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Energy efficiency is a common term thrown around.
They are especially more familiar with the accessories and gadgets for your home.
There is a trend in energy efficiency to optimize heat inside homes.
Thermal energy is necessary, especially in places where seasons and weather conditions are colder.
One aspect you should consider investing in is your home windows.
There are various window models in the market.
Each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Many models are more energy-efficient than others.
Different parts of the window contribute to its energy efficiency.
You might start wondering, how do energy-efficient windows work?
Functions of an energy-efficient window
Energy-efficient windows serve this function:
They optimize heat energy according to your need.
There are many materials to choose from when you buy a window.
However, not all of them handle heat well.
Each material has its specific heat capacity.
Other parts of the window add to that ability.
For colder seasons, you’d want to keep your home optimally warm.
Energy-efficient windows help in keeping that thermal energy inside.
An energy-efficient window saves your utility bills a lot.
If windows work efficiently, heaters need to work less in keeping homes warm.
For warmer seasons, you want to keep heat out as much as possible.
The windows improve cooling inside your home.
Energy-efficient windows keep the heat from entering the space.
How do energy-efficient windows work?
They keep the heat from either entering or leaving the room.
Windows serve as storage in regulating room temperature.
Window panes
The window panes are the biggest part of the window.
Usually, single panes aren’t energy efficient.
Single window panes have a lower capacity in storing heat because it has less material.
For this type of window, it only takes less time to experience temperature change inside.
Double window panes have two glass slabs within the sash.
Remember that twice as much energy is stored by the window.
Triple window panes store thrice as much heat as a single pane.
More window panes mean more energy efficiency.
There are more functions for windows with more panes too.
If you are particular with noise reduction, having more window panes help in that aspect.
Gas filler
Gas fillers apply to windows with multiple panes.
There is a way to improve heat capacity in the windows.
They lessen heat transfer between the window panes.
Putting an inert gas adds additional ability in keeping the heat within your home.
Inserting inert gases like argon, xenon or krypton increases the efficiency of the windows.
These noble gases have less heat conduct.
These gases transfer less heat from within your home to the outside.
The opposite is also true if you want to have a colder room.
Since the gas fillers don’t take in more heat, outside heat doesn’t get inside to warm up the room.
Window seals
The window seals play a part in energy-efficient windows.
While window panes store heat within its material, the seals keep it from going out.
A functional window seal blocks all the spaces within the frame that keeps the energy out.
Effective window seals keep the water out. if it rains, the window frames alone can’t keep water out.
The seal also lessens air leaks from inside.
Check for the resistance of the windows.
If you have more air resistant windows, it means that it is less prone to air leaks.
Window coating
Window coating adds to the ability of energy-efficient windows to transfer less heat.
There are many types of coating you can add to the window.
Energy-efficient windows have low emissivity (Low-E) coating.
There are window glass coatings that still lessen heat transfer from outside but allow full light transmission.
Some coatings can reflect specific wavelengths from visible light.
Durable glass coatings can last many years.
They also improve energy consumption in keeping indoor temperatures warm.
Assessing energy efficient windows
There are different standards and certifications that show energy efficiency.
How do energy-efficient windows work?
They have good ratings and factor scores in the following tests.
When you choose your next set of windows, consider the following:
U-Factor: This rating indicates the ability to transfer heat.
More energy-efficient windows have lower U-Factor.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This factor is the ability of the window to collect solar heat and transfer it inside spaces.
For colder seasons, a higher SGHC score indicates a more energy-efficient window.
Energy Star Rating: This rating is the overall rating for the window model.
It certifies that the window has high-quality materials, working gas fillers, low emissivity coating, and functional parts.
The Energy Star Rating means the window passed all standard tests and functions.
Switch to energy-efficient windows!
Replacing your old windows with more energy-efficient windows is a huge investment for your home.
You need somebody reliable and proficient in installing these new features.
We are Window Repair Smith Glass.
We offer window installations and window replacements.
If you have existing energy-efficient windows, we also offer home window repairs.
Contact us to set an appointment.
Do you want to know how energy-efficient windows work? Watch this.
