Photo By tapui at istock

What do you think about when you think about the windows in your home? Actually, you probably don’t think about them at all, except when they’re dirty and difficult to see through. Your windows are more than something to look through, whether you live in Oahu, HI or on the mainland.

First and foremost, your home windows help control how much money you spend on energy. Your windows can help you save money, or they can cost you money.

Look at Your Windows, Not Through Them

There are two ways windows can cost you money. First is, air leaks. If you live in Oahu, HIthe cold air on the inside is leaking out while the hot air on the outside leaks in. Because Hawaii has a climate that primarily requires cooling, the loss of air conditioning due to leaking is a major concern. It will not only force your HVAC unit to work harder it will use more energy, which is money out of your pocket.

Second is the heat that can enter your home through your windows. If your home windows don’t have proper coating and reflectivity, heat will be pouring into your home through each window directly hit by the sun.

According to Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program that helps home and business owners save money through energy efficiency, you could save between $101 and $583 per year by replacing your windows with energy efficient windows. You would also save up to 6,205 pounds of carbon dioxide. That’s the equivalent of up to 317 gallons of gasoline. This is especially true if your windows are more than 10 years old.

What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficient Home Windows?

Energy efficient windows are especially important in Hawaii. Our climate requires air conditioning throughout the year. You’ll benefit from energy savings, your windows will look better, you’ll be more comfortable in your home, and your property will be protected from sun damage. Here’s a deeper look at your benefits.

But first, let’s talk about Low-E windows. Low-E is an abbreviation for low emissivity. That means these windows minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that enters your home without minimizing the amount of light coming through the window. These windows are 70% more energy efficient in the summer than other windows.

The Low-E windows feature a microscopically thin, transparent coating that reflects heat outside your home. Inside your home, it keeps the interior temperature inside.

Energy Savings

Energy efficient windows will save you money because your HVAC system won’t have to compensate for air leakage through your home windows. How much you can save depends upon the type of window you’re replacing. Hawaiians primarily use air conditioning because of the climate, which means your savings would be between seven and 31% of your annual energy bill.

Less Condensation

That transparent coating on the Low-E windows is a thin coating of metal. Seriously. It’s about as thick as a human hair. Which is why you can see through it. This coating will reduce condensation which means you’ll be able to look at the beauty of Hawaii through a clear window.

More Comfortable

Energy efficient windows are made to eliminate drafts. In Oahu, HI, that draft is likely going to be hot air. These drafts are the biggest complaint about older, non-efficient windows.

Lower HVAC Costs 

Energy efficient windows eliminate drafts and air leaks. In turn, this will result in less peak cooling loads. This means you can use a small HVAC unit which will save you even more money.

More Light 

Low-E windows don’t need to be tinted in order to keep ultraviolet and infrared light out of your home. Over three-fourths of the ultraviolet and infrared light entering your home is converted to heat. The Low-E coating means your home will be cooler and have more light coming through the windows.

Less Property Damage

When you keep the ultraviolet and infrared light out of your home, you are doing more than keeping your home cooler. You’re protecting your property, as well. That type of light will fade and ultimately destroy fabric on your furniture, your artwork, paper, wooden furniture, and your carpet.

What Types of Home Windows Are Best in Hawaii?

Your home windows here are subject to constant attack by the sun, salt air and humidity. You’ve made a good choice by selecting energy efficient windows. There are also a variety of window types from which to choose.

Casement

These are the types of windows you can crank open for ventilation. They can be installed just about anywhere in your home. They come in a wide variety of patterns, finishes, hardware styles, and grilles.

Sliding & Gliding

The easiest window to operate. Slide the window and it glides open as little or as much as you’d like. Sunburst by Anderson Hawaii is the area’s exclusive dealer in sliding & gliding windows.

Double Hung 

These windows have two functioning sashes so you can select ventilation on top, on the bottom or with both. Each sash operates independently from the other which makes cleaning easy.

Picture

These give you more glass, less frame, so you can see more through these windows. A picture window will be the focal point of any room.

Awning

These are perfect if you love to open your home windows to the rain. They tilt outward from the bottom, so the water stays out and the island breeze comes in. These windows can be installed just about anywhere in your home.

Bow & Bay

Perfect to enhance your home. Either style will increase your viewing space and add character. These windows extend outward, giving an illusion of additional space and light.

Sunburst Windows by Anderson Hawaii

Replacing your home windows is made easy by the experts at Sunburst Windows by Anderson. Call them. They provide quality craftsmanship, expert design and a custom fit. Whether you need a unique, custom window or standard sized home windows, click on RBA Hawaii for more information.