Did you know that over 30% of a home’s heat is lost through the windows on average? For older homes, this can be even higher. Unfortunately, this leaves homeowners with substantial energy bills and poor temperature control. But, with the addition of energy efficient windows, you can see vast improvements in your energy expenditures and better comfort inside of your residence.
In this article, we will discuss what energy efficient windows are and how they will benefit your home. Then, we’ll tell you where you can get some! Read on to learn more about insulated windows.
What is an Energy Efficient Window?
Energy efficient windows are designed to improve the temperature control inside of your home. This includes UV protection, insulation, and low heat transfer designs. During the summer, they keep the heat outside and the air conditioning inside. In the winter, these windows keep the heat inside your home and the frigid winter air out.
Here are some of the characteristics that make energy efficient, insulated windows stand out from other styles:
- Minimal UV passage: Newer windows are treated with a coating that limits the amount of UV lighting that passes through. Oftentimes, this is referred to as “Low-E” or low-emissivity.
- Better insulation: An energy efficient window slows heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. This is represented with a U-factor rating, in which lower values indicate better insulation.
- Multiple panes: With higher efficiency, windows typically have multiple panes of glass. In the U.S., you will generally see double and triple panes used.
- Argon gas: Between panes, argon gas is used to fill the space. This gas is colorless and odorless, and it’s harmless within your windows. It works effectively as an insulator because it has a low thermal conductivity.
With all of these factors combined, energy efficient windows improve the temperature control in your home. This means that your furnace and air conditioner will not have to work as hard to maintain your comfortable in-home temperature. Today, these windows are widely used in new homes and in older homes as windows are replaced.
And, there’s a good reason for that.
The Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows
Energy efficient windows are widely used because they bring ample benefits to homeowners. From improved climate control to decreased utility bills, these windows have a lot to offer. Let’s explore some of those benefits now.
1. Better Climate Control
Typically, older windows allow heat to easily transfer between the inside and outside of your house. This can cause your home’s temperature to shift, and your HVAC systems to work harder to keep up.
However, by decreasing heat transfers with multiple panes of glass, argon gas, and protective coatings, newer energy efficient windows keep the temperature inside of your home more consistent. Instead of allowing heat to pass into or out of your home, these insulated windows effectively reduce this transfer and stabilize your home’s temperature.
2. Easier on Your HVAC System
When the temperature in your home is constantly shifting, your air conditioner and furnace must work overtime to keep your home’s temperature consistent. This can prematurely wear on your HVAC system, leading to early repairs and replacements.
Because energy efficient windows help maintain the temperature inside of your home, your air conditioner and furnace will not have to work overtime to keep up with demand. Instead, your HVAC system can take it easy because your home’s temperature will remain more consistent. This protects your A/C and furnace, which means fewer maintenance and repair troubles in the near future.
3. Decreased Condensation
With temperature differences on the outside and inside of older windows, you are likely to see moisture accumulate on the window, frame, and sill. This can lead to mold and mildew growth. Unfortunately, mold and mildew damage your window, home, and belongings. And, mold is a serious health concern for many.
Luckily, energy efficient windows prevent this moisture accumulation by regulating the temperatures. Particularly with multiple panes of glass, you won’t see the drastic temperature difference between the inside and outside of a glass pane. This prevents moisture accumulation, thus decreasing the risk of mold or moisture damage.
4. UV Protection Indoors
UV radiation causes distress to fabric and wood, which often compose modern furniture. Unfortunately, many older windows allow UV radiation to pass through and hit the belongings inside of your home.
But, with modern insulated windows, UV rays are blocked and cannot pass through the glass. Therefore, you prevent the harmful UV rays from entering your home and damaging your belongings. You won’t have to worry about your chic couch being worn and faded.
5. Noise Improvements
As windows age, they often let in more external noises. You may hear the neighbor’s dog barking, people chatting on the sidewalk, the neighbors mowing their lawn, and the traffic in the street. These noises can be disruptive.
With the installation of an energy efficient window, you won’t have to deal with the bothersome noises from outside. These insulated windows, particularly with their multiple panes, prevent noise disturbances from exterior sources.
6. Less Maintenance
Older windows can become costly. You may notice drafts, moisture accumulation, leaks, loud noises, and more. Particularly with leaks or moisture, you will need to find a solution. Constant maintenance can be burdensome and costly.
However, newer windows will be far less work to maintain. You won’t have to worry about the moisture, leaking, drafts, or other nuisances anymore. Instead, your energy efficient windows will protect your home and improve your energy costs.
7. Improved Comfort
When you’re facing drafty windows, mold and mildew growth, loud external noises, and poor climate control, you lose much of the comfort of your home. Your home should be a place of rest and relaxation, not a stressful experience.
When you opt for an energy efficient window, you’ll never have to worry about these pesky problems. Instead, you can breathe easy knowing that your temperature will be maintained, your home will be protected, and your wallet will be safe! Newer insulated windows improve the comfort inside of your home.
8. Cost Savings!
Ineffective windows can be a drain on your wallet. From mold repairs to increasingly higher energy bills, you can spend a lot when you’re dealing with inadequate windows. And, in the end, you’ll have to replace them prematurely.
That’s where energy efficient windows are truly superior. They protect your home from damage due to moisture and UV radiation. They keep your inside temperature consistent. They prevent your HVAC system from running constantly. And because of all of that, they save you money. In addition, you may find that these windows improve the resale value of your home, which can bring you more earnings if you are planning to sell.
All-in-all, energy efficient windows save you money! By decreasing your energy expenditures, protecting your belongings, reducing condensation, and improving your resale value, your new insulated windows are sure to bring financial gains. When you opt for an energy efficient window, you’re sure to see improvements.
Who Can Install New Insulated Windows?
When you are planning a window replacement, you need the best window installers in the industry. You should find a company who is trustworthy, reliable, and efficient. You need a window company who is trained, licensed, and insured to deliver the most dependable services.
Luckily, you’ve found Discount Roof. Our skilled tradesmen have spent years perfecting our craft so that we can deliver the best exterior home remodeling and window replacement in the region. We use top-tier materials, high-quality installation procedures, and dependable services to ensure your new windows are built to last and protect.
Are you ready to make the switch to energy efficiency windows? Call us today for an estimate.
Overview
In conclusion, energy efficient windows are designed to improve temperature control, block UV radiation, and improve the comfort inside of your home. They protect your HVAC system, keep your belongings safe, and reduce external noise disturbances. Overall, insulated windows save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
When you’re ready to see these improvements, reach out to Discount Roof. We deliver the best window installation in Indiana.