Energy-efficient windows keep hot air from leaking into homes in summer and cold air out in winter. They prevent harmful UV rays from overheating interiors while providing beautiful natural light.
These windows have advanced insulating features like Low-E glass coatings, double or triple panes, and argon gas fills that reduce heat transfer between the outside and inside of the home. They also reduce noise from the street, leaf blowers, and noisy neighbors.
Low-E Glass
In winter, a low-e window’s microscopic coating reduces thermal transfer and helps to retain heat. In summer, it reflects unwanted solar heat and glare away from your home. The result: a more comfortable indoor climate and substantial energy savings.
Another benefit of low-e glass is its ability to preserve the color of your interior furniture and fabrics, as it blocks harmful ultraviolet rays. However, these benefits come with a cost: low-e windows are more expensive than traditional glass.
Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones is a smart investment that will improve your property’s curb appeal and boost its market value. You can also save on your heating and cooling costs year-round. Energy-efficient windows significantly minimize heat gain and loss, making them the ideal choice for a variety of architectural styles. Using argon gas in your windows also enhances performance, reduces condensation and frost, and can increase comfort. In combination with a low-e coating, it can help reduce your energy bills by up to 15%.
Argon Gas
Argon is a noble gas that is found in small amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is odorless, colorless, and chemically inert. It is the third most common gas in the atmosphere after oxygen and nitrogen. It is named after its Greek equivalent, “lazy,” referring to how unreactive it is.
Its low boiling and melting points make it useful for welding and other heat-producing industrial processes. It is also used to manufacture incandescent and fluorescent lights. In addition, it is a cooling agent for high-temperature applications and to preserve documents and other materials in airtight containers.
In windows, argon’s density helps dampen sound waves and create a more comfortable environment inside the home or work place. Its insulating qualities help to reduce energy costs by keeping the building at a consistent temperature. Argon also contributes to compliance with energy efficiency standards and building codes. It’s a smart choice for environmentally conscious businesses seeking to lower their carbon footprint.
Double-Pane Glass
The solitary glass sheet of traditional single pane windows allows outdoor heat to seep in and out of your home, which increases energy consumption. Installing double-pane windows is a simple upgrade that reduces your monthly heating and cooling bills while enhancing comfort.
The two glass panes in double-pane windows offer improved insulation, and the space between them is often filled with an insulating gas. Double-pane windows with argon gas, for instance, are among the most energy efficient.
This clear, odorless, slow-moving gas is an excellent insulator that enhances thermal efficiency. It also helps reduce outside noise pollution, which is ideal if you live near busy roads or noisy neighbors.
Insulated Frames
Window frames are a key factor in how much energy your home uses. Metal frames conduct heat rapidly, causing the indoor temperature to fluctuate and making you rely more on your heating and cooling system. Wood frames are another common choice but are prone to rot and require significant maintenance. Composite frames are a better option since they combine wood, fiberglass, and other materials to offer superior strength, durability, and energy efficiency.
Insulated frame vinyl windows take the thermal performance of window framing to the next level. They use a combination of multiple chambers and advanced insulation technology to create a barrier that minimizes the transfer of heat and cold, helping you maintain a consistent indoor temperature and save money on energy costs.
Insulated window frames also reduce noise pollution by blocking sound waves. This can help you relax in your home without having to worry about the loud music blasted by your neighbors or the annoying sounds caused by planes overhead.