What are the best energy efficient windows for your home?

Aging and leaky windows in your home can negatively impact your utility bills. If you have drafts and high energy bills, consider replacing your current windows with more energy efficient windows like windows from Extended energy services. These windows can help keep cooling and heating bills down while enhancing the overall aesthetics, comfort and attractiveness of your home.

When looking for the best energy efficient windows for your home, consider the following:

design

As with any other product, window designs are not created in the same way. Although solid style designs offer a better airtight solution, functional designs have better overall visual appeal and efficiency. Most modern windows these days are more efficient than older windows and usually contain energy efficient glass coatings, soundproof glass and insulating gas fillers. Here are two of the most popular and energy efficient window designs you can consider:

• Casement window – This window design is popular for those who are looking for a contemporary one. Casement windows are easy to open for good ventilation and maintenance. In adverse weather conditions, they can also be closed tightly against the window frames. Occasional maintenance on seals and hinges may be required for them to function properly.
• Double-Hung Windows – This window design offers traditional design with the advantages of a modern one. Double windows are equipped with two sashes that can be operated simultaneously to control ventilation and can also be tilted inwards for easier cleaning.

frame

Choosing the right window frame for your home is important as it will hold the glass in place. Some materials can be better insulators while others offer an airtight construction and low maintenance. Here are the pros and cons of each frame type:

• Wood clad – This frame type is a combination of low maintenance aluminum or vinyl with wood with low heat transfer, making it a popular choice for buyers. However, a wood-clad frame must also have a sill pan and a waterproof rubber membrane to reduce the risk of wood rot due to water infiltration.
• vinyl – This budget-friendly frame type can pose a problem for structural integrity and durability, as some vinyl products can be thin and cumbersome. Vinyl window frames have a higher R value– the ability of an insulating material to withstand the flow of heat – compared to other materials. A high R-value means more savings on utility bills. Vinyl products are easy to clean with soap and water and come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors.
• Wood – Wooden frames provide the best insulation as they have lower thermal conductivity compared to other frame materials. And if they are well cared for, wooden frames can last for many years. However, they are prone to mold, mildew, and rot.
• aluminum – If you are looking for a durable frame, consider aluminum frames. They are usually anodized and require minimal maintenance. However, aluminum frames are more prone to condensation in cold weather.

Glass

If you still have single pane glass windows with warped wood frames, replacing them with the newer Energy Star certified glass windows can drastically cut your energy bills and improve the overall comfort of your home. Here are some additional glass features that can further improve the energy efficiency of your home:

• Low emission coatings – Low-emission coated glass provides an invisible layer of insulation that prevents heat loss during the cold winter season and blocks UV rays that damage carpets and upholstery during the hot summer season. This type of window glass allows you to create a more comfortable home while reducing your running costs.
• Double or triple windows – This type of window is perfect for areas with extreme winters or extended periods of low temperatures. Double and triple glazed windows offer excellent thermal insulation and are usually made with stronger fittings and frames compared to single pane windows.
• Gas injected glass – This type of glass works very well when used with triple windows. Gas-injected glass uses krypton and argon gas to prevent condensation and heat loss. They are also non-toxic, odorless, colorless.

Spacers

High-quality and energy-efficient windows usually contain spacers made of elastomer, steel or aluminum between the glass layers. Spacers are used to keep each sheet of glass at an optimal distance to isolate and seal layers and to reduce heat conduction.

Close thoughts

Investing your money in high quality, energy efficient windows can have a significant impact on energy costs and the overall comfort of your home. It is also important to ensure that the windows are installed correctly by certified window installers for maximum effectiveness. May this article help you find the best energy efficient windows that will fit your budget and needs.