If you are looking to save on energy bills, replacing old and inefficient windows is a wise decision to make. However, with all the new types of windows available today, it may be confusing trying to determine which one is the most energy-efficient choice for your home.
To guide you on your purchase, here are 3 things to consider when shopping for energy-efficient windows:
Glass
- Glass is a major factor in energy efficiency. Low E glass, for example, reflects infrared energy, or heat, away from your house, keeping it cooler during summer. During winter, it also keeps heat from escaping by reflecting it back inside your house.
- Double-pane glass with an argon filling provides better insulation than single- or double-pane glass filled with regular air.
Material
- Windows are made from different materials such as vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite windows combine multiple materials. All these materials differ in their level of energy efficiency, cost, maintenance, and options for customization.
- Vinyl is the most affordable, wood is energy efficient, aluminum is low maintenance, fiberglass is durable, and composite windows combine the different benefits of multiple materials but are usually more expensive
Energy Star
- The Energy Star label on a window guarantees that it is energy efficient. These windows are tested and rated based on their U-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
