When it comes to your home, one of the most important things you can do is make it energy efficient. There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient, but one of the best ways is to upgrade your windows. Energy efficient windows differ from ordinary windows in several ways, and these differences can greatly impact your energy bills. Here’s a closer look at how these windows differ from ordinary ones.

Construction

One of the biggest differences between energy efficient windows and ordinary windows is how they are constructed. This includes:

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass

Low-E glass is specially coated to reflect heat, whether it’s the heat from the sun’s rays or the heat generated inside your home. That means your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which leads to lower energy bills all year round. Ordinary windows do not have these coatings, meaning they do not provide as much insulation for your home.

Multiple Panes of Glass

While most ordinary windows only have a single pane of glass, energy efficient windows will often have 2 or 3 panes of glass. This helps to create a barrier against heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. That extra layer of glass helps insulate your home against temperature extremes, reducing energy costs.

Gas Fill between Panes of Glass

Another difference between energy-efficient and ordinary windows is how they are filled with gas. Most energy efficient windows are filled with argon or krypton gas, further improving their insulating properties. This gas fill helps to reduce heat transfer further and increases the window’s overall efficiency. Ordinary windows are typically not filled with gas, so they do not provide as much insulation.

Warm-Edge Spacer System

The spacer system holds all of the panes of glass together in a window unit. In most ordinary windows, this spacer system is made of metal, easily absorbing heat and cold. However, in energy efficient windows, this spacer system is usually made of a material like silicone, which has much better insulating properties. This helps to reduce heat transfer further and makes the window more energy efficient.

The Frame

Energy efficient windows also have high-quality frames that further improve their insulating properties. Wood and fiberglass are excellent materials for window frames because they are strong and durable yet very good at trapping heat (or cold). That means less heat transfer through the window frame, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on energy bills.

Energy Star Ratings

Energy Star is a government-sponsored program that rates appliances and other products for energy efficiency. To earn an Energy Star rating, a window must meet strict guidelines for several ratings, including:

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how effectively a window prevents unwanted solar heat gain in your house—in other words, how well it keeps your home cool in the summertime. The lower the SHGC rating, the better—and most energy efficient windows will have an SHGC rating significantly lower than an ordinary window.

U-Factor

The U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping through its frame and glass. The lower the U-factor, the better insulated the window is—therefore, it is more energy efficient. When shopping for new windows, look for those with a U-factor of 0 .30 or less for optimal energy efficiency. Ordinary windows typically have a U-factor of 0.50 or higher.

Visible Transmittance

Visible transmittance indicates how much light is allowed to pass through a window. The higher the VT, the brighter your Oahu, HI, home will be during daylight hours (which can help you save on lighting costs). However, you don’t want too much light coming in, as this can make your home uncomfortably hot during the summer months. That’s why it’s important to choose an energy efficient window with a VT that suits your needs and climate.

Other Crucial Differences

Condensation Resistance Rating (CRR)

Energy efficient windows also have a high condensation resistance rating, which means they’re less likely to “sweat” in humid conditions than ordinary windows—a common problem in bathrooms and kitchens with high moisture levels. A good CRR helps keep your home more comfortable and can also help prevent mold and mildew growth around your windows.

Air Infiltration Rating

The air infiltration rating measures how well a window prevents air from leaking in or out of your home. A good air infiltration rating is important for two reasons: first, because it helps keep your home more comfortable by reducing drafts; second, it helps keep your HVAC system from working overtime (which can save you money on your energy bills).

Consider These Factors When Choosing Windows to Help Conserve Energy

Energy efficient windows offer significant advantages over their less efficient counterparts—advantages that can lead to real savings on your energy bills yearly! If you’re looking for new windows for your home, be sure to ask about these features that set energy efficient models apart from ordinary ones. Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you!

However, some of the above features have technical jargon that a layperson may not understand. Therefore, if you are planning to install energy-efficient windows in your home, it would be best to consult a professional in Oahu, HI, who can guide you through the process and ensure that you get the right windows for your needs.

We Are the Professionals to Call

If you are interested in energy-efficient windows in Oahu, HI, please call us today at Sunburst Windows & Patio Doors. Our team of experts would be more than happy to help you select the right windows for your home and install them properly so that you can start saving money on your energy bills right away! We also offer window replacement and repair services. Therefore, you can trust us to handle any window needs you have. Give us a call today to learn more!

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