Energy Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient home products are becoming the new standard, especially energy-efficient windows and patio doors, and why wouldn’t they? By helping you use less energy, these updated products save you, the homeowner, money on heating and cooling costs, improve your home’s value and help everyone work toward crafting zero-energy homes and buildings for a better planet.

If you’re hoping to fit a new home or replace your current windows or glass doors with energy-efficient glass options, the features to look for can vary. Here is a general guide on what makes a window energy efficient. Of course, the best option is to talk with an experienced window expert at True View Windows & Glass.

Window Glazing and Efficiency

Newer, energy-efficient windows have come a long way from the single-pane choices of the past. With dual or triple-pane glazing, new windows can reduce the heat entering and exiting through the glass, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

If you’re located in areas that reach colder temperatures in the winter, triple glazing offers the most insulation and protection against heat transfer.

Spacers

The air between panes makes a difference in a window’s energy efficiency. Spacers aid with this, keeping window panes a certain distance apart. The most important aspects of the spacers are to create a tight seal, handle stresses from temperature fluctuations, and reduce heat transfer. Traditional spacers made of aluminum or steel are excellent for maintaining the integrity of the window but aren’t as efficient. Leading window manufacturers like those offered by True View have spacer technologies and materials better suited for insulating.

Argon Gas

Some manufacturers will replace the air between panes in double and triple-paned windows with argon gas for the most efficiency. Because argon gas is more dense, it does not conduct heat like air does, creating an extra layer of insulation. Where some homeowners are putting thick curtains and other window treatments up to block the sun in the summer and keep warm air in during the winter, argon gas offers the same effects without compromising views and natural light.

Which Windows are MOST Efficient?

When it comes to improving energy efficiency in your home, the small differences in windows can become overwhelming. You don’t have to have it all, but you can determine what effect each option will have by looking at the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of the product you are researching.

U-factor measures heat loss and a low u-factor means higher efficiency due to insulating properties. SHGC measures how much solar radiation is entering through the window, and a lower SHGC means less solar heat will be transmitted through the glass.

If you’re considering replacing your windows to improve efficiency, one of our window experts can help determine the best choice for your climate and budget. Let us give you a free, no-obligation, no-pressure estimate.