What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?

When it comes to purchasing replacement windows, there are a lot of elements to consider, such as style, color, material, and pricing. However one aspect that must not be overlooked is the overall energy efficiency of the new windows.  Many things go into making a window energy efficient, but three major factors are the glass, the window material, and the installation process.

Window Glass

Many people immediately think of glass when thinking about energy efficiency, and glass does indeed have a large role in determining the overall insulation of the product. Windows used to be predominately single-pane pieces of glass, but most modern windows now include two panes of glass to increase energy efficiency. These double-paned windows typically have a gas (often argon or krypton) in between the panes, which slows the transfer of heat and cold through the window. Glass also usually comes tinted with a low-e (short for low-emissivity) coating, which helps reflect out sunlight and further insulate the window. There are different options for glass (including additional low-e coatings, triple-paned glass, and more), so it is important to find the right solution for your home depending on your needs and the climate you live in.

Window Material

The material a window is made of can impact both its energy efficiency and its overall longevity, with different materials having pluses and minuses depending on your needs. Fiberglass windows are very energy efficient because the fiberglass material is resistant to changes in the weather, however, these windows can be more expensive than others. Wood windows are also energy efficient but can be susceptible to weather changes and wear over time, which can decrease energy efficiency years down the road. Vinyl windows can expand when the weather gets hot or shrink when the weather gets cold, both of which could hinder the overall efficiency of the window. But many vinyl windows are now manufactured with reinforcements to stabilize the window, so it withstands weather changes just as well as other window materials. It is important to consider your material options and know how these factors could affect your overall satisfaction with the new window.

Window Installation

No matter what kind of window you purchase, the installation plays a major role in the efficiency of your window and the success of your project as a whole. It is crucial to find a window installation partner that insulates correctly and installs a window the proper way, as this will ensure not just energy efficiency but also proper operation for years. A well-manufactured window will not perform the way it is intended to if the window is not properly installed. At HEGG, we pride ourselves on our all-employee installation teams and we back our work with a 100-Year Installation Warranty, so we take special care to install windows and doors with the care and expertise required.

Replacing your windows should be a once or twice-in-a-lifetime project, so it is important to find the right solution for your home. Energy efficiency is a major reason why homeowners choose to replace their windows, and window glass, material, and installation techniques are three major factors affecting the overall efficiency of a window. At HEGG Windows and Doors, we work closely with homeowners to identify the right solution for their home, and we offer a variety of energy-efficient solutions for your window or door project. Ready to learn more? Click here to request an estimate.