As technology continues to improve, learning what brings the most value to your home can be overwhelming. Replacing old windows is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy in your home. Double-pane windows became standard in most homes in the mid-1950’s. Since then there have been many new improvements to increase windows’ energy efficiency. Ensuring that your replacement windows are the best option to lower your bills is very important. Any of the following technologies will reduce the costs of heating and cooling your house. Following you will learn about some of the newest energy-efficient window technologies available throughout the world for residential housing.
Triple-pane Windows
Double-pane windows provide greater efficiency than single-pane windows. The air pocket created between the two panes of glass provides insulation increasing the efficiency of the window. Now many companies have added yet another pane of glass for triple-pane windows. Triple-pane windows increase the u-factor and efficiency of a window by 20 to 30% over a similar double-pane window.
Low E-Coating on Windows
Many manufacturers now offer a Low Emissivity-Coating (low-e): a substance added to the glass of your window. This film, when placed on the outside of the glass, blocks both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light from entering your home. This allows light to enter the house without the heat. Home-owners in southern climates who cool their house year-round benefit from the coating.
For northern climates, such as the Inland Northwest, coating the inside of the window creates the reverse effect. It blocks inside heat from leaving the house and allows heat in through the full spectrum of sunlight. This creates a powerful greenhouse effect inside the home during long winter months.
Thermochromic Glaze
The glass on your windows can also be treated with a Thermochromatic glaze. This glaze tints automatically when heated by direct sunlight, keeping the warm rays of the sun out. Homes in warmer climates benefit the most from this glaze.
Insulating Gas Fills
To continue increasing the efficiency of double or triple pane-windows, you can choose to fill the space between the panes with insulating gas such as argon. This gas increases insulation by slowing down the heat conduction through the windows. This benefits the home during both hot and cold seasons. Thus, this technology effectively improves energy-efficiency for homes in any climate.
Energy Efficient Frames
Different window frames also create insulating power at varying degrees. The most common frame types include wood, aluminum and vinyl. Each frame type encompasses different advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl frames generally insulate better than aluminum frames. However, that does not mean you cannot get an energy efficient aluminum frame. Manufacturers are able to add elements to an aluminum frame to improve its insulating powers. For example, an aluminum frame with a ½ inch air space has a U-factor of 0.70. Add a thermal break to the framing and the U-factor decreases to 0.52. A wood or vinyl frame with a thermal break drops the U-factor again to 0.39. We will discuss in more depth the different advantages and options available for window framing in a future post.
As you search for new energy efficient windows, look for quality windows carrying energy star ratings. Many companies continue to experiment and improve technologies to create a more energy efficient window. Several technologies already exist that many high-rise buildings use. As they become more effective, popular and less expensive, manufacturers will make the technologies more available for residential housing. Understanding these different technologies and your current climate will help you save money on the right technology. If you are looking at installing new windows for your home, call Specialty Home Products for a quote. You can rely on our certified technicians to install your windows in a professional way. Contact Specialty Home Products today for your personalized in-home windows evaluation.