Like most homeowners, you are likely always looking for ways to save on your energy utilities and be more comfortable in your home. If this sounds familiar, you are in luck. Investing in top-quality energy-efficient replacement windows for your home will help you to accomplish these goals while also beautifying your property. Homeowners around the country have discovered that the savings they receive on their energy bills is well worth the investment in new windows.
Keeping your home warm in the winter
In most regions of the country, winter means a drop in outdoor temperatures to often frigid levels. A good window will keep the cold outside while you and your family enjoy the warmth that your heating system provides indoors. Replacement windows come in an array of options that better insulate your home and provide relief on your monthly energy utility costs.
Modern replacement windows typically have two or three panes that effectively protect your home from the cold weather outside. Manufacturers fill the space between these panes with krypton or argon gas, which adds a layer of insulation up to nine times more effective than older, single-pane windows.
These windows can be treated with a low-E coating that inhibits the infrared and ultraviolet light that can pass through from the outside and reflect radiant heat into the house. Be sure to look for windows with higher solar heat-gain coefficiency (SHGC) ratings, as they are the most efficient windows to keep your home warm inside.
Ensuring your home stays cool in the summer
If you are concerned about getting the most from your air conditioning system in the summer, there are a few factors to look at. One of the first things to keep in mind when you are considering replacement windows is that vinyl options are made with chambers that allow extra insulation. This extra layer of protection acts to keep the cool air from escaping your home to the outside through the window frame.
The same argon and krypton gas features that keep your home warm in the winter also work to maintain a cool temperature throughout the summer. These odorless and colorless gases that fill the space between window panes are denser than the air around you, which helps to keep the temperature in your house consistent all year long.
The low-E coating that benefits your home when it’s cold outside is another feature that helps you save on energy costs in the summer. This term refers to low emissivity, which reduces the amount of heat that is transferred through the window. As the low-E coating blocks the amount of heat that enters your home through the windows, your air conditioning has less work to do, and your energy bills are reduced.
Selecting the best windows for your home and budget
When you begin the process of choosing replacement windows for your home, there are many questions that you will need to consider. While any replacement window should provide some relief from costly utility bills that result from old, drafty single-pane windows, the range of options and effectiveness is varied.
A few of the basics you will be faced with will affect the cost of the windows you purchase. These options are ideal for homeowners because some are working on a tighter budget than others. Four things you will be considering as you shop for new windows are:
- Operation type
- Spacers and gas fills
- Glazing types
- Type of frame
Although these options can seem overwhelming, there are a few ways to navigate the different types of windows and choose those that are best for you. First, you should always look for the Energy Star rating. More highly rated windows will provide you with better efficiency and savings on your utilities. If you live in a colder climate, choose a window with a lower U-factor, as these windows offer better thermal resistance.
Gas-filled windows with low-E coatings are also great in colder climates, as they reduce heat loss. In warmer regions, the low-E coating will reduce heat gain in the home. In general, you will want to look for “whole unit” SHGCs and U-factors, because they are the best ways to determine the overall energy-efficiency of the window.
The window experts at Able Roof can guide you through the process of selecting the best replacement windows for your central Ohio home. Reach out to us today at (614) 444-2253, and begin the journey to lower energy bills and a more beautiful aesthetic for your home.