If you’re considering a new window installation, it’s essential to purchase high-performance, energy-efficient products – especially in the winter. The process may be confusing at first since there is so much information available about energy-efficient windows. The following should help you learn everything you need to know about them.
Defining Common Terms
If you have been searching for energy-efficient windows, you may have come across terms like insulated glass, gas-filled windows, low-E glass, and U-value. Here is what these terms mean:
Insulated glass: This type of glass is two panes of glass or more, which are separated by insulation. They provide exceptional thermal efficiency.
Gas-filled window: This product uses the latest technology – it seals an inert glass between the panes. This type of gas insulates a window better than air and increases the thermal value.
Low-E glass: Short for low-emissivity, meaning that the glass is coated with a transparent material, preventing UV rays from making their way inside. This type of glass not only increases thermal efficiency but reduces glare.
U-value: This is a rating for energy efficiency. If the number is low, that means the window will be better at keeping heat and cold away from your home.
How to Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows are the primary source of heat loss in your home, but the right energy efficient windows can help you feel more warm and comfortable in your home. Here are some ways to decide between the various products available.
As previously mentioned, you may have heard the term low-E coatings. You’ll want to look for these types of coatings on the glass so they can reflect heat, and reflect UV rays away from the inside your home. In colder climates, the coating will be applied to the inside panes of glass. You’ll want to find an expert team who will install your energy-efficient windows with care, and offers products with low-E options.
Windows with various panes of glass that are separated by gas fillings, as mentioned above, are ideal in your installation. Weatherstripping is also an essential factor for your window purchase. Look for weatherstripping that has a compressible gasket.
As for window types, casement and awning windows are the most energy-efficient. The reason these windows are so effective is that they clamp tight to weatherstripping.
Lastly, low U-values are crucial to a window purchase. Choosing a window with these values will ensure your home is well insulated.
Maintaining Your Investment
Since installing new windows is an investment, you’ll want to preserve them to your best ability. Be sure to wash them by hand and be as gentle as possible, and clean all the parts every year. Also, don’t be too firm when opening and closing the windows, or else you could break the seals.
Now that you know the basics when it comes to energy-efficient windows, you can find a professional window company that sells the latest window technology. The right team will answer any questions you have regarding energy-efficiency so that your windows will perform well for years to come.
