Reduce Your Energy Use With These Three Window Options
Windows play an important role in managing the interior temperature of your house, whether you are trying to keep out the heat of the sun or insulate against exterior temperature fluctuations. If it's time to consider new windows, choose from among these energy-efficient options that will also help regulate the temperature inside your home, which will save you money on heating and cooling costs in the long run.
1. Double Pane Windows
Double pane windows are typically available in all the same styles as the simpler single pane options, so you won't have to compromise style for function. These windows can be used nearly anywhere in the home, so they provide a good general window upgrade option for most rooms.
How They Work
Double pane windows consist of two layers of glass with air or gas, typically argon, trapped between them. The air or gas provides a thermal barrier that prevents the outside temperature from affecting temperatures inside the home.
Benefits and Concerns
The primary benefit of double pane windows is energy savings. Quality double pane windows can result in savings between 18 and 25 percent. The gas is invisible, so the view through the window is unaffected.
Over time the gas can leak out if the seal that holds the panes together weakens. Condensation can build up between the panes if this occurs. You can usually avoid this problem by choosing quality products and having the windows professionally installed. Simply make sure the glass manufacturer offers a full warranty in the event of seal failure.
2. Low-Emissivity Windows
More commonly called low-E windows, this option looks like a normal window, but the glass reflects light and heat before they can affect the temperature inside your home. Visibility through the glass isn't affected and the windows look like normal glass.
How They Work
A thin factory-installed coating blocks ultraviolet and infrared light from making its way into your home. These are the two types of light most at fault for heating up your house on a sunny day. The reflection of the coating works both ways since it can also reflect your cooled or heated air back into your home so you lose less energy through the glass. In warm climates, you want to choose low-e coatings that are applied to the exterior of the glass for the highest energy savings.
Benefits and Concerns
Low-e windows provide benefits beyond energy savings. The coating helps reduce the glare inside the home by reflecting much of the light. By blocking UV light, the coating also helps protect carpets and furniture from fading in the sun.
The main concern is that a low-e coating can sometimes make the view through the window seem hazy, particularly on lower quality window options. Research your low-e options and make sure that the window company has some samples for you to look through so you can choose quality windows without a haze issue.
3. Enclosed Blinds
Window coverings provide a good option for blocking light and providing window insulation, so consider having a permanent covering installed that you will never have to maintain. The blinds are between the double panes of glass, so there is never a need to dust them.
How They Work
Blinds are inserted between two panes of glass, much like double pane windows but without the gas insert.
Benefits and Concerns
The main benefit, beyond the energy savings, is that the blinds cannot be damaged and you never need to clean them. You can also easily combine the blinds with other window treatments, like curtains.
The main concern with enclosed blinds is that you can't combine them with the insulative benefits of a gas-filled double pane window. If you are concerned about this, consider triple pane windows so you can have both enclosed blinds and gas insulation.
The right new window will allow in light when you want it but will also keep out the glare and uneven heating when you don't.
Contact us to learn more about how new windows can make your home more comfortable.
