Everyone is talking about having an increasingly energy-efficient home these days. Given all the jargon and casual talk that has been floating around, a natural question arises of whether this is simply a passing trend, or something that people really need.
This is an understandable thing to wonder, and people should be looking for the right answer. After all, when it comes to something like your home, you don’t want to just throw money around for no reason. In the sections below, we will look at the features that people prioritize in Windows, and explain the importance of each of them. Once you’ve decided on your priorities, you should check out Broga Window & Door and see what they have to offer.
Energy efficiency ratings
Without question, one of the biggest reasons that people are replacing their windows is because of the increased energy in newer windows. There is definitely no folklore in this; energy loss can be measured, and home owners can see the savings in their bills. Features to Look for include the following:
- Energy Star certification. The government has a specific certification program established that measures energy efficiency in windows (as well as other energy-consuming items) and grants certification only for those windows that meet particular standards.
- Low e-coating. “Low e” stands for low emissivity, and it refers to the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that goes through glass. Low-e coatings are ones that cover the glass to provide this extra layer of protection. They allow sunlight to go through while keeping infrared and ultraviolet light out.
Different windows will give you different levels of energy efficiency, of course. And if you choose something like european tilt and turn windows, you will be able to choose whether or not you let some natural ventilation into the room without overwhelming your room with cold air.
Multiple-pane glass
The number of glass panes that windows have makes a big difference in the amount of energy that you will lose.the greater number of panes you have in your windows, the more efficient they will be. Multi-pane windows have the following features:
- Inert gas filling. Having multiple panes isn’t simply a matter of layers. Multi-pane windows contain a special inert gas between the layers that helps give the windows greater insulative qualities and balance the amount of solar heat gain that comes through them.
- Reduced condensation. Because multi-pane windows are such good insulators, there is less possibility for condensation buildup. Condensation can be a real problem, especially in cold climates, as it can cause damage to frames and even the areas around them.
- Blocking ultraviolet rays. Multi-pane windows are able to let sunlight in without allowing harmful ultraviolet rays to come in. This is something you should look for when shopping for windows.
- Sustainability. Because multi-pane windows are so good at regulating your home’s temperature, they are more sustainable. Not having to use HVACs as much means that your carbon footprint will be lower (not to mention your energy bills).
Noise reduction
There are various features of energy-efficient windows that help to reduce the amount of noise that comes into a house. Particularly if you live in a noisy area, this can be a great relief. Features include:
- Laminated glass. Some windows are specifically labelled “noise reducing” because they come with a layer of lamination on them. This layer helps to reduce noise from the outside a great deal.
- Argon gas. Windows that use multiple panes and have argon gas in them are also great at reducing noise. The gas acts both as a heat and sound insulator.
- Glass thickness. Even glass that has only one layer can vary in thickness. Thicker panes provide greater sound insulation.
Spacers
Some windows come with spacers between the panes to help regulate them. They are specifically placed between panes with sealing materials to keep sheets a particular distance apart. Spacers provide several benefits:
- Leakage prevention. They provide an excellent seal that prevents gas from leaking out.
- Malleability. They are able to expand and contract along with temperature changes, which prevents cracking and erosion.
- Temperature maintenance. Spacers offer windows an extra buffer, which prevents heat from seeping out. They are also very good at repelling moisture, which can help to prevent condensation accumulation.
Are there myths involved?
All this said, you might still be wondering if part of the energy-efficient fanaticism is simply a myth. Or, perhaps, if there are “green” people trying to push their own agendas. To this, we can say a few things: First, not all claims of energy-efficiency are equally valuable. You should always double-check any manufacturer that you come across to make sure they are legit and get good ratings. Also, the amount that you spend on energy-efficient windows depends on the climate that you live in and your individual needs with regard to energy conservation.
Finally, installation is important. You should be just as careful in choosing an installation company as you are about materials because contractors that don’t do a good job could leave your home vulnerable to leaks, cracks, or worse. So do your homework on installation companies, as well.
A necessity, indeed
In conclusion, yes, energy-efficient windows are a necessity. There may be more of one if you live in northern Canada than, say, Maryland, but everyone should be careful about their window choices these days. Look for the features that we outlined here and see which ones will best suit your home. You will surely see the difference in your house’s temperature and in your energy bills. Plus, you will be making a more sustainable home that will have a lower carbon footprint and a higher resale value.
