How To Choose the Best Energy-Efficient Windows for Your Home
If you’re experiencing drafts or temperature fluctuations in your home, or if you just have outdated or broken windows in need of replacement, energy efficiency should be a top concern. Energy-efficient replacement windows not only make your living space more comfortable year-round but also help you save on utility bills while reducing your environmental footprint. To help you choose the best energy-efficient windows for your home’s unique needs, here are four of the top considerations.
More Glass Panes, More Savings
The number of glass panes in your new windows plays a significant role in determining their overall energy efficiency. While single-pane windows were once the standard, they offer minimal protection from heat loss or gain, leading to higher energy bills and less consistent indoor temperatures. Today, double-pane windows and even triple-pane windows are the preferred choice of energy-conscious homeowners.
More layers of glass provide greater insulation by reducing heat transfer. The multi-pane design creates pockets of air — spaces typically filled by inert gasses for even greater efficiency — which acts as a natural buffer against outdoor temperatures. This reduces the strain on your HVAC system and helps cut energy bills. While triple-pane windows are ideal for homeowners who experience extreme summers or winters, double-pane windows are generally the best-value option, especially in moderate climates like Orange County.
Know Your Gasses
While the number of glass panes is important, what’s between those panes matters, too. Most energy-efficient double-pane windows contain an insulating gas such as argon or krypton between the glass layers. These gasses are denser than air and, therefore, are much better at reducing the transfer of heat.
Argon is one of the most commonly used gasses for double-pane windows, offering excellent performance at a reasonable cost. Six times denser than air, argon is extremely effective at reducing heat transfer. Krypton, six times denser than argon, provides even greater insulating properties. However, it’s also more expensive. Due to its extreme density and effectiveness, krypton is typically used for triple-pane windows, where the space between each pane is smaller.
Consider Window Coating Options
Even with the most robust double-pane and triple-pane windows, direct sunlight will still cause some amount of heat transfer or UV damage, even if its much less than with single-pane options. Luckily, specialized glass coatings offer even further protection from the sun’s rays.
The most effective and common window coating is low-E, or low-emissivity. This virtually invisible layer reflects heat while still allowing visible light to pass through, keeping your home bright while helping to prevent heat transfer. Since low-E coatings also block the sun’s UV rays, they’ll help protect your furniture and flooring from fading over time, making them a great investment for any home in a sunny climate.
Don’t Forget the Window Frame Material
While glass technology is crucial, the material that frames your windows also affects energy performance. Common window frame materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass.
Each frame material has its own strengths when it comes to energy efficiency. For instance, wood frames offer a degree of natural insulation, but they require more maintenance, whereas vinyl frames provide good insulation and durability with minimal maintenance. Fiberglass frames are also preferred for their energy efficiency, durability, and resistance to warping or fading, although they come with a higher price tag. Aluminum frames are budget-friendly, but they tend to conduct more heat.
When choosing the frame material for your replacement windows, it’s important to balance energy efficiency with other factors like design style, cost, and the specific requirements of your home’s architecture.
At Golden Glass, we provide Orange County residents with cutting-edge, energy-efficient custom window solutions. From fabrication to installation, our family-run business will work with you every step of the way to bring your vision to life on time and within budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your next residential window repair or replacement project, or give us a call at 800-64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!