Energy-Efficient Windows – Making the Right Choice for Your Home
For most homeowners, the choice to replace or update their old windows is motivated by a desire to improve energy efficiency. While energy-efficient windows improve the comfort of your home, they can also help homeowners reduce the cost of utilities and limit their carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency – 5 Factors
When selecting energy-efficient windows, keep these five factors in mind:
- Insulated Glass
Homeowners can choose between dual-pane, single-pane, and triple-pane. How do they rank? Double-pane provides twice the insulation of single-pane, while triple-pane glass offers maximal energy efficiency. Insulating properties can be enhanced and thermal transfer can be limited, thanks to the addition of argon gas between panes.
- Window Coatings
You may want to improve energy efficiency with special low-emissivity glass coatings that match each window’s location. This thermal protection layer sits inside insulating glass. It can:
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- Block harmful UV rays
- Reduce summer heat and retain interior cooling
- Reflect winter cold and retain interior heat
- Installation Methods
We cannot overemphasize the importance of a quality window installation. This will help prevent air infiltration, as well as costly water damage. Incorrect installations may cause your windows to malfunction and lead to costly repairs in future. Pella consultants will be able to help you identify signs of improper installations.
- Window Frames
The material that makes up your window frame will also affect energy efficiency. Pella offers several window series made with the following materials:
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- Wood windows provide outstanding insulation, transferring little heat or cold into your home.
- Fiberglass materials are durable and provide an energy efficiency similar to wood. They do not warp or become brittle as seasons change; fiberglass is therefore an excellent choice for homes in Quebec.
- Vinyl frames are multi chambered, which limits heat loss. They can therefore provide energy efficiency and are often selected for their low-maintenance properties.
- Geographical Location
Before choosing your window material, glass and coatings, climate and geographical location must be considered. Pella provides a range of special glass collections, each adapted to a range of climates.
What About Energy-Efficient Certifications and Labels?
Look for windows with ENERGY STAR® and NFRC labels. These will have undergone stringent tests to meet performance standards.
For all your requirements and questions, a Pella consultant can help you sort through these options and select the features that would provide optimal energy efficiency for your home. Whether you are in the market for replacement windows or just looking to improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows, our team is here for you.