Having these types of windows in your home offers many benefits. The main benefit is to help the homeowner save a considerable amount on their utility bills. They also help keep your home comfortable. The main purpose of having such windows is to help reduce air leakage inside your home. There are several things that can be done to make windows more energy efficient, including different glazing and frames to hold more than one pane of glass. Over time, window technology has improved substantially.
• Use more than one pane of glass – This is the first step when you want your windows to be energy efficient. It’s like a person does when they add extra layers of clothing when they go out. They’re helping your body keep warm, which is what those extra glass panels do. There are debates about the profitability of triple pane windows among home designers and contractors. Yes, they are more energy efficient windows than dual-pane windows, but that’s a smaller gain than what you get when you go from single-pane to dual-pane. One of the reasons you might go for triple pane windows is that they filter out more noise. If you plan to live in the house for years, eventually the costs will be recovered in energy savings if you choose triple-pane windows.
• Adding a gas between the panes – In addition to adding additional panes of glass, adding a gas between them can provide a bit more insulation. Gases often used are argon and krypton, and they are considered better insulators than air alone.
• Special coatings – These can also help create a more energy efficient window. The coatings are called low emission coatings. They reflect infrared light, which is a major source of heat. Siding will help keep the heat out in the summer and the heat in the house in the winter. They also help protect against ultraviolet light, which can help reduce bleaching or fading of fabrics inside your home. Glazing can be added to these low emission coatings and some of these glazes can be tinted. This helps the wraps provide more energy efficient windows.
• Frame materials: These can also make a difference. Aluminum windows are not normally considered in this category of windows, but there have been improvements with aluminum that can make them more energy efficient. To make windows more energy efficient, frames are typically made of fiberglass, vinyl, or wood composites.
When upgrading or replacing your windows, make sure you buy from a reputable company. If they say they are energy efficient, ask for proof of what makes them energy efficient windows.