If you’re looking for ways to save money on energy during the summer or the winter, installing energy-efficient windows can be an effective way to do so. Home Doors and Windows has been active in the window industry for over 20 years and features a great selection of high-quality windows. For assistance in finding the right windows for your needs or for repairs to your windows, please call us today!
Why Get Energy-Efficient Windows? Windows generally allow a lot of heat to enter or leave your home, which naturally increases your heating or cooling bills at various points of the year. Installing new energy-efficient windows won’t necessarily pay for itself immediately but you should see a drop in your energy costs right away and your home in general should be a lot more comfortable.
Windows act as a conduit for heat in 4 commonly recognized ways.. leaks, convection, conduction and radiation. Leaks – If your window isn’t tightly sealed around the edges, air can get in through cracks in the caulking or even through the frame around the window. Convection, A window attracts heat from the surrounding air. The resulting cool air sinks to the ground and is replaced by warm air, which is then cooled by the window and sinks again. This cycle causes a cold draft by the window. Conduction: Heat from the sun or air is transferred directly through the window panes. Radiation The window collects heat and radiates it.
An energy-efficient window prevents heat transfer through the window in a number of different ways. The most common design uses a double-paned setup with gas trapped between the two panes and a heat-reflecting coating on the outside of the window. The gas is usually argon or nitrogen, which don’t transfer heat very well and this combined with the double panes and low-E coating prevents a lot of heat coming through the windows either from inside or outside. Depending on where you actually live, you may find that a different design works better for your particular needs.
Which Energy-Efficient Windows To Buy?Depending on the climate you live in, you will want to look at the window’s U-factor, which measures the window’s insulating capabilities – and the solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat is allowed inside your home. Windows with a lower U-factor are ideal for colder climates but the solar heat gain coefficient should be higher. For a hotter climate, you will want to look at the solar heat gain coefficient instead – the U-factor is much less important.
Want to find out more about home windows, then visit Justin Krutz’s site on how to choose the best energy efficient windows for your needs.