When it comes to home windows, style is often a top priority. However, energy efficiency is just as important.
Inefficient windows can cause a significant amount of conditioned air to leak out, driving up your electricity bills. New replacement windows can improve your insulation, reducing your energy costs.
Window Nation offers a variety of high-quality, Energy Star windows. These windows use a range of strategies to improve insulation, lowering your utility bills.
1. Energy Star Certification
In order to earn the Energy Star label, products must achieve high levels of efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Homes and buildings can also receive the Energy Star rating if they meet certain standards for construction and retrofitting.
When selecting new windows for your home, look first for the ENERGY STAR label. Then check the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings to find a window with a U-factor and SHGC suitable for your climate. This can help ensure comfort, shield your belongings from UV damage, and contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
In warm climates like Sugar Land, high energy bills can be a drain on your household budget. One way to cut down your cooling costs is by swapping out old windows with more efficient models.
Look for NFRC-certified windows with low SHGC and U-value ratings to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. A higher SHGC rating lets more solar heat pass through, while a lower U-value reduces the amount of heat that escapes from your home. This helps your house stay cool and comfortable all year round.
3. Low-E Glass
Energy-efficient windows Sugar Land TX keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons and cut down on expensive utility bills. They also enhance your property’s value and improve your home’s security.
Replacement windows with low-E glass have a coating that reflects thermal energy, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This makes them a great choice for Sugar Land homeowners looking to lower their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprints. They also protect furniture, rugs and paintings from harmful UV radiation.
4. Low-E Coatings
Low-E coatings reflect infrared and ultraviolet rays, keeping your furniture and skin from fading and discoloring over time. They also prevent heat loss in the winter and solar gain during summer.
Choosing the right energy-efficient window glass can save money in your Sugar Land home, and it can also add value to your property. However, the lingo can be overwhelming at first. In this blog, we discuss what a low-e window is, why it’s important and the different options available for each type of climate.
5. High-Performance Insulation
The frame material plays a significant role in the overall insulation performance of your windows. Wood frames are excellent insulators, but require more upkeep than aluminum. Fiberglass frames provide a good balance of energy efficiency and durability.
Double- and triple-pane windows have a layer of argon gas between the panes, which improves their thermal efficiency compared to traditional windows. Argon gas also prevents warm air from rising near your windows, which can cause drafts and cold spots.
6. Low-E Coatings
Low-E glass helps reduce the amount of heat that passes through your window. It does this by limiting the infrared and ultraviolet rays that are able to pass through.
This helps your home stay warmer in the winter, reducing your dependency on artificial heat sources. It also helps keep your home cooler in the summer, reducing your dependence on air conditioning units.
7. Low-E Glass
Homebuyers are increasingly focused on energy costs, making high-performance windows more appealing. They reduce the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient to keep a home warm or cool as needed.
They also limit penetration of UV rays, which cause sunburn and damage carpeting, fabrics, and furniture over time.
A double-pane window with a Low-E coating reflects the sun’s rays, saving energy without blocking natural light. Other features that conserve energy include warm-edge spacer systems and insulated glass.
8. Low-E Coatings
During the summer, low-E glass reflects heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays, keeping your home cooler. It also lets in natural light and reduces energy costs (1).
Ultimately, though, these features do not mean much if the window is drafty or does not insulate well. For the best results, choose double- or triple-pane windows with argon or krypton gas between the panes. These will significantly boost your thermal efficiency.