Upgrading the windows in your home is a great way to improve its overall energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows account for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. So, if your windows are outdated, damaged or just plain worn out, they could be significantly impacting your home’s energy efficiency—and your utility bills.
Read on to find out how upgrading to energy-efficient windows will reduce your home’s energy consumption or energy costs and more!
How Energy-Efficient Windows Work
The typical surface area of a home’s wall is usually a 15% to 20% window. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the NRCAN estimates that a significant percentage of your home’s heating and cooling energy is lost through windows. Just as you must plug holes in a sinking boat, you need to stop those drafts that come through your house’s walls, including windows.
Installing energy-efficient windows can minimize or prevent heat loss and heat gain, making your home more comfortable and affordable to run. These windows can also minimize condensation, cold spots, and prevent noise pollution. Newer windows also need to meet higher standards of security consequently they make your home more burglar proof, keeping you and your family safer. Modern windows with protective coatings also reduce the suns ray’s which keeps unwanted summer heat out and protects your furniture from damaging UV from the suns rays.
Things to consider in modern windows;
Frames
Older wood window frames typically have poor fit and worn weather stripping causing them to leak air and water ( and sometimes get rotten with water damage) . Similarly frames in older aluminum windows allow cold and hot air to pass from one side to the other if they aren’t thermally broken. On the other hand, energy-efficient windows built from materials that are tested to reduce conductivity of heat and hence have better insulation properties.
The number of glass panes
Many older windows may have a single glass pane which are poor insulators and ice up easily, especially during winter months. Modern, energy-efficient windows have double or triple glass panes to cocoon your house. They do a better job of preventing heat loss during the winter and keeping the cool air within your home during the summer.
Fancy glass
In between the glass panels, energy-efficient window manufacturers add an inert gas such as krypton or argon. These gases are better performing than air, reducing the total amount of heat loss out of your home on cold winter days.
The surfaces between the glass panes also have low-emissivity coatings. Think of it as the sunscreen to your home. The low-e glass is a thin layer of metallic oxides that control infrared light and reflect the ultraviolet rays. This has the combined effect of minimizing heat gain during the summer and lowering overall heat loss during the winter.
Window installation
The window installation approach can make a significant difference in overall performance. For instance, you can purchase the best energy-efficient windows with the highest possible energy-efficiency ratings. However, if they’re not installed properly, you will not enjoy the same energy savings and could also void the windows warranty. Ontario Building Code and CSA standards set out minimum requirements for window installation.
Therefore, if you plan to upgrade to energy efficient window, it’s best to consult a reputable company with a team of energy-efficient window installers. Having unqualified installers is a recipe for disaster!
Will an upgrade to energy-efficient windows save you money?
Energy Star-certified windows have better insulation properties and can reduce indoor heating and cooling costs by about 12%. The extra energy efficiency linked to these windows lowers your home’s energy usage and reduces your energy bill. With energy star this is particularly true of cold weather performance where the windows are rated for taking advantage of free solar gain on cold days.
Note other advantages, for instance, energy-efficient windows can block the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can protect your furniture and other assets in your home from damage. Wooden floors, drapes, and other materials can easily fade or discolor after extended exposure to sunshine. Installing energy-efficient windows can minimize the strength of UV rays. Check the specification of your window with your professional installer.
Conclusion
When it comes to reducing your energy costs, investing in energy-efficient windows can be one of the most effective and affordable options. These windows are designed specifically to reduce the amount of heat or cold that is transferred through the window, helping you to save money on your monthly energy bills.
Some key benefits of energy-efficient windows, besides reducing your energy bills, you can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while increasing your indoor air quality!
FAQs
What are the benefits of installing energy-efficient windows?
Installing energy-efficient windows can minimize or prevent heat loss and heat gain, making your home more comfortable and affordable to run. These windows can also minimize condensation, cold spots, and prevent noise pollution. Other benefits of installing energy-efficient windows are making your home more secure and protect your furniture from sun rays.
Will an upgrade to EnergyStar windows save you money?
Yes. Most property owners report that Energy Star-certified windows have better insulation properties and can reduce heating and cooling costs by about 12%. The extra energy efficiency linked to these windows lowers your home’s energy usage and reduces your energy bill.
Do energy-efficient windows block the sun’s UV rays?
Yes. Energy-efficient windows can block the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can protect your furniture and flooring and drapes! Remember, wooden floors, drapes, and other materials can easily fade or discolor after extended exposure to sunshine. Installing energy-efficient windows can minimize the effects of UV rays.
Insulated glass units often also have low-emissivity glass coatings. Think of it as the sunscreen to your home. The low-e glass is a thin layer of metallic oxides that control infrared light and reflect the ultraviolet rays. This has the combined effect of minimizing heat gain during the summer and lowering overall heat loss during the winter.