Energy-efficient windows not only reduce your energy bill, but also boost your home’s value and salability. They’re easy to maintain and offer a high return on investment.
They’re available in popular window styles like double-hung and fixed. They have a premium vinyl master frame and sashes that don’t warp, peel or chip.
Low-E Glass
Upgrading your windows to Low-E glass is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy bills. It also enhances your home’s aesthetic and adds value to it. The glass prevents incident solar radiation from entering your home and allows you to control thermal energy.
The coating on the glass reflects infrared light (heat energy) without compromising the amount of visible light transmitted through the window. This helps reduce your air conditioning costs by lowering your home’s overall temperature. It also extends the life of your furniture, carpet and interior fabrics by reducing fading caused by ultraviolet rays.
The coating can be applied to the window’s surface by a process called soft-coat. It can be fused to the glass during production, or it may be added afterwards by a process known as deposition. The coating can be applied to either single or double panes. It is typically combined with argon gas for optimal energy efficiency. The argon reduces condensation, frost and improves insulation. It also flexes with the window as temperatures change.
Insulated Glass
If you’re looking for windows with energy-efficient glass, there are several options to choose from. Some manufacturers offer windows with Low-E coatings, argon gas insulation, and other features that improve home comfort and efficiency. These windows will save you money and help the environment.
Some homeowners choose to replace their traditional windows with new, double-pane glass because it helps control the temperature in their homes and lowers their utility bills. These windows are more efficient than single-pane windows and will last a long time.
Other homeowners opt for composite or fiberglass window frames because they are durable and easy to clean. They can also withstand different climate conditions and are less expensive than wood windows. However, they are not as energy-efficient as double-hung or casement windows. You can find a company that offers high-quality windows for your home by answering a few simple questions. Then, you can be matched with local contractors that are right for your needs and budget.
Aluminum Frames
When you’re looking at window options for a new-construction home or a replacement for old windows, consider the materials used to make the frames. Aluminum offers a strong, sleek frame option that allows for massive expanses of glass without requiring thick, fussy window frames that get in the way of your view. You’ll find many contemporary homes and public buildings with aluminum-framed windows. Some can even be crafted to mimic traditional Colonial and Victorian windows.
Aluminum windows are low-maintenance as well. They don’t require yearly re-staining like wood ones and have a hard-wearing coating that resists damage. Aluminum windows keep heat out during the summer and in during winter, reducing your HVAC bills and protecting the environment. They are available painted in a variety of colors to match your home trim and other architectural features. You can also have them anodized for a silvery metallic finish. This process increases the lifespan of the aluminum. Anodized aluminum resists corrosion, too.
Energy Star Rating
Your windows perform a variety of important functions, including keeping debris and animals out of your home, protecting it from the elements and regulating indoor temperatures. It’s worth investing in energy-efficient options to help you save on your utility bills.
The ENERGY STAR label is the government’s stamp of approval for energy-efficient products. To earn the seal, a window must undergo independent testing and review by an EPA-recognized certification body. It is then rated on a number of factors, such as frame materials, gas fill rates, glass type and spacers, to determine how well it insulates and reflects solar heat.
Typically, the higher the U-factor and SHGC rating, the more energy efficient the window. To make an informed purchase, look for a window that’s recommended for your climate zone. For example, if you live in a colder area, opt for windows with lower SHGC ratings. Universal Windows Direct offers several Energy Star rated products, such as its UniShield brand.