Windows are the eyes to a house's soul – if your windows are big and beautiful so too is your home, but they can also include a range of challenges as well. With sub par windows, you can look forward to a drafty home with high heating bills. Similarly, there are also moisture issues – for example, if you don't seal the space between your double panes securely enough, you will get a build up of condensation. Having lived in old houses and having helped choose the windows for new houses, I'm familiar with a range of challenges associated with windows. If you want tips and ideas, you've come to the right spot. Please, explore and enjoy.
It's time for replacement windows. Maybe you've noticed the frames breaking down, or perhaps you want to upgrade. Whatever the reason, you've begun shopping for replacement windows, and you're considering going the energy-efficiency route. That's a good route — according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, you can save up to 15% annually on your utilities. Find out useful facts that can help you determine the best energy efficient windows for your home.
Wood Frames Offer the Best Insulation
Window frames come in a lot of materials, including aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. However, the classic material, wood, offers the best insulative value. They require vigilance to guard against warping and rot, but well-crafted wooden frames can last for years with proper maintenance.
You can choose wooden frames treated with water-repellant. It's also possible to choose wood-clad window frames. These feature a wooden core, which cuts down on the temperature transfer. The exterior is constructed of vinyl or aluminum, which is easy to maintain.
Gas Fills Increase a Window's Thermal Value
Another energy-efficient window option is double-paned glass. Having two panes increases a window's thermal value, but it's further increased by the inclusion of argon or krypton gas between the panes. The slow-moving gas provides a further layer of insulation and also slows the transfer of heat. Both gases are non-toxic, inert, clear, and odorless.
Low-E Glass Cuts the Transmission of UV Rays
Low-E, which stands for low emissivity, is a window's ability to reflect heat rather than absorb it. Manufacturers coat the glass with a clear material that cuts the transmission of UV rays from outside to inside the house. Not only do low-E coating keep the interior cooler, thus cutting down air conditioning costs, they prevent damage to fabrics and other materials caused by UV rays. They can also minimize on the sun's glare.
It is possible to have low-E films applied to windows. However, windows manufactured with a low-E coating feature them between all the layers, making these windows perform better.
Windows with a Low U-Value and SHGC Perform Better
When you're shopping for windows, you'll typically see two metrics, U-value and SHGC. The U-value is a measure of a window's resistance to heat loss. SHGC stands for solar heat gain coefficient, which is a measure of how much heat enters a home through the glass. With both measurements, a lower number indicates a more energy-efficient window.
Consider your home's heating and cooling cycle, then choose energy-efficient windows that will best manage heat transfer during that cycle. For more information, contact companies like Gallagher Bros. Inc.
Share27 July 2017
