Key Takeaways
- Energy-efficient windows can increase your comfort at home and help significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.
- Some of the latest technologies used in energy-efficient windows, such as low-E coatings, multiple glazing, or gas fills, are the greatest influencers on energy-efficient window performance.
- Choosing the right windows for your climate, and installing them to the best standard is critical to achieving the best value for your investment.
- There are government incentives and rebates available to help in offsetting the cost of your upgrades.
What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
Switching to energy-efficient windows is one of the best ways to enhance comfort in your home and improve overall efficiency. With the latest technologies that are designed to stop the transfer of heat, energy-efficient windows will make your home comfortable no matter the season. When it comes to replacement windows Dalla, TX, homeowners will be pleased with their ability to make hot summer days cooler inside their homes and help insulate against the cold of winter.
The performance of energy-efficient windows is down to great engineering. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings reflect infrared light, while multiple panes or gas fills – mainly argon or krypton – improve the insulating properties of the windows. These advances in the construction of energy-efficient windows won’t block the view and clarity of your windows and let in natural light to your spaces.
How Do Low-E Coatings and Gas Fills Work?
Low-E coatings are thin metallic roof layers that help block or minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light through the glass. Gas fills placed between double or triple panes work further to slow the transfer of thermal energy, so even in extreme temperatures indoors, the transfer of energy is minimized regardless of the outdoor conditions. Combined, these strategies provide a powerful protection from temperature extremes, which eases the burden on your HVAC system and results in long-term savings.
Advantages of Energy-Efficient Windows
- Reduced Energy Bills: By effectively moderating indoor temperatures, energy-efficient windows can contribute to less of a burden on your home’s heating and cooling systems. The U.S. Department of Energy states that households can save up to 13% on their energy bill over the course of the year with ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
- Increased Comfort: Energy-efficient windows address common household complaints of draftiness, uncomfortable temperature variances, and condensation, for a more comfortable environment indoors.
- Reduced Noise: These new panes and developing layers also reduce outside noise intrusions, reducing sound and creating a quieter, more peaceful home.
- Increased Curb Appeal and Value: High-performance, modern designs look good and add to your property’s resale value.
Financial Incentives and Rebates
Cost is often a deterrent to upgrading, but there are numerous financial incentives that lessen the financial burden of this type of investment. Homeowners can take advantage of a federal tax credit accounting for 30% of the purchase price not to exceed $600, when installing ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows. Similarly, many state and local utility companies offer rebates and discounts with respect to these types of home enhancements. Homeowners can use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to compare available offers and maximize their savings.
Selecting the Right Windows for Your Climate
Choosing the appropriate windows for your area’s climate is important to maximize comfort and performance. Windows with a low U-factor in colder climates provide good insulation. This helps keep interior warmth inside the house and decreases heating expenses. Windows with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) will help block blaring rays and help keep your home cool in hotter climates, especially in hot summer months.
Refer to the Department of Energy’s Efficient Home Design for more recommendations regarding climate, your area, and project your energy efficiency goals.
What Do I Do if I Don’t Know My Climate Zone?
In the event you are unsure which windows are the best for your area, contact a local window replacement provider. They will evaluate the patterns of the local weather for the selection of the appropriate glass products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements for the area.
Installing Windows Successfully is Important
With any improvement, if your windows are not installed properly, even the best windows will not function as intended. Poor installation might lead to air leaks and water intrusion. This can defeat the purpose of the windows to save as much energy as expected. Point being, all things considered, consider only certified installers or high-quality contractors, who will comply with the manufacturer recommendations and industry regulations and conduct the installation properly. Not only does that maximize window performance, but it also means your manufacturer’s warranty is intact for the lifetime of the product. Nobody wants a bad window if we paid for a good one, and that is another good incentive to hire qualified installers.
Making sure the windows are maintained
Regular care and cleaning will keep energy-efficient windows at the top of the game for the years you own the windows. Basic maintenance includes the following items:
- Wiping the window glass and frame to reduce build-up from dust and grime.
- Inspecting seals and narrow weather stripping for visible cracks and replacing the stripping when its usable life is over.
- Cleaning with lubrication on interior and exterior window tracks to keep the window opening and closing smoothly.
Lastly
Upgrading to a window with energy efficiency can be a wonderful investment that can provide you with a comfortable interior space, lower monthly bills in the near term, and possibly even financial rebates. But by simply focusing on window quality and more importantly properly installed in your location, while maintaining the windows on a regular basis, the modern window offers superior benefits. In addition to lower energy bills, windows can reduce noise and even raise property value, making this an overall great home improvement.
Aaron Bennett 
Warner Ramos