Energy-Efficient Windows: Saving Money and Improving Your Comfort

In today's world, energy efficiency is more important than ever. Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption and lower their utility bills. One of the most effective ways to do this is to upgrade your windows to energy-efficient models.   

How do I know if a window is energy efficient?

Start by looking for the ENERGY STAR logo or the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) logo on the window or door you want to purchase. Window manufacturers and installers will also typically promote products that are NFRC labeled and ENERGY STAR certified so you know upfront if they sell and install energy-efficient windows.

Look for the certification label on every window and patio door you buy. These ratings allow you to measure and compare the energy performance of similar products. If a product does not have this label, the NFRC has not verified its claims.

Understanding Energy Ratings

When it comes to window efficiency, several key ratings help you make informed decisions. The scale for all three of these measures is 0-1:

• U-factor: This measures a window's ability to conduct heat. A lower U-factor indicates better insulation. Think of it like an R-value for windows - the lower the number, the better it resists heat transfer. Understanding U-Factor values is helpful if you want to comparison shop between window brands. For the most accurate measurement of performance, it’s very important to look at the U-Factor value for the whole window (called “whole unit performance”), not just the center of glass. When comparing performance across manufacturers, make sure you have whole unit performance for all products you’re evaluating.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much solar energy passes through the window. A lower SHGC means less solar heat enters your home, which is beneficial in warmer climates. For example, an SHGC of .30 means only 30% of the sun’s energy is passing through the window into the home. It can be useful to understand a measure like this when window shopping across brands. And just like with U-Factor values, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the measure for the whole window performance.

• Visible Transmittance (VT): This rating measures how much visible light passes through the window. A higher VT means more natural light enters your home.

Key Features of Energy-Efficient Windows

• Low-E Coatings: These thin, metallic coatings are applied to the glass. They reflect infrared radiation back into the room during winter, keeping your home warmer. In summer, they help to block solar heat, keeping your home cooler. There are different types of Low-E coatings suited for different types of climates.

• Argon Gas Fills: The space between the panes of glass is filled with argon gas, which is a better insulator than air. This helps to reduce heat transfer, improving energy efficiency.

• Multiple Panes of Glass: Double or triple-pane windows offer superior insulation compared to single-pane windows. The extra layer of glass and the trapped air or gas create a significant barrier to heat transfer.

What is a double-pane window? A triple-pane window?

Glass construction is a key element of energy efficiency. The number of panes (sheets of glass) in a window and the air space in between are both important. Here’s what you need to know:

Single-pane glass includes only one sheet of glass between indoors and outdoors. This is the type of window glass you might find in an older home. It can be very beautiful, especially when it’s made with leaded glass, but it’s not energy efficient, which is why single-pane windows are often seen paired with storm windows.

Double-pane, or dual-pane glass includes two sheets of glass with an air space in between. The air space is typically filled with an argon-gas blend that’s denser than air and therefore improves insulation. This type of window is now required by most building codes.

Triple-pane glass goes one step further and includes an additional pane of glass and air space, making it the most energy-efficient glass type. This type of construction is typically found in higher-end product lines.

Double-Pane Triple-Pane

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

• Reduced Energy Bills: By minimizing heat loss in winter and solar heat gain in summer, energy-efficient windows significantly reduce the strain on your HVAC system. This translates to lower energy bills year-round.

• Increased Comfort: You'll experience a more comfortable living environment. In winter, your home stays warmer, and in summer, it remains cooler.

• Improved Indoor Air Quality: By reducing drafts and preventing moisture infiltration, energy-efficient windows help to maintain better indoor air quality.

• Enhanced Home Value: Energy-efficient windows are a valuable upgrade that can increase your home's resale value.

Making the Switch

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is an investment in your home's comfort and value. However, to reap all the benefits that new windows can offer, you need to ensure that the installation is done correctly. This involves proper window opening preparation, flashing, sealing, and adequate insulation around the new window. At LaMoria Construction, we install a wide range of high-quality windows with excellent energy-saving features. Our experienced team will help you choose the right windows for your specific needs and budget, then ensure that they are installed correctly. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how energy-efficient windows can transform your home.