100% Energy Efficiency Is Possible With Replacement Windows

Some of today’s homeowners suffer from colossal power bills which consistently burn a hole in their pockets, and many are looking for energy-efficient ways as a means of reducing their costs. For others, reducing the carbon footprint of your property is the most important factor for “going green”. All properties lose heat through their windows, and energy-efficient windows have essentially been designed to keep cold air out and warm air in, or vice versa.

Whichever way you look at it, 100% energy efficiency will not be possible without replacing your conventional windows with advanced design.

Overcompensating for air leakage during the winter and summer months leads to a significant increase in energy bills, but carefully selected replacement windows can now drastically reduce your energy consumption. Replacing your conventional windows will lower your bills by up to 25%.

The key is knowing what window upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck and, of course, correct installation is critical.

Energy Efficient Frame

Choosing the right frame is vital.

Aluminum windows are practical in rainy or humid climates while aluminum clad offers superior energy efficiency.

Vinyl offers strong resistance to heat flow and has excellent energy efficiency when well constructed around the insulated glass.

Wood has great insulative value, though it also requires more upkeep due to rot. Wood-clad on the other hand usually carries a virtually no maintenance aluminum or vinyl exterior with a temperature-transfer-resistant wood interior, making it an excellent choice for an energy-efficient home.

Designed to be Efficient

Some window designs have inherently more energy efficiency properties. Casement and awning windows are some of the most popular choices because they clamp more tightly against the weather stripping on the frame than most. To find the most energy-efficient windows, look for their ENERGY STAR rating.

Also, look for low-emissivity (low-E) coatings on your glass. Low-E consists of microscopically thin metal layers which are deposited on a window surface to ensure the heat stays on the same side of the glass from its origin. It also serves to eliminate water spots by 99% when activated by sunlight.

Double-pane or triple-pane glass separated by low-conductive argon or krypton gas filling, equipped with warm edge spacers and a tightly constructed frame is arguably one of the best options you can go for if you are in the market for energy-efficient windows.

Protecting your home from harmful UV rays in the summer, and preventing heat loss in the cold winter months offers great energy efficient value further while further reducing your energy bills for years to come.

Sealing From The Elements

In order to guarantee your windows are as energy efficient as humanly possible, find a licensed contractor. Be sure to check out their BBB rating and reviews before you start dealing with them. Use contractors that make use of pre-installation waterproofing, and avoid any contractor who relies on expanding foams or sealants to get a window to “fit well”. These products will start to leak and cause other problems over time.

Appropriately selected windows in conjunction with a reputable contractor who performs professional installation will no doubt be able to lower energy bills by up to 25%, and that’s a big step towards getting your home to that all-important energy-efficient mark.