Upgrading your windows is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs. Drafty windows cause your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
The key is to choose the right window type, which includes casement, awning, or picture windows. You should also opt for triple-pane glass for maximum performance.
Argon Gas
Argon is a colorless, odorless gas that’s an effective form of window insulation. It helps to minimize heat transfer, which may reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort. It also offers soundproofing properties, and it’s ideal for use in double-pane windows spaced 1/2 inch apart. Its insulating properties may help mitigate the development of frost in winter, and it can be used for any window design.
A quality argon-filled window will last for 20 years or more without losing its insulating efficiency. However, some argon will naturally seep out over time, and homeowners might want to get their windows professionally tested to ensure that there’s still enough argon inside.
Reece Windows & Doors offers a wide variety of energy-efficient windows that are compliant with ENERGY STAR® standards. They feature a low U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which minimizes thermal transfer and prevents the sun’s UV rays from entering a home. Their double-pane windows also provide a tight seal to keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in during the winter.
Krypton Gas
Krypton gas is an inert, colorless, odorless noble gas used to replace air between the panes of double and triple-pane energy-efficient windows. It is significantly denser than air, making it less prone to movement and convection within insulating glass units (IGUs). It also reduces the overall thermal transfer of heat from hotter areas into cooler ones. This makes it an excellent insulator, especially in North Texas where homes need heating and cooling.
Although it is more expensive than argon, krypton offers superior performance and insulation. Its particles are smaller than those of argon and fit better in the smaller 3/8 inch gaps between IGUs found in triple pane windows. Often, a mixture of krypton and argon is used to balance cost and efficiency. Moreover, krypton is also used to extend the life of tungsten filaments in some incandescent light bulbs. It is even used to power electric propulsion systems for space vehicles. These qualities make krypton a valuable ingredient in energy-efficient window design.
Tinted Windows
The windows in your home are a key component of your curb appeal, but they also impact your energy bills and your comfort. Upgrading to a more energy efficient window is one of the easiest ways to lower your electric bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Several different types of tinting are available for your home windows, including dyed films and clear window tints. These darkened films help keep your home cool while blocking harmful UV rays that can heat up and damage your carpets, photo frames, wallpaper, and furnishings.
Many energy-efficient windows feature argon gas filling the gap between panes to reduce heat transfer and offer superior insulation. Other selections, like breather tubes (for homes at higher altitudes) and grilles, also improve performance.
Reflective Windows
With their mirror-like finish and colourful metallic glazing, reflective windows add a decorative touch to homes and offices. They also keep out sunlight and control solar radiation, keeping interiors cool and protecting furnishings from fading. AIS Opal Trendz is one reflective window film that comes in several colour and style options for the ultimate design aesthetic.
Energy-efficient double-pane windows with a low-emissivity coating reflect heat in the summer and block harmful UV rays. This reduces energy consumption, helps prevent carpets and furniture from fading and protects indoor air quality.
Triple-pane windows go a step further, using two additional panes of glass and an air space to improve insulation. The result is a more stable internal temperature and better energy efficiency than single-pane windows. Energy-efficient windows can also be paired with soundproofing to reduce noise pollution and provide a more comfortable living environment. These windows can increase the value of your home and make it easier to sell if you decide to move.