When buying windows, there are several things to consider to help you make the right decision.
One of the most important considerations is energy efficiency. Energy efficient windows will reduce your heating and cooling costs. In addition, they will make your rooms more cozy and provide better protection from outside noise.
But how do you determine which windows will be the most energy efficient? What features should you look for to make sure your windows are doing their job, keeping your rooms comfortable and reducing your energy costs? Read on to find out.
Look for an Energy Star Rating
An Energy Star rating is the easiest way to determine if a window is energy efficient.
In order for windows to receive an Energy Star rating, they must meet certain standards. Here are some of them:
- Energy Star windows, recommended for northern climates, let in infrared radiation that contributes to heat gain. They are double or triple framed and have a low U-factor, which allows them to trap warm air.
- In southern climates, Energy Star windows serve to retain heat in the home. The low U factor promotes insulation and keeps cold air inside the home.
Canglow’s windows, are Energy Star rated.
What you should pay attention to when choosing an energy efficient window
While Energy Star rated windows always provide the best energy efficiency, homeowners in Edmonton who want to make sure their windows are doing their best to heat and cool their homes will want to check for certain features. These include the following.
Multi-Glazed Windows:
An energy efficient window has double or triple glazing. Double-glazed windows are sheets of glass connected by spacers. As a result, air pockets are formed between the layers of glass, which prevent air from entering and leaving. To increase efficiency, the pockets are filled with various gases.
Frame materials:
The materials used to frame a window also affect its energy efficiency. When choosing energy efficient windows, it is better to avoid aluminum frames. Such frames conduct heat too well to be effective, even if they have a thermal break installed.
Other than aluminum, almost any other type of window frame will work well when it comes to reducing the thermal conductivity and insulation of windows. Recommended materials include composite, vinyl, fiberglass, and wood.
Low-E Glass Coatings
When shopping for windows, you may often hear the term “low-e”. Low-e stands for low emissivity and refers to a coating designed to keep heat in the house in the winter and retain it in the summer.
In warm climates, this coating controls the movement of heat from sunlight. It prohibits ultraviolet and infrared radiation, allowing sunlight to enter the home and keeping heat from escaping.
In colder climates, low-e coating has the opposite effect. The entire spectrum of light is allowed inside the house, while the heat energy it releases is trapped inside. This creates a greenhouse effect that keeps heat inside the house.
Gas Filled
As mentioned, energy efficient windows have gas fillers between the panes to provide insulation for the home. These are usually argon or krypton, but other gases can be used as well. These gases are non-toxic, odorless and colorless.
Window Spacers
Another element that improves energy efficiency is window spacers. They are placed between the panes of glass. If the distance between the panes is optimal, they reduce heat transfer and increase energy efficiency. The spacers can be non-metallic or hybrid metal.
Saving Money with Energy Efficient Windows
Installing new windows can be expensive, but if you choose an energy-efficient product, it will begin to pay for itself through lower utility bills. Studies show that replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star rated models can save you between $125 and $465 per year and approximately 21-31% of your utility bills over the course of a year.
If you already have double-pane windows installed and are replacing them with Energy Star-rated double-pane windows, there will still be savings, but not as much. In this situation, Fort McMurray homeowners can expect to save between $27 and $111 per year.
However, if you purchase attractive new windows, it will also increase the value of your home, making it an even better investment.
Energy Star Incentives
The benefits that can be obtained by installing energy efficient windows can also improve your financial situation.
It used to be that homeowners who installed Energy Star windows in their home were eligible for a tax credit. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case now. However, in some areas, customers can qualify for a mail-in rebate for purchasing the right type of energy efficient windows.
In other places, homeowners interested in installing energy-efficient windows may qualify for a low-interest loan, making it easier to pay for the windows and their installation. Contact our company and we can help you develop a financial plan that is right for you.
Determination of the nominal values of the VT
When looking for energy efficient windows, you may notice that some have a VT rating. VT stands for Visible Transmittance and indicates how much visible light can pass through the window.
So, if you’re looking for windows for a room with a home theater, you’ll want a low VT rating, while rooms like the kitchen that need a lot of light should have a higher VT rating.
You should also consider that having multiple low-efficient coatings and window panes also affects the VT rating. You should aim to maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing the amount of light entering the room.
Energy Efficient Window Installation
Purchasing the best energy efficient windows is a good move. But without proper installation, your windows won’t be able to protect your home from the outside elements.
If you’re looking for an installation you can be confident in, we recommend contacting the experts at Canglow.
Canglow sells high-quality, energy-efficient windows and installs them with care and precision. This makes them a one-stop solution for improving the energy efficiency of your home. They provide the best service and the best value for money.
If you want to make your home more energy efficient, installing the right windows is a great place to start. Be sure to look for Energy Star ratings and the best installation services to make sure your utility bills stay low. By taking these steps, you’ll be sure that window installation will be one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. Contact us.
