These days, more and more homeowners are embracing the trend of replacing their old windows with ones that are energy efficient. The right set of energy-efficient windows can truly end up saving a person money on utility costs in the long run, but when it comes to choosing the right windows, not all products are created equal. As the owner of Northwest Energy Savers, a business that has been serving Northern Oregon and Southwest Washington for the past three years, Joe Yosso thinks that it’s important for all of his customers to understand what causes a window to be energy efficient so that they can make informed decisions with respect to their individual window purchases.
A window is made up of three parts, each of which can add or detract from its energy efficiency on a whole. The first part that should be evaluated in terms of energy efficiency is the window frame. These days, window frames are typically available in wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Although all three materials do come equipped with insulating properties, fiberglass is by far the most superior on the energy-efficiency front. Not only is fiberglass extremely durable, it is also an earth-friendly product that happens to be eye-catching as well. However, just because a window frame isn’t made out of fiberglass doesn’t mean that it won’t also do a good job on the energy-efficiency front.
The second part of a window to take into the energy efficiency equation is the seal, which is the material that is placed between the glass panes. Also known as the spacers, the seal of a window can lend to its energy efficiency by introducing insulating elements that can work to prevent the transfer of heat. Although aluminum used to be a popular spacer material, these days, the best option on the energy efficiency front is foam, as it won’t transfer heat (or let in noise, for that matter).
The final part of a window that can make it more or less energy efficient is the glass itself. Some people are of the impression that the presence of dual or triple paned glass in a window is an automatic indication that the product in question is energy efficient, but this isn’t necessary correct. When looking for energy efficient windows, it’s important to keep an eye out for products that use low emissivity glass. Also known as low-E glass, this type of glass is coated with a transparent metallic oxide that works to lessen the extent to which heat is able to pass through a given window. While low emissivity glass isn’t the only thing that makes a window energy efficient, it is a rather significant factor nonetheless.
In order for a window to truly be energy efficient, the frame, seal, and glass must all work together to produce the desired effect. If you’re a consumer and you’re looking to replace your current windows with ones that are energy efficient, then remember that you’ll want to ask about all three window components before making your final decision. Additionally, keep in mind that if you’re hoping to receive any sort of tax credit in exchange for your window purchases, then you’ll need to select windows that have a U-Factor of 0.30 or below and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.30 or below. (Not to worry; you won’t have to crunch any numbers in your head, as your windows will be labeled accordingly.) Remember, energy-efficient windows are a truly wise investment in any home, so if you have any doubts about your potential selections, then consult with an experienced window professional who can walk you through the process. After all, a lot of things go into making a window energy efficient, and who better to explain them all to you than someone who evaluates and installs windows for a living?
