How to Save Energy by Upgrading To Energy Efficient Windows
One of the significant benefits of upgrading to dual pane argon-filled windows is the potential for energy savings. In the Dallas region, homeowners can expect to see a noticeable reduction in their energy bills. On average, installing these energy-efficient windows can lead to savings of up to 25-30% on heating and cooling costs. This not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also adds value to your home.
Where can I get straight answers on Window Replacement?
Just ask the experts: The Window Experts! With experience, hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction, Jeff Ludy and family built The Window Experts from these sound business principles:
- Products – At The Window Experts, we have done our research! We carry over a dozen of the best windows available in the market today. We know how to create a window package solution that will completely satisfy your energy needs, will look fantastic on your home, provide a return on your investment, and provide decades of enjoyment.
- Processes – Our highly trained staff is experienced and qualified as well as empowered to follow our procedures to arrive at a successful project every time.
- People – We hire dedicated, knowledgeable, and happy employees. Then treat them well and train them continuously. You’ll never get an aloof or sour attitude from any employees here. All our employees are dedicated to delivering an enjoyable experience at every stage of your project.
What are energy efficient windows?
First, let’s discuss what are NOT energy efficient windows. Many home builders and independent contractors still install inexpensive single pane aluminum “builder grade” windows in new homes. These do very little to protect your home from heat gain from the blazingly hot sun. They are equally inefficient in the winter when you are trying to keep heat in your home. These inferior windows can be purchased at the big box home improvement stores starting at around $90.00 each. However, installing them requires a ton of extra work trimming, shimming, and caulking the window in place.
Most single pane aluminum windows do not have any energy efficiency ratings. Here’s a comparison of their energy efficiency characteristics versus a quality vinyl window from The Window Experts:
- Single Pane Aluminum Windows:
- Energy Efficiency – These windows are typically not energy efficient. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, which means it can easily transfer heat from the outside to the inside and vice versa. This can lead to higher energy costs for heating and cooling.
- Energy Star Rating – Single pane aluminum windows often do not meet the criteria for Energy Star certification due to their poor insulation properties.
- Thermal Performance – They have a high U-factor (a measure of heat transfer), which means they allow more heat to escape or enter the home.
- Dual Pane Vinyl Windows with Low-E and Argon Gas Fill:
- Energy Efficiency – These windows are much more energy efficient. The dual panes provide an extra layer of insulation, and the vinyl frames are better insulators than aluminum.
- Low-E Coating – The low-emissivity (low-e) coating on the glass helps reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer.
- Argon Gas Fill – The space between the panes is filled with argon gas, which is denser than air and provides better insulation, reducing heat transfer.
- Energy Star Rating – These windows often meet or exceed Energy Star criteria due to their superior insulation properties and energy-saving features.
- Thermal Performance – They have a lower U-factor compared to single pane windows, meaning they are more effective at reducing heat transfer.
Overall, dual pane vinyl windows with low-e coatings and argon gas fill are significantly more energy-efficient and are more likely to have a favorable Energy Star rating compared to single pane aluminum windows. This makes them a better choice for reducing energy costs and improving home comfort.
What are the Most Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce the amount of energy loss through the windows. By doing so, heating and cooling costs are reduced, and comfort improves. Here are some of the best characteristics to look for in energy-efficient windows:
- Low-E Glass Coatings – Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are thin metallic layers applied to the glass that reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Low-E coatings can be on one or multiple surfaces. Three surface coatings, for example, provide greater protection from heat transfer but, some natural light is lost.
- Multiple Panes – Double or triple-pane windows provide better insulation than single-pane windows.
- Gas Fills – The space between panes can be filled with argon or krypton gas, which are better insulators than air, enhancing the window’s thermal performance.
- Warm Edge Spacers – These are used to separate the panes of glass in multi-pane windows. Warm edge spacers are made from materials that conduct less heat, reducing heat loss around the edges of the window.
- High-Quality Frames – The material of the window frame can significantly impact energy efficiency. Vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and composite frames offer better insulation than aluminum frames, which conduct heat more readily.
- Proper Sealing and Installation – Well-sealed windows prevent air leaks, which can significantly affect energy efficiency. Proper installation is crucial to ensure that the windows perform as intended.
- U-Factor – This measures the rate of heat transfer and indicates how well the window insulates. Lower U-factors mean better insulation and energy efficiency. Just like insulation in your walls and attic, the U-factor indicates how well your home will retain heat in the winter.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – This measures how much solar radiation is admitted through the window. A lower SHGC rating means less solar heat is transmitted, which is beneficial in hot climates.
- Visible Transmittance (VT) – This measures how much visible light comes through the window. Higher VT values mean more natural light, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Air Leakage – This measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. Lower air leakage rates indicate better energy performance.
- Energy Star Certification – Windows that meet or exceed Energy Star criteria are independently certified to perform at higher levels of energy efficiency.
When selecting energy-efficient windows, it’s important to consider the climate in your area and choose windows that will provide the best performance for your specific needs. The Dallas-Fort Worth area does have a humid sub-tropical climate so, expect hot humid weather late spring to early fall with the possibility of snow and ice during the winter season.
Trust The Window Experts to know your climate and to recommend energy efficient windows that will perform best for your home and keep you and your family comfortable for decades to come.