly installed and maximize efficiency.
What measures are needed to increase energy efficiency?
You can use many metrics to understand your windows’ efficiency when it comes to energy-efficient windows. Here are some typical energy performance indicators.
Visible transmission (VT) through windows or doors determines how much sunlight reflects from your eyes. A window that has greater VT can transmit more light. It is a number that ranges from 1 and zero. The VT number depends on the amount of light your home needs or the amount of glare you would like to minimize.
U-factor is another measure that measures how well a window, door, or skylight can conduct heat flow. Windows with a lower U-factor can be more efficient.
What are the advantages of windows that are energy efficient?
One of the significant advantages of investing in energy-efficient windows is saving on heating bills during the winter months and cooling bills in summer. A study estimates that 30% of heating and cooling costs are related to energy losses through windows. Therefore, if you’re replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient alternatives, you could save hundreds of dollars a year.
Windows that are energy efficient will also offer greater comfort when you’re inside, keeping you more comfortable during the summer heat as temperatures drop outside. In addition, you’ll enjoy fewer glares from the outside as well as minor damage from the sun to furniture and energy-efficient windows that could even boost your home’s resale value.
Energy-efficient windows are beneficial to your financial account and your comfort as well as the environment. Energy STAR-approved windows, skylights, and doors can lower carbon footprint by approximately 12 percent across the country.
You’re replacing your windows with energy-efficient options. Specific improvements are eligible for homeowners’ residential energy-efficient property credits, and energy-efficient windows are considered a qualified improvement in energy efficiency. You are eligible to get a credit of up to 10% of the price of energy efficiency improvements that qualify in the limit of maximum credit of $500.
What can you do to make your windows more energy-efficient?
Even the windows you have can be energy-efficient. There are a few additional ways to improve your windows’ energy efficiency. The increase in the energy efficiency of your windows could be beneficial for those who reside in a frigid region in winter and are very hot in summer.
Curtains that are insulated can be beneficial but making sure they are open in daylight hours is crucial. If you block the windows with curtains that are protected, you’re also preventing the sun’s heat. But, keeping the curtains open in the daylight and closing them at night allows the sun to shine during the day and supports the windows insulated during the night.
Another option is applying the film to your windows. The film will block UV rays, prevent the escape of warm air and reduce the quantity of cold air coming through windows. This film usually comes as a set, which means you can put it on your windows on your own.
What are brands of windows known for their energy efficiency?
There are many different window brands available. It’s essential to choose the most well-known brand that’s energy-efficient.
One of the top windows is made of fiberglass, specifically Ultrex. These companies use insulation glass and materials essential to creating energy-efficient window designs.
Energy-efficient windows could be the right choice for you if you’re hoping to reduce your energy bills and feel more comfortable in your house. Whether you are experiencing scorching winters or cold summers, windows that are energy efficient will provide the long-term performance you require. When you understand the factors that make windows energy efficient and which brands are known for their quality, energy-efficient windows, you can make an investment that will benefit your wallet, well-being, and the environment.
Do you think it’s time to increase the efficiency of your home’s energy use?
Brampton Windows offer the top energy-efficient windows, and our window specialists are certified in environmentally friendly practices, which lets you witness green construction in person.
You can reach us for more information directly by calling 905 595 5091, emailing at info@bramptonwindows.ca, or visiting one of our Ottawa locations.