High energy costs have been a major concern for many homeowners. To meet the needs of the market, today’s manufacturers are creating energy-efficient products.
Many home products help lower energy consumption, such as double-pane and triple-pane replacement windows made from special components. Some are also especially designed to deliver superior performance. The design and components go hand in hand to produce energy-efficient windows. When in the market for new windows, make sure to discuss energy efficiency with your contractor.
Here’s some information you should know about it:
Energy-Efficient Window Styles
Awning: Hinged at the upper part of the frame and opens outward, awning windows close firmly, preventing the risk of air leaks.
Casement: Hinged at oneside, casement windows have a low air leakage rate, as its sash closes tightly against the frame.
Picture: As it is stationary and doesn’t operate, picture windows don’t often have problems with air leakage. It remains airtight when installed properly. You won’t have to worry about undetected air leaks, which may increase your energy usage.
Components of Energy-Efficient Windows
Composite Frame: Composite frames, particularly those made of Fibrex® from Andersen Windows offer great durability. They won’t crack, corrode, pit, or rot. Moreover, this material resists expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and limits heat transfer.
Low-E Pane: This window glass is especially coated to resist damaging UV rays and infrared light. Also, it helps keep heat inside the home in the cold months and out during the hot season.
Gas fills: The space between the glass of multi-pane low-e windows are filled with gas fills that aims to improve insulation. Common types of gas used are krypton, carbon dioxide, and argon. This helps bring about a comfortable temperature inside the home regardless of the season.
How Energy-Efficient Windows are Qualified
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) facilitates an independent program that examines, labels, and certifies various products for their energy efficiency.
The NFRC label is included on ENERGY STAR® certified windows. ENERGY STAR, on the other hand, qualifies windows based on their solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor ratings.
U-factor measures how a window conducts non-solar heat flow. The lower the U-factor, the greater insulating feature the window has. SHGS is the amount of solar radiation absorbed or transmitted through the window and released as heat inside your house.
Need help in choosing the right energy-efficient windows for your home? Get in touch with NEXT Door & Window. We offer top-of-the-line replacements from recognized manufacturers, such as Infinity, Marvin, and Sunrise. They are replacement windows Chicagoland residents have loved for decades. You can benefit from them, too. Just call us at (855) 893-6100 to request a quote.
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