How to find
the best energy
efficient windows for your home
Looking for
the best replacement windows?
 Selecting
the best energy efficient windows for your home requires doing some
homework.
Carefully considerations should be made taking
into account all the different window technologies available on the
market today.
There are several important factors to consider
before you can choose the best replacement windows for your home.
Regional
Climate
The
U.S Department of Energy, by way of its Energy Star Program, has
designated four
separate U.S climate zones with regard to overall window
energy efficiency.
Different climates have varying insulation and
home comfort needs.
So finding the best replacement windows
for your home will largely depend on which region in the U.S you live
in.
Window
energy efficiency ratings
The National Fenestration
Rating Council, or the NFRC, is the
only
independent non profit organization with a developed and recognized
national energy performance rating system for windows, doors and
skylights.
All NFRC tested and approved home windows are
labeled. And located on the NFRC label are ratings for key efficiency
performance measurements.
Measurements such as U-Factor
and Solar Heat Gain, are key factors with that determine
overall window
energy efficiency. All
consumers should familiarize themselves with these ratings.
Double
paned windows & Triple paned
windows
In most existing homes in America, windows are the
largest source of wasted energy. This is due in large part to
traditional single glass windows that are in well over 50% of American
homes today.
Double
paned windows reduce heat loss and gain because
these units come equipped with two separate glass layers along with a
vacuumed and sealed insulating air space between them.
Triple
glazed windows have three layers of glass and two
separate vacuumed and sealed insulating air gaps, instantly improving
overall window energy efficiency and making them some of the best
energy efficient windows currently available.
Window
glazing and coating
Manufactures are using energy saving treatments to even
further
insulate double paned and triple paned windows. There are several low
emittance coatings, or low
E glazing, developed to further
reduce costly heat loss and heat gain.
Some
energy star windows even go further
Some of the best energy efficient windows take
even further steps to insulate the air spaces between the multiple
panes, or layers of glass.
Gas
filled windows come with non toxic and odorless
gases injected between the panes, improving overall window energy
efficiency.
Depending on your budget, energy star windows with
both low e glazing and insulating gases may be the best energy
efficient replacement windows for you.
The
window frame is important also!
When selecting the best energy efficient windows
for your home keep in mind that the window frame doesnt just serve a
cosmetic or an aesthetic purpose. Which window
frame material you choose will have an impact on
your home heating and cooling bills.
Energy
star windows and operating styles
When purchasing a window unit its important to
note that there are several operating
styles
to choose from. And some of these varying styles
open and seal very differently than others.
Whether you choose a double hung or a horizontal
slide model can also have an effect on your heating or cooling bills.
Proper
installation is also important
Energy savings minded home owners should also consider that how
replacement windows are installed is important as well. There are
several different techniques used when installing
replacement windows and which installation method used can
determine
overall energy efficiency.
Keep in
mind
Replacement windows are truely long term
investments that will take
years to eventually pay for themselves.
With that said, the right
combination of energy
saving window treatments and
coverings can
significantly reduce costly heat loss and heat gain at the window
immediately.
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