Best Energy-Efficient Windows

When purchasing windows, it used to be common practice to just find the most attractive windows to add style and curb appeal to your home. However, nowadays the energy efficiency of windows is the most important factor for many homeowners because they know that these windows can significantly cut down their energy bills. If you're in the market for new windows, you're probably looking for the best energy-efficient windows available. So, how do you know which ones are the most energy efficient? While it's hard to pinpoint a particular style or brand, there are a number of factors to consider, including the material a window is made of and the features built into the glass that will help you decide if the window is energy efficient.

Choose the Right Window Frame Material

There are a number of different window frame materials out there, the most common being vinyl, wood, and aluminum. If you're looking for the most energy efficient option, you can forget about aluminum window frames because they are the least energy-efficient frames of the three. Now you'll have to decide between wood and vinyl, and this decision is a much harder one. Both are very energy-efficient but there are a few other factors to consider that will affect your choice. Although wood windows provide the best insulative value, they require much more upkeep than vinyl and if you live in a rainy or humid climate, wood windows can rot. Vinyl, on the other hand, is almost as energy efficient as wood, and barely requires any upkeep, making it a great option.

Look for Energy-Efficient Features in the Glass

While the material that a window frame is made out of is important, the energy-efficient features of the glass play the biggest role in how energy efficient the window is. When you're shopping around for windows, check to see if they come with the following energy-efficient features:

• Low-E Glass - This type of glass is designed to reflect UV light, which will not only help to keep your home cooler, but also will help to prevent the fading of your drapes, carpet, and furniture.
• Multiple panes of glass - Having two or three panes of glass in your window will add additional barriers between the inside of your home and the outdoors, making it easier for your home to maintain a constant temperature.
• Argon gas fills - Filling the spaces between the panes of glass with argon gas will help to prevent convection and minimize heat transfer through the window.
• Glass spacers - Glass spacers will inhibit air infiltration, reduce condensation, and improve your windows thermal efficiency.

Additionally, when shopping for windows, you should look to see if they have been ENERGY STAR® certified. This is a government-backed certification given to windows that meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency. If you see this label, you can be sure that the windows you are getting will be very energy efficient.

Installation Is Key

No matter how many energy-efficient features your new windows come with, if they're not installed correctly, they will not perform as effectively as they should. That's why it's always important to find an experienced contractor who specializes in window installation. Before hiring anybody to install your new windows, you should find out how experienced they are and what type of training they've had. It's also a good idea to only use a company that has full-time employees, not subcontractors, because they are often more trustworthy and will be held to a higher standard.

For all of your window needs, there's no better company to work with than Expo Home Improvement. Contact us today to learn about the energy-efficient window options we have available.