When considering replacing your windows, it’s important to select energy efficient ones. Old, drafty windows waste energy and can increase your heating and cooling bills.
There are several factors that influence the energy efficiency of a window. The frame material and glass have the biggest impact on energy efficiency.
1. Lower Energy Consumption
Having older windows that let out hot air during the winter and harsh summer sunlight can drastically increase your energy bills. Replacing these older windows with energy efficient replacements can help lower your heating and cooling costs significantly.
The insulated glass in modern energy efficient windows supports stable indoor temperatures throughout the year. This helps reduce drafts and overheating in the summer, while providing a comfortable place to sit during colder weather. Many of these replacement windows are also filled with Argon, which adds to their cold weather insulation capabilities.
In addition, window frames and spacers are crafted with high energy-saving qualities. Using vinyl for the frame material is ideal, as it delivers excellent thermal insulation and doesn’t warp or deteriorate like wood or metal does over time. Adding the Intercept warm-edge spacer system can further improve your window’s energy efficiency by reducing condensation build-up and edge-to-glass temperatures. This can tack on another 5% savings in energy costs for your home.
2. Reduced Heat Transfer
Energy-efficient windows have excellent insulating properties that help regulate your home’s temperature throughout the year. This means you’ll save money by relying less on your heater or air conditioner.
Older windows allow the sun’s UV rays to penetrate into your home, causing wood furniture, fabrics, and wallpaper to fade and deteriorate. Modern windows with low-emissivity coatings block up to 75% of these harmful rays, protecting your valuable items.
Energy efficient window replacements are a wise investment that will pay for themselves in the long run by reducing your utility costs. They reduce energy consumption and protect the environment, lowering thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. In addition, when your heaters and air-conditioners are running less frequently, they require less maintenance. Energy-efficient replacement windows also minimize noise from outside, making your home quieter and more tranquil. Our Intercept warm-edge spacer system, combined with a Low-E glass and Argon gas, helps extend the life of your windows by reducing condensation build-up and edge-to-glass temperatures.
3. Reduced UV Rays
Besides lowering energy costs, replacing ineffective windows with Energy-efficient ones helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gases and your household’s non-renewable fuel consumption. Running heaters and air conditioners less also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.
UV rays from the sun can damage carpets, furniture and other valuable items in your home. Their impact can be seen in the fading of colors and other aesthetic damage. Energy efficient windows with a low-E coating help keep UV rays out, keeping your belongings safe.
ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors have a lower U-factor, which means they prevent heat from entering your house during the summer. This helps you stay cool all season long without worrying about high energy bills. Their insulation also dampens outside noise, creating a quieter indoor environment. Moreover, the Intercept warm-edge spacer system keeps condensation and cold window surfaces from forming. This eliminates the need to constantly wipe down windows and reduces maintenance costs.
4. Low Maintenance
Energy-efficient windows provide a significant boost to your home’s comfort. They prevent drafts and the loss of heat or cold that can cause you to consume more energy for heating and cooling your space.
Many newer options also prevent condensation, which can create puddles or watermarks on window surfaces. Moisture is prevented by the spaces between panes that are filled with argon or krypton gas.
A low U-factor is another feature that helps your windows conserve energy by preventing solar gain. This reduces your dependence on air-conditioning during the warmer months.
When looking for windows that will fit with your home’s energy efficiency needs, talk to a local Marvin expert. While ENERGY STAR is a great one-size-fits-all guideline, each home is unique and has different window requirements. A professional can help you optimize your windows to reduce Solar Heat Gain, save on energy costs and maximize your home’s performance.