How Energy Efficient Windows Can Work For You

Glass Coatings

Solar energy consists of three kinds of light that occupy different parts of the solar spectrum according to their wavelengths. Concerning your home, the ultraviolet light fades fabrics and paints. Infrared light increases the temperature. Visible light is between the two — this is the desired part of solar energy.

Naturally, windows are the main portal for letting any kind of solar energy into your house. To control what type of solar energy enters through the windows, manufacturers have developed low-emissivity, or low-E, coatings for the glass. These coatings minimize the passage of UV and infrared light while letting visible light through.

In the hot months, low-E coatings work to keep your rooms cool by reflecting infrared light back out. However, the coatings have a two-way purpose as well. In the cold months, the coatings can reflect heat back into your room, thus acting as an insulator.

Multiple Panes of Glass

Another energy efficiency option is choosing windows made of two or three panes of glass. If you choose plain glass, adding one or two layers has some energy efficiency value. The space between the glass panes can trap the heat rather than letting it pass through.

When you choose two or three panes of glass with a low-E coating, you see a boost in the window's energy efficiency. In that case, you get the benefit both of the pockets of air in between and the increased coatings.

Gas Fills

Another boost to your energy efficiency is by replacing the air in the pockets with gas fills. Manufacturers pump the gas inside the unit and then seal the pane up to keep the gas inside. Gas fills are possible for both double- and triple-paned glass.

The two most common gases used for filling windows is argon and krypton. Both types of inert gasses are clear, odorless, and non-toxic. Argon's thermal conductivity is around 67% that of air, and krypton's is even lower.

Because these gasses are slow-moving and viscous, they slow down the transfer of heat across the window. As with the low-E coatings, these gas fillings work to keep summertime heat outside and wintertime heat inside.

Frame Materials

Your choice in window frames also affects their energy efficiency. Wood is another material that slows down the transfer of heat, which gives it an excellent insulative value. This value is greater than that of vinyl or aluminum. Coupled with the material's natural beauty, wood continues to be a popular window frame choice.

Some homeowners don't want the upkeep of natural wood. For that reason, manufacturers have developed wood-clad frames. These frames start with a core of wood, thus giving them their insular qualities. However, the manufacturers clad the wood in vinyl or aluminum, both of which require less maintenance.

Weather Stripping

There's no point in achieving your desired interior temperature if the air is just going to escape around the window.

When you have replacement windows installed, the contractors are going to ensure they're properly caulked and fitted. However, consider taking that snugness one step further with weather stripping. Look for weather stripping that resembles the gasket style found around car doors — this style does the best job of sealing the window.

Save money on your utility bills and make your home eco-friendly with energy efficient windows. When you're ready for replacement windows, contact Wadsworth Glass Inc. for a wide variety of style and energy efficiency options.