What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?

If you’re researching replacement windows, you’ve no doubt come across comparisons for different windows’ energy efficiency. But, this broad term is often used to mean many different things, and all the sales jargon can get a bit overwhelming. At See-Thru Windows, Doors & Home Improvements, we’ve been working with customers for decades, so we’ve met many that are often unsure what exactly makes a window energy-efficient. This page should help you get a better understanding.

How Do Windows Lose Energy?

To best answer the question, “What makes a window energy-efficient?,” it can be helpful to first explain the different ways that a window can lose energy. The simplest way that windows waste energy is via drafts, which can make your HVAC unit work overtime by allowing conditioned air to escape and letting in outside air. Another important way that windows waste energy is when it is transferred through the glass, such as when condensation or frost forms on your windows or when light heats up your home’s interior. Energy is also wasted when transferred through the window frame itself.

Hinged Windows

Hinged windows, including awning, casement, and hopper styles, offer enhanced energy efficiency due to their unique construction. A key feature of these windows is how the sash closes by pressing tightly against the frame. This design significantly reduces air leakage compared to sliding or double-hung windows which contain two sashes that merely overlap. This tighter seal helps maintain the interior climate, making these windows particularly effective at reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. Moreover, hinged windows can be strategically opened to optimize natural ventilation, further contributing to energy savings by reducing the need for mechanical cooling.

Fixed Windows

Fixed windows, often called picture windows, greatly contribute to energy efficiency in homes due to their non-operable design. This type of window does not open or close, which might seem like a drawback in terms of usability, but is highly beneficial for energy conservation. The absence of opening mechanisms allows these windows to maintain an unbroken seal around their edges. This impenetrable seal prevents air leaks and drafts, significant issues that can affect the energy performance of a home by allowing heated or cooled air to escape. As a result, fixed windows are particularly effective for maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. They are ideally suited for areas in a home where ventilation is not a priority, or in combinations with other windows to boost the overall insulation of the space, thus reducing the energy load on heating and cooling systems.

 

Fighting Energy Loss

So, now that you understand some of the more common ways that windows can waste energy, you’re probably wondering how new replacement windows combat them. While there are dozens of ways to approach window energy efficiency, some of the most common and effective solutions include:

Frame and Glass Insulation

Adding insulation to the frame and glazing of a window is a great way to improve its energy efficiency. For frames, insulation is straightforward—insulative foam or backing is added to the internal cavities of the frame, drastically improving its thermal performance and helping keep energy inside the home. To insulate glass, multiple panes are installed, which are then filled with a transparent, inert gas that helps slow thermal transfer. For instance, comparing different types of insulated windows, triple-pane windows offer a total of five layers of insulation — each pane of glass plus the layers of insulating gas between them. This is two more layers than what you find in dual-pane windows, and four more than in single-pane windows, thereby significantly enhancing the energy efficiency. These additional layers help to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, making your home more comfortable and reducing energy costs

Glass Coatings

Low-E glass coatings and other applications are aimed at stopping one thing: UV radiation. The great thing about these coatings is that they’re completely transparent, so they don’t affect the view out of your window, but they do block a portion of harmful light from entering your home. That has the effect of creating less thermal transfer and also prolonging the life of your furniture, floors, and wall art.

Careful Installation

All of the technological bells and whistles of windows mean nothing if the windows are installed poorly. Not only does a good installation prolong the life of your windows, it will also have a huge influence on how well they perform over the years. When window contractors go the extra mile, even less expensive windows can perform better for longer. By the same token, contractors that don’t try very hard can take years of functionality away from your replacement windows, so it’s important to choose a team you can trust.

Meet Our Team to Discuss Your Windows Energy-Efficiency

At See-Thru Windows, Doors & Home Improvements, we strive to be the kind of window contractor that you can rely on to provide windows that last for decades. We’ve been working with homeowners throughout Maryland since 1994, so you can trust in our expertise and sterling reputation when it comes time to upgrade your home with replacement windows.

To find out more about our products or schedule a consultation, contact See-Thru Windows today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the different types of windows that increase energy efficiency?

Different types of windows can enhance the energy efficiency of a home

1. Fixed Windows: These windows do not open and are sealed, reducing air leaks and increasing insulation.

2. Hinged Windows: This type can be opened for ventilation yet seals tightly when closed, offering both usability and energy conservation.

3. ENERGY STAR® Windows: These windows meet strict energy performance standards set by the EPA and help reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Insulated Windows: Featuring two or more glass panes spaced apart, these windows provide excellent insulation, minimizing heat transfer.

5. Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Windows: These windows have a thin coating that reflects heat, keeping indoor spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

6. Lifestyle Series Windows: Tailored for specific regional needs and preferences, these windows can be customized for optimal energy efficiency.

Choosing the right type of window with appropriate features can greatly contribute to a home’s overall energy efficiency. Engaging with a local expert, like a See-Thru representative, and looking for the ENERGY STAR label are excellent strategies to ensure you select the best windows for your setting.

How do Lifestyle Series windows by See-Thru prioritize energy efficiency?

Lifestyle Series windows by See-Thru are engineered with energy conservation at the forefront. These windows utilize wood frames that naturally insulate, reducing heat loss and energy consumption. Additionally, they are equipped with triple-pane glass that further enhances their efficiency. The combination of these materials and construction techniques results in windows that are 83% more energy efficient than standard models. Such high-performance features ensure that the Lifestyle Series windows not only comply with but also surpass ENERGY STAR requirements across all 50 states.

What is the significance of ENERGY STAR windows in improving energy efficiency?

ENERGY STAR certified windows play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings by meeting strict government standards tailored to regional climate conditions. These windows are evaluated on various performance criteria that are similar to those used by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The presence of the ENERGY STAR label indicates that the window has been tested and proven to offer superior energy efficiency in its designated region. For example, windows that are highly effective in managing the intense sunlight in southwestern states might not offer the same level of thermal insulation required for colder northeastern climates. Thus, choosing the correct ENERGY STAR certified window based on geographic specifics is essential for optimizing energy savings and performance.