5 Things To Know About Energy-Efficient Windows

Are you tired of losing a fortune to heating and cooling every year? Besides regularly maintaining your HVAC system, installing energy-efficient windows could also help lower your utility bills. When a home’s energy consumption is off the charts, most people turn to their HVAC and insulation for a solution. While improving both of these can help, your windows also play a significant role in how well your home maintains a comfortable temperature and how much energy it consumes.

Did you know that your windows account for up to 30 percent of your homes’ heat loss? Even newly built homes can suffer from poor heat retention if their windows aren’t made from an energy-efficient material.

Whether you’re experiencing frequent drafts, making some home repairs, or looking to invest in eco-friendly home upgrades, here are five things to know about energy-efficient windows.

Glass Creates Insulation

Energy efficiency is all about materials and design. Energy-efficient windows are generally double-paned, which makes them more durable and better at retaining heat. Improved frames also create tighter seals and prevent damages from storms and pests; with reduced risk of cracks and gaps in the structure, you’ll experience less air loss and be able to keep your home’s temperature stable throughout the year.

This means your windows won’t cause the house to heat and require cooling for hours on end rapidly in the summer. Your heat will stay indoors in the winter, and the cold air will stay outside where it belongs. Better insulation also means you’ll be less likely to experience problems like mold and wood rot. This can save you thousands of dollars on expensive repairs and help you avoid the associated health hazards.

They Serve Multiple Functions at Once

The U.S. Department of Energy established the National Fenestration Rating Council to provide energy performance guidelines in windows, doors, and skylights.

There are five core performance areas they recommend consumers look for in their energy-efficient windows:

• U-Factor: How well glass keeps hot air from escaping.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: How well glass stops unwanted heat from entering the home.
• Visible Transmittance: How well a window’s design illuminates a space and saves you money on electric lighting.
• Air Leakage: A measurement of how easily air enters a window’s design.

With all of these qualities combined, your home’s new windows will provide year-round protection. Rather than seeing improvements solely in your consumption rates, you’ll find that your home’s comfort levels increase drastically. You can also save money on frequent repairs that can arise from an overworked HVAC system. Window treatments will only need to be performed for routine maintenance; you won’t have to be patching cracks, holes or constantly dealing with drafts.

E-Glass Can Protect Skin and Furniture

Sun-bleached furniture and harmful UV rays are blocked effectively by the energy-efficient glass; fabrics and materials like wood quickly fade or become lighter under the sun. E-Glass will last longer, and you will be able to sit by the window without having to worry about UV exposure.

The improved blockage also means you can keep your windows uncovered throughout the day, filling your rooms with plenty of natural sunlight. This not only improves moods but also makes space feel more spacious and welcoming.

Windows Can Be Custom-Made to Suit Your Home and Location

Various energy-efficient materials are used to maximize the benefits of these eco-conscious windows. Different types of glass offer various insulation and protection levels, and choosing the right ones will depend on your geographic region and budget. We’re happy to work with you to design energy-efficient Nova replacement windows that are perfect for your home and lifestyle.

An added benefit of customizing your windows is greater control over their functionality and aesthetic value; consider wood frames that have low conductivity and provide solid insulation while embodying an earthy, natural style. Vinyl frames are effortless to maintain and highly versatile, so they are easily integrated into your home’s existing design.

They Can Improve Your Home’s Value and Pay for Themselves

Although they come with an initial heft price point, energy-efficient windows improve a home’s overall efficiency rating and save you money. Not only will you be able to sell your home for a higher price, but you’ll also save hundreds of dollars a year on energy bills. You can expect to reduce your home’s energy costs by 30 to 50 percent with new window treatments.

The ROI on energy-efficient windows also extends to your quality of life. If your home is 20 years old or more, it will undoubtedly be due for new windows. Even those that were considered energy-efficient in the 1990s are no longer efficient by today’s standards. Upgrading your windows now means you’ll have the added comfort of a well-insulated home without having to worry about costly maintenance and repairs in the near future.

When Is the Best Time to Install New Windows?

Energy-efficient windows pose benefits year-round, but it’s a good idea to invest in the spring and summer. No one wants to have extensive home repairs done in the cold, and service rates tend to run higher in the winter. If you install your new windows during the warmer months, you’ll be able to enjoy all the additional sunlight while also cutting your air conditioning bill in half.

To learn more and schedule a consultation with one of our window experts, contact us today!

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