Replacing old windows with Energy-efficient ones is one of the best home improvement projects you can do. It can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills, as well as greenhouse gases.
Choosing the right window frame material, glass, and spacers will improve the energy efficiency of your home. You should also go for double-pane windows with inert argon gas between the panes.
Frame Material
The window frame you choose will influence how well your windows insulate. Choosing frames made from low-emissivity glass, aluminum, or fiberglass can minimize the amount of heat that transfer between your home and outside.
The type of frame you get depends on several factors, including your budget and the climate in which you live. For example, vinyl tends to work better in warmer climates than aluminum. The material will also determine how durable and long-lasting your window is, as well as how easy it is to maintain.
Another factor that influences energy efficiency is the gas fills used in a window’s glazing. The most common gas fills are air and argon. The latter offers a higher level of energy efficiency because it does not conduct as much heat. However, it is more expensive than air. Fortunately, many manufacturers offer high-performance windows that use both types of gases. They are often marked as ENERGY STAR and NFRC-certified.
Glass
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose Energy-efficient windows is because they want to reduce their energy costs. Energy-efficient windows slow thermal transfer, keeping heated or cooled air in your home year-round and reducing your electricity bills.
The best energy efficient windows have dual or triple-pane glass with a layer of inert argon gas between the panes. They may also have tinted, laminated, or low-E coatings that filter out ultraviolet rays and help keep your home comfortable year-round.
When shopping for energy efficient windows, look for a U-factor (rate of non-solar heat flow) and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). If you live in a warmer climate, look for low SHGCs to prevent sunlight from heating your home.
New replacement windows can increase your home’s comfort and value while reducing your heating and cooling costs. When choosing a contractor for your window installation, make sure they offer a wide range of energy-efficient products, have experience installing them, and follow manufacturer guidelines.
Argon Gas
Argon gas is an effective insulator, and windows filled with it offer higher R-values than those without argon. This makes them more energy efficient and helps reduce condensation. It is also a safe and non-toxic gas, making it ideal for use in home insulation. If a window seal fails, the argon will dissipate quickly in a well-ventilated environment, and it will not harm humans or animals.
Argo is colorless and odorless in its liquid and gaseous forms, and it is found in trace amounts in our atmosphere. It was first discovered in 1894 when English scientist Lord Rayleigh and Scottish chemist Sir William Ramsay ran experiments on the gases in air. They found that argon, along with other noble gases such as neon, helium and krypton, was present in our atmosphere.
The atoms of argon are stable, so they cannot react with other elements or compounds. They are considered inert, and this property of argon is one of its most valuable qualities. It is used in applications ranging from metal production to manufacturing 3D printers, and it is a popular filler for the space between glass in high-efficiency windows.
Proper Installation
Replacing your windows can pay off in comfort (avoiding drafts) and your wallet with lowered heating and cooling costs. In addition, new energy efficient windows will enhance the look of your home from both inside and out.
Finding the right window expert is essential for this type of work. You want someone with experience, a good reputation, and who handles the kind of projects you’re looking for. Searching online allows you to narrow down your options and find a pro that meets your specific needs. You can read reviews and images of past jobs to help make your decision.
Proper installation is critical to ensure that your new energy efficient windows will perform as designed. Consult with your window professional and follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid voiding any warranties. Also, be sure to ask about whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs as opposed to center-of-glass numbers. These more accurately reflect the energy performance of your entire window unit.