Windows play a major role in your home’s energy efficiency by regulating indoor air temperature and energy costs. In using less energy to heat and cool your Lake Charles home, you save money while also making a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Read on to discover all the factors that make your home’s windows energy efficient.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient windows are designed to keep heated or cooled air inside your home throughout the year, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. When your windows perform this way, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain your desired indoor temperature, helping you to cut costs on your energy bills each month. On top of increased comfort and savings, sustainable home improvement projects add value to your home and attract potential buyers. Investing in your home now means better home sale prices in the future.
Window Materials and Design
Material and design impact a window’s ability to retain energy. Of the materials used in window construction, including fiberglass, vinyl, wood and aluminum, vinyl is the best insulator and a low-maintenance, easy-care choice. There’s more that goes into a window than its framing, though.
To reflect infrared and UV light, all glass panes in Window World windows have a low emissivity (Low-E) coating that keeps heat from escaping during the winter and prevents it from entering your home the summer. This Low-E coating also protects your interior furniture from fading and sun damage, so even large bay or bow windows that bring in plenty of natural light won’t cause your carpets or furniture to fade.
Part of energy-efficient design is ensuring a tight seal between your home and the elements. Weatherstripping provides this, eliminating drafts from the outdoors and keeping your home comfortable year-round. Having higher-quality weatherstripping along the edges of your windows leads to better energy efficiency.
Glass Types and Technologies
If you’ve ever touched a window in winter, you’ll know how they can leach cold from the outdoors. Windows can lose energy through the glass panes, but they can be made with multiple layers to prevent heat transfer. A single-pane window doesn’t provide much insulation, but two or three panes block heat and offer better insulation and soundproofing. Between the panes, an odorless, non-toxic gas (typically argon or krypton) is used as an extra layer of insulation against the elements. Warm-edge spacers extend the longevity of your window glass by preventing condensation build-up. By insulating the exterior edges of your sealed window, you may save up to 5% on your monthly energy bill.
Window Installation
If energy-efficient windows are installed improperly, it will greatly impact performance. This is just as important as the material type or technologies, as an incorrectly installed window can immediately cause detrimental effects. Windows need to fit perfectly in their opening, and the area between the window frame and house framing should be insulated. They should also open and close with ease.
Maintenance and Longevity
Routine maintenance helps restore some of a window’s energy efficiency, though replacement is likely your best option for a problem window. Re-caulking and adding new weatherstripping around windows prevents drafts and air leakage that can occur over time. If you notice broken window panes or condensation between the panes, your window is no longer effectively insulated. Replacing these windows will do wonders for your home’s energy efficiency.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Window World of Lake Charles
Ready to increase interior comfort, lower your monthly energy bill and boost your home’s curb appeal? The experts at Window World of Lake Charles are here to help you make the best choice for your next project. All of our windows, doors and siding products come standard with insulating technology. Contact us to schedule a free in-home estimate today to get started.