On average, Americans use more energy in their homes than their cars. By increasing your home’s energy efficiency, you will be making a positive impact on your environment, and you’ll be able to save on utility bills. You can start being more energy-efficient through your windows. NEXT Door & Window discusses the different parts of a window and how they affect your home’s energy efficiency.
Window Frame
If you want a more energy-efficient home, you have to pay attention to the material of your window frame. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should avoid aluminum-framed or metal-framed windows because they readily conduct heat. Vinyl, composite, fiberglass, or wood are much better insulators. Different materials provide different benefits. NEXT Door & Window will be glad to explain these differences and help you choose the right type of material for your replacement windows.
Window Type
The kind of window you plan to use should also be considered. Different windows have different rates of air leakage. Air leakage measures how much air a window lets out. Sliding windows have the highest rate of air leakage, with single- or double-hung windows next, then awning, casement, and hopper windows, and finally, fixed windows that don’t open at all, such as picture windows. Windows are a house’s charm point, so we will help you choose the most energy-efficient window that fits your home’s style.
Window Glass
The window glass is also critically important. In energy-efficient windows, special low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are used to limit heat transfer when combined with insulated glazing. This means that in summer, low-E coatings can prevent the sun from heating up your house, and in winter, it can prevent the heat from escaping your home. Special spectrally selective coatings also exist; this allows you to enjoy the benefits of low-E coatings without reducing natural light too much.
Call us for more information on choosing energy-efficient replacement windows in Chicagoland. In all of NEXT Door & Window’s home improvement projects, we will make sure that every detail is perfect, before, during, and after the job. Our lines of communication are always open, and we will answer all your questions and concerns.