Beat the Heat with New Energy Efficient Windows

This summer, with soaring temps being a daily occurrence, many homeowners are looking for ways to keep the hot air out and cool air in. So, rather than just cranking up the air conditioner, there are ways to bring some added energy efficiency to your home in the form of new windows. 

So how can new windows make my home more comfortable?

In order to fully understand the role windows play in household energy efficiency, let’s start by unpacking the technology behind how windows are actually manufactured.

The structural elements of a quality replacement window

Building a window is kind of like making a good meal. Like any recipe, the quality of ingredients can truly allow you to create a masterpiece. The same holds true for window manufacturing. The combination of high-quality materials and innovative production techniques is a “win-win” for homeowners considering new windows.

From wood, aluminum-clad and vinyl to fiberglass and composite material, in today’s marketplace, one thing is certain: you have choices! And the physical properties of

those raw materials are an important factor in how they perform.

Take fiberglass for example. Did you know that fiberglass expands and contracts at the same rate as glass? That means when extreme temperatures take place, there’s less chance for the integrity of the seal between the glass and the fiberglass frame to exhibit any signs of leaks.

One indicator of an energy-efficient window can be found in the information on the NFRC label. The National Fenestration Rating Council is an independent industry organization that establishes energy performance rating criteria to help homeowners make informed purchasing decisions.

Another major indicator of an energy-efficient window is the distinction of being ENERGY STAR certified. This classification is bestowed on qualifying products by the U.S. government and indicates the window is deemed energy-efficient for the region in which it’s being installed, based on the inherent climate. However, just because a window isn’t considered ENERGY STAR certified doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not energy-efficient…

The glass components of a window and the important role they play

Are you familiar with the term “glazing” (and no, we don’t mean donuts :)? Basically, the glazing is the glass pane or panes within your window frames. There are quite a few different types of glazing you will find on windows, including clear, tinted and patterned, as well as insulated and low emissivity (aka Low-E). Glazing also might be referred to in terms of being, single, double, or triple-paned.

If you’re wondering how glazing plays a role in helping you beat the heat this summer, read on.

In certain climates and situations, single-pane windows should perform just fine. However, if you’re looking for an additional aide to maintaining energy efficiency then multi-pane windows should be a consideration.

If you do happen to have a single-pane window currently, here’s a test to see how it’s performing: on a hot day, hold your hand in front of the glass without touching it. If you feel heat radiating through it, then it’s definitely not doing a great job of keeping the hot air out nor maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.

The beauty of a double or triple pane window is that the space between the panes of glass is either sealed or filled with argon gas acting as a stabilizer and ultimate thermal barrier. These windows can make a big difference in your cooling costs and ultimately save you money in the long term.

The ability to add special coatings to glass can enhance your window’s performance even more. Earlier we mentioned Low-E coating. To understand how Low-E coatings function, you first have to grasp the fact that all surfaces can reflect, absorb and transmit heat. Low-E coatings essentially interrupt the absorption and transmission of heat via a thin coat of metallic particles (the E stands for emissivity, which is a scientific term defined as the ability of a material to radiate energy). These particles are microscopic so they don’t interfere with the look of the window, which is great. Plus, Low-E coatings don’t negatively affect the amount of visible light that passes through the glass.

OK, so I’m committed to investing in new windows. Now what?

Once you’ve gone through the product options, it’s time to have your new windows installed. Qualified window installation contractors… replacing windows is a no-brainer. For more background on what to expect when you choose WindowRama for your next window project, check out our handy guide to what you can expect.

Other ideas to help keep you cool this summer

In addition to replacing your old windows with those that are more energy-efficient, here are a few other thoughts to help ward off the heat.

Window treatments are another helpful tool to maintain the temperature. This would include blinds, curtains or even shades. The trick is to leave them closed as much as possible during the daylight hours on especially hot days or in spots where your windows are exposed to direct sunlight.

Getting back to replacement windows for a moment – one innovative invention you may want to consider is a window that has integrated shades. These can be pre-built in the factory so there’s no need to do anything prior to installation.

What’s next?

No doubt this is a lot to process. So if your head is spinning a bit and you’re still looking to beat the heat this summer, we can help you get started. Just give us a call or schedule a visit to our showroom and we’ll walk you through the options to keep you cool and comfortable.