Is a window replacement project in your near future? With energy bills continuing to increase, it’s vital to explore your window replacement options before you begin your makeover.
Related: See How Impact Windows Maximize Energy Savings
You may be thinking to yourself: “What do my windows have to do with my electric or gas bills?”
On average, Americans spend up to $2,500 a year* on this expense. Plus, 45 percent of that cost* is due to heating and cooling. If you pay this amount or more, your windows and doors may be the cause. Older windows and doors may leak air, forcing your heater or air conditioner to run longer and more frequently.
Below are some opportunities to think about as you enter your remodel journey.
1. Understand the Difference Between Impact Windows and Non-Impact Windows
When you are considering an upgrade or are building a new home, you have two window types to examine:
Impact
These windows and doors are assembled with heavy-duty frames and impact-resistant laminated glass. There are 2 panes of laminated glass sandwiched with a clear interlayer in the middle. The glass may crack from outside elements, but the interlayer ensures that the glass remains adhered to its frame. This prevents debris or shards of glass from entering your home. In addition to protection from severe weather, impact windows…
- Help lower outside noises.
- Deter would-be intruders.
- Can lower insurances premiums and increase your home’s value.
How Impact Affects Energy Savings: Impact windows and doors with vinyl frames are often built with thick, multi-chamber frames that deliver energy efficiency. This means that upgraded options help enhance these windows’ energy performance even more.
Related: Learn How Impact Offers Storm Protection
Non-impact
This type typically includes one pane of glass that can be heat strengthened for more support. If this glass breaks, outside elements are likely to enter your home. In the event of a hurricane, an additional layer of protection like shutters or plywood would be necessary to help safeguard your property. Essentially, extra investments that alter your home’s appearance would be needed.
How Non-Impact Affects Energy Savings: In order to experience energy efficiency benefits, you would most likely need to upgrade to energy-efficient options.
2. Add a Low-E Glass Coating
Before we explain how Low-E works, let’s discuss some initial terms you should know:
- U-Factor – This energy-efficiency rating measures how well a window or door is at keeping the heat inside the property. Lower numbers mean better heat retention.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – This rating measures a window or door’s ability to keep heat out of the property. Lower numbers mean that less air is coming into the home.
A Low-E glass coating drops both U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient values. In other words, Low-E deflects solar heat gain and keeps unwanted heat out of your home—while allowing the visible light to fill your room.
In addition to energy savings, this window replacement option protects your furniture from harmful UV rays that cause fading.
3. Install Argon Gas
Double-pane, triple-pane, or laminated insulated glass windows can be filled with argon gas since each section of the window has more than one layer of glass with sealed space in between. Adding argon gas to these spaces slows down the transfer of heat, which means that argon gas helps add further insulation to a room while reflecting outside heat.
If you are worried about potential toxins, do not fret. Argon gas is also colorless, odorless, and not harmful.
Related: Find an Authorized Impact Dealer in Your Area
The science behind energy efficiency can feel overwhelming during the research stage of window replacement projects. We hope this guide assists you in quickly identifying which options can help lower your energy bills for years to come.
