Paramount Siding and Windows in Denver can show you how to reduce your use with energy efficient windows. This is just one of the ways that we offer added value in our window installation services. We want our customers to take full advantage of every benefit associated with getting new windows in their home. From improving the ambiance of a room with added light to saving money on your energy bill, there is more to window replacement than just upgrading to a new set.
Regarding the overall energy efficiency of a home, there are a few factors that can make a significant impact. These usually include your windows, outer doors, and the insulation in your walls and roof. Whether you are trying to reduce your use of air conditioning or central heating, choosing the right windows can be the easiest way to meet your goals. The effect your windows have on your home’s energy use depends on the material used to make the windows, their size, location and installation.
Your windows can dramatically improve or worsen the energy efficiency of your home. To understand a window’s potential to go either way, check out the following when shopping for windows.
Placement
For colder climates, most interior designer’s advice places large windows on the south-facing side of your home. This will allow for maximum light and heat to enter the home during the colder winter months when you need it. During summer, you can restrict this heat entry with the use of overhangs, retractable awnings or shutters. For hot climates, placing the larger windows on the north facing side of your home will limit the solar heat that enters. Remember that every home is different and you will also need to consider the presence of trees, walls or nearby houses that can block sunlight from specific directions during part of the day.
Design
The design of the window itself can have a big effect on its overall efficiency. Hinged windows, including awning, casement and hopper styles all close with the sash pressed against the frame. This prevents most air leakage and offers better efficiency concerning temperature control within the home. Single and double-hung windows, as well as horizontally sliding windows close in such a way that inherently allows more air leakage. Fixed windows are completely airtight when they have been installed correctly, but they don’t allow for optional ventilation.
Other aspects of design to look out for, include optional double or triple glazing. Multiple panes of glass placed parallel to each other are much more efficient at preventing heat transfer than a single pane. Increasing this efficiency further, the space between the panes can be filled with a gas such as Argon, which has a thermal conductivity 34% lower than air. For optimal insulation, the spacers used to keep each pane of glass in place should be made from an insulating material such as wood or rubber and not a highly conductive material such as metal.
Glass Coating
Windows are getting more technologically advanced every year. A Low-E coating can be applied directly to the inner or outer surfaces of your window panes. This coating is a very thin layer of metal oxide, invisible to the naked eye. The function of the Low-E coating is to reflect heat while allowing the complete passing of light through the glass.
For warm climates, this coating can be applied on the outside of the window to prevent the sun from overheating your home. In cold climates, the coating is placed on the inside of the innermost pane, to reflect heat back into the home and reduce energy waste.
Installation
You can invest in the most technologically advanced windows with high-grade insulating materials and place them in strategic locations, but if your installation is not carried out correctly, you will not see the expected results. Make sure experienced professionals install your new windows. If you are simply replacing old windows with new ones of the same size, the installation will be relatively easy.
However, if you choose to make new openings for your energy efficient windows, the installation crew will have to be capable of dealing with altering the structure by masonry or woodwork, replacing insulation and working with your exterior siding. Windows must be properly air sealed and caulked to achieve optimum performance.
Improving Existing Windows
If you are not ready to invest in a full set of new windows, there are some adaptations you can make to existing windows to improve their insulation and overall energy efficiency. Storm windows are an inexpensive and fast solution if you have a lot of air leakage with your existing windows. They can be installed on the interior or exterior of your windows and in addition to lowering your heating or cooling costs, they can also boost the resistance of your windows against intruders and damage from storms.
Caulking and weather-stripping can also be effective in reducing air leakage. Caulking can be used to fill cracks, gaps and split joints around the window frame. Rubber weather-stripping can be installed where there are movable parts to the window, giving a tighter seal. The Low-E coating and other glass treatments can also be applied to existing windows. You can ask your local professional window installation crew about more tips to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows.
Using the methods we have mentioned above to choose energy efficient windows can effectively reduce your home’s energy consumption. This can make a difference in the amount you have to pay for your AC and heating bills, but it also helps prevent long-term energy waste. Energy efficient windows are beneficial to both you and the environment. You will also be increasing the value of your home and making it much more modern and attractive to potential buyers.
Paramount Siding and Windows in Denver offers a range of services including new window installation. Get in touch today to schedule a free home consultation where we can discuss how to reduce your use with energy efficient windows.