The last thing that any homeowner wants to do is pay outrageous prices to keep their home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You already know that energy-efficient windows can help lower your utility bills and keep your home toasty, but how exactly do windows save homeowners money?
We’re glad that you asked. The anatomy of an energy-efficient window plays a large role in the performance and is directly related to how much money you can save on your utility bills. In fact, if you choose energy-efficient windows that are certified by Energy Star, you can actually save hundreds of dollars per year on your utility bills. As one of the top window companies in New England, we’ll show you what matters most when it comes to replacement windows and energy savings through every season.
The Urgency of Saving Energy
Have you looked at your energy bills lately? It’s no secret that they are sky-high. In fact, power costs spiked by 85% in New England over the winter.
As energy costs rise, it is more crucial than ever to consider the energy efficiency of your home. Pay attention to every detail for keeping your home cool, including setting your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise.
Perhaps more importantly, how can you make sure that your home stays cool during the 2023 summer season? Farmers’ Almanac is predicting yet another sizzling summer in New England, with temperatures consistently in the 90s and even surpassing 100 degrees F. This means that cooling costs may be incredibly high this year.
By conserving cool air inside your home, you can manage electricity and natural gas bills. Even though natural gas and electricity will cost more, keeping the heat in your home can make a big difference. One way you can keep heat in your home is with energy-efficient windows.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?
When it comes to defining energy-efficient windows, Energy Star serves as the top source. From multiple glass panes to low-e applications, these are some of the building blogs of energy-efficient windows:
- Frames made of a premium vinyl block heat
- The use of double- or triple-paned glass with an argon or krypton gas fill provides better insulation
- Solar-blocking “Low-E” coatings help reduce UV rays, making your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
- Filling frames and sashes with polyurethane foam provides additional insulation
- With tighter seals, air infiltration is the lowest in the industry. This means no drafty windows!
- A high-end, precision-engineered triple weather stripping blocks air and ensures a perfect fit for windows of any size
- During violent weather, heavy-duty cam sweep locks keep sashes in place and provide intruder resistance
Keep in mind that a window’s performance is only as good as its installation. For example, Coastal Windows & Exteriors are recipients of GuildMaster the Award. Builders, remodelers, and home service professionals are recognized through these Service Excellence Awards. GuildQuality’s various award programs honor businesses that exemplify quality in the delivery of exceptional service.
Understanding the Components of Energy Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows function and perform differently than bargain windows that you’ll find from home improvement stores. These windows are mostly mass-produced and don’t contain many of the energy-saving components that are needed to lower utility bills.
When you invest in high-quality windows, they are custom-made to fit the specifications of your home—which helps create an airtight seal during installation. This is one of the keys to how energy-efficient windows help lower your utility bills, whether it’s in the middle of the frigid New England winter or dog days of summer.
Glass Performance Matters
The glass package of energy-efficient replacement windows is essentially the secret sauce behind energy savings.
There are generally two options for glass with residential replacement windows: dual pane and triple pane. Single pane isn’t really an option for residential windows anymore, as they don’t have much to offer in terms of efficiency. Energy-efficient glass pane components include the following:
Dual and Triple Pane Windows Cut Energy Bills
Dual-pane is essentially the industry standard for home windows. Dual pane windows are engineered with two panes of glass with a space in the middle; this is where energy-efficient gases are inserted during the manufacturing process.
For the triple pane, there are three panes of glass instead of two. This provides two chambers to add energy-saving gases to and increases efficiency. Upgrading from single pane to triple pane can yield an energy savings of over $500 per year.
Don’t Forget About Argon, Krypton, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Low-E
The two gases that are responsible for energy savings are argon and krypton. Both of these gases are denser and slower moving than air and they help eliminate heat transfer across the window. Both of these gases are excellent insulators and help increase the R-value of the window.
Furthermore, low-e (low emissivity) glazing helps block the sun’s rays keeping your home cooler in the summer. This special transparent coating minimizes the ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through the glass without compromising the visible light that is transmitted.
Lastly, a good Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating will also help keep your home cool during the summer. The purpose of this technology is to reduce the amount of solar radiation that comes through the window’s glass. The SHGC ratings range between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the less solar heat that your window will transmit.
Minimizing Air Infiltration Keeps New England Homes Comfortable
Poorly designed windows can leak air in many places. Industry-leading windows excel in minimizing air infiltration by incorporating state-of-the-art sill and sash design in addition to premium weatherstripping. Creating an airtight seal can help eliminate air leakage. This is especially important when the winter season arrives. However, air infiltration is a very important factor in the overall efficiency of the window.
Window Contractor in New England: Contact us for a Free Quote
As always, we hope you found this information helpful! If you have any questions about your windows or want more information on ways to save money on your utility bills, contact Stephanie Vanderbilt at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or by calling 978-304-0495.
