Types Of Energy Efficient Windows And How To Pick The Best For Your Home

Energy efficient windows are designed to help reduce the amount of energy used by your home and can be an important way to save money on your utility bills according to global doors and windows reviews.

If you're looking for an energy efficient window, there are a few things that you should know. Choosing the right type of window can help make a big difference in how much energy your home uses.

The Problems of Low Quality Windows

Low-quality windows are not just a waste of money, but can also lead to a number of problems.

Not only do low-quality windows have a negative impact on the air quality in your home, but they also carry the potential for structural damage over time. It’s important that you choose windows that are durable and energy efficient so that you can enjoy them for many years to come.

Here are some of the most common problems associated with low-quality windows:

Low-Efficiency Windows

Low-efficiency windows block more than 50 percent of the sun's heat, which means they heat up your house faster. They also let in more wind and rain than high-efficiency windows.

High Energy Bills

The average energy bill for a home is $1,200 a year, but if you own older or poorly insulated windows, you could be spending almost double that amount on your utility bills. Old windows also emit carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to global warming and climate change.

Poor Air Quality

Newer high-performance windows can reduce air infiltration by as much as 80 percent compared with older models -- which can lead to reduced air quality when it comes time to clean your air filters.

Window Types and Their Performance

If you’re looking to get some good insulation, you might want to consider adding casement and awnings to your home.

Hot air rises, so if you have an awning or casement window that swioutside than from insulation from the outside in than from the inside out. And since windows move only when they are pushed or pulled by wind, their seals are much more effective at keeping heat and cold out than sliding windows—especially when they are locked tight against the weatherstripping.

If you’ve insisted on single- or double-hung, but don’t love how they look or feel in your hand when they open up wide, maybe it’s time to think about adding some windows that swing instead of the slide! You’ll get better insulation, with all other things the same.

Choose the Right Material for Your Home

It's time to choose the right window frame material for your home. The right choice of window frame material will increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Window frames are made from a variety of materials, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a list of some of the most popular types of window frame materials:

Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the most popular types of window frame material because it's lightweight, durable and affordable. However, it's not as strong as steel or wood, so it may not be suitable for larger windows in older homes.

Steel: Steel is made from iron ore or man-made iron, which means it can be recycled if it becomes worn out or damaged over time. Steel also has a rust-resistant finish that makes it ideal for outdoor use.

Wood: Wood is another popular choice for wood window frames because it looks great on older homes with wooden siding or trims around them. It is generally accepted that wood-framed windows perform well with frame U-factors in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 Btu/hr-sq. ft-°F. But the disadvantages are also obvious, solid wood is more prone to damage and corrosion, requiring higher maintenance costs than vinyl or aluminum frames.

Energy Efficiency Recommendations

The EPA's Energy Star program offers guidelines and recommendations for the energy efficiency of homes. This system allows you to compare the energy efficiency of different windows based on global doors and windows reviews, including the manufacturer's ratings and the amount of energy they save you over time.

The EPA also partners with manufacturers to ensure their products meet the federal standards.

It's important to note that this is not an endorsement of any particular brand; it's simply a recommendation based on what works best for your home.

Energy Star certified products are marked with the Energy Star logo as an easy way to identify which products have been tested by an independent third party, meet strict performance standards and perform better than average in real-world settings.

Choose the Right Glazing

When you're choosing a window, you're looking for something that will provide the best fit for your home and budget. Glass is a key consideration in that decision. The type of glass you use can make a big difference in performance and durability, so it's important to select the right glass for your needs.

The most common option is double-glazed windows, which have a layer of thermal insulation between the two panes of glass. This type of glazing has been tested and found to reduce heating costs by up to 50 percent. Double-glazed windows are also more durable than other types of glass, so they can last longer and resist breaking.

Another popular choice is triple-glazed windows, which are made from three separate pieces of glass that work together to reduce heat loss. Triple-glazed windows have been shown to lower cooling costs by up to 40 percent compared with single-glazed windows in some studies.

There are also other options available that offer better insulating properties than simply using two or three panes of glass. For example, insulated glass units (IGUs) can be installed on top of your current windows while they're still in place, rather than replacing them after you've purchased new ones."