The Complete Guide to Energy-Efficient Windows
These days, when building or remodeling a home, there are a few things that are important. One, you want to make sure the workmanship is high quality, and two, you should ensure the energy rating is efficient. Having an energy-efficient home is crucial for a number of reasons.
It can help save you money, it is better for the planet, and it is also a means of future-proofing your home. There are a number of different features you can add and areas you can focus on to increase your home’s energy rating. One of these is energy-efficient windows.
Energy-efficient windows come in many different forms and levels of energy efficiency. If you’d like to learn a little bit more about this vitally important feature, read on for a crash course.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
As is briefly touched upon above, energy-efficient windows have a number of benefits when installed in a home. Around 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows. This figure can go up or down, depending on the type of window in question and any window treatments that may have been added.
This is not an insignificant number and can have a big impact on a home’s overall energy spending. When a home has windows that are sufficiently energy-efficient, impressive savings can be made on utilities such as heating bills. Putting money aside for a moment, energy-efficient windows are also far more environmentally friendly than older models without such provisions.
A Guide to Energy-Efficient Window Terms
Energy efficiency can be measured by a number of different metrics. When choosing between windows, there are a few different terms you will need to know. U-Value and SHGC are among the most important.
A U-Value measures the rate of heat transfer a window allows. A good U-Value rating for a window is anywhere from 0.25 and 1.25. The lower a window’s U-Value, the more insulation it provides.
SHGC stands for solar heat gain coefficient and it refers to the solar radiation emitted through a window. The range for an SHGC value is between 1 and 0, but the ideal number for your specific home will depend on the climate you live in. A location-based guide can be found on the Energy Star website.
Good Windows for Energy Efficiency
If you would like to find the most energy-efficient windows available, the Energy Star website is a great resource. There are also certain types of windows that naturally lend themselves to being more energy-efficient.
For example, fixed windows that do not open will keep in more heat than ones that do. Having windows that are double-glazed or triple-glazed will also up their energy efficiency. There are also treatments, such as Low-E insulating glass that, that help to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The Best Windows for Your Home
Every build is different, of course, so a certain style of windows may not suit every type of house. However, keeping the above terms and features in mind when choosing energy-efficient windows will help to ensure you find ones that are right for you—and right for the environment, too. If you have any questions about building a more energy-efficient home, feel free to get in touch now.