Do New Windows Really Save Energy?
In many cases, yes, they do! Energy savings will vary depending on the specific features included with your new windows, but recent technological advancements mean that today’s replacement windows are generally much more energy efficient than those of the past. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR® windows could save an average household approximately $126 to $465 per year. Not only can new windows potentially lower your heating and cooling costs, but replacing your existing windows with energy-efficient models could also improve comfort levels, minimize noise pollution, and keep your furnishings from becoming faded by the sun.
What to Look for in New Windows
If energy efficiency is a prime concern for you (as it is for many homeowners!), there are certain features that you’ll want to keep an eye out for when shopping for replacement windows. Pay attention to the:
Number of Panes
Many older windows were built with just one layer of glass. Additional layers provide better insulation, so today’s energy-efficient windows often come with dual- and even triple-pane options. What’s more, when windows are built with two or more panes, manufacturers can fill the space between the panes with an inert gas like argon or krypton for even greater insulation.
Glass Coatings
Some replacement windows feature Low-E (short for “low-emissivity”) glass. This type of glass has a thin, transparent coating that reflects infrared light (which is felt as heat) and ultraviolet light (which can damage your furnishings), but not visible light. So, on a hot summer day, Low-E windows will keep your home cool and comfortable while still bathing the interior with lots of natural sunlight.
Frame Material
Although window frames don’t take up as much surface area as the panes themselves, they can still allow for a considerable amount of heat transfer if they’re not designed with energy efficiency in mind. To minimize the amount of heat entering into your home and escaping out of it, choose a frame material that isn’t a good thermal conductor. Because metals are so conductive, you’ll want to opt for vinyl, wood, or fiberglass frames rather than aluminum ones.
ENERGY STAR® Rating
Replacement windows and other household products can earn ENERGY STAR® certification if they meet strict standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy.
Once you’ve chosen the windows that you want to have installed, you’ll need to select a reputable company to install them. Even the most energy-efficient windows won’t perform as intended if they’re installed incorrectly, so it’s important to hire a team that knows what they’re doing.
Energy-Efficient Windows in Tampa, Orlando & Fort Myers
If you’re in need of energy-efficient replacement windows in Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, or a surrounding area, turn to the home improvement professionals at Morgan Exteriors. We skillfully install energy-efficient vinyl windows and hurricane windows from trusted manufacturers like Simonton and PGT. Our standard vinyl windows satisfy ENERGY STAR® guidelines throughout the whole country thanks to impressive features like ¾-inch insulated glass, Low-E coatings, pane spacers, and optional argon fills. The Simonton hurricane windows we carry filter up to 99% of UV rays, and our hurricane windows from PGT come with various energy-efficient options, like glass tinting and high-performance Low-E coatings. Contact us today if you’d like to arrange a complimentary in-home consultation.
