The Top 5 ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS
When replacing your home’s windows, it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option you can find. However, taking the cheaper route will likely come back to bite you in the long run. Not only are cheaper windows harder to keep clean and more susceptible to outside damage, but they’re also likely to cause energy loss in your home—not to mention potentially costing you more money on your energy bills than pricier options might. For tips on how to spot high-quality, high-energy efficiency windows, check out the list below of the top five types of windows for maximizing energy efficiency.
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW #1: Double-Pane
Many people choose single-pane windows to cut costs, but these types can allow noise and heat into your home, not to mention colder temperatures in the winter. These aren’t energy efficient! Instead, go with double-pane windows which provide superior insulation to save you money on heating and cooling. Double pane works by having a layer of gas between two panes of glass. The gas creates a layer of insulation to keep heat from getting through during winter and keeps cool air from escaping during summer months. This type is one of the best investments you can make in improving your home’s energy efficiency and safety because it reduces noise levels and helps keep out intruders who might want to break into your home.
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW #2: ENERGY STAR® Windows
Look for ENERGY STAR® certification when shopping around; it means that a window has been tested and shown to meet certain standards when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient, investing in ENERGY STAR®-certified windows is one way to do so. The great thing about these products is that they’ve already been vetted by third-party organizations—making them a safer bet than relying on generic claims. When you buy an ENERGY STAR® product, you can trust that it performs as advertised, saving you money on your monthly utility bills while helping protect our environment at the same time.
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW #3:Argon Filled
With rising utility costs, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate is more important than ever. It’s also become more complicated. To combat rising energy bills, homeowners are increasingly looking to seal up their homes and insulate every crack or crevice that may have allowed heat or cold to escape. A better option may be argon-filled windows, which help regulate your indoor environment while reducing energy loss through air leakage without compromising on aesthetics. Argon is colorless, odorless and nonflammable. When applied between two sheets of glass, it forms an airtight seal around your window frame while keeping warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer.
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW #4: Solarguard
The solarguard window is an energy-efficient glass that lets in natural light while reducing solar heat gain. This is particularly useful during winter months, since letting sunlight into your home during cold weather can reduce heating costs by up to 15 percent. What’s more, even though solarguard windows are tinted (and therefore not as efficient as transparent glass), they still let in roughly 75 percent of visible light, making them an excellent choice if you want to let in some daylight without sacrificing much efficiency. The solarguard window’s special coating also makes it easy to clean and prevents damage from water, salt and dust. Most importantly though, many consumers swear by solarguard’s energy efficiency.
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW #5: Low Emissivity (Low E) Low U
Low E and Low U windows help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They also reduce glare, making them ideal for rooms that face North or South. The trade-off is a higher initial cost compared to traditional glass windows. It’s a good idea to ask a contractor about properly insulating frames before purchasing these types of windows so they stay warm during chilly months.
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