How Energy-Efficient Windows Work

Nowadays, when homeowners are looking to have replacement windows installed, energy efficiency is a chief concern. That's because they know the more energy efficient their homes are, the less their HVAC system will have to work in order to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, which can lead to long-time savings on their energy bills. So, what makes a window energy efficient, and how do energy-efficient windows work? Well, energy-efficient windows are windows that are specially equipped with certain features that promote energy efficiency. Each feature has its own unique benefits that enhance the window's energy efficiency in different ways. The following are different energy-efficient features that come with many energy-efficient windows:

Low-E Glass

Low-E glass or low-emissivity glass is a type of glass that is designed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can penetrate through the glass of your window. This type of glass is covered in a thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat, while still letting natural light flood into your home. This coating will help keep your home at a consistent temperature by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside of your home instead of allowing them to escape.

Multiple Panes of Glass

When the energy efficiency of your windows is a major concern of yours, you'll want windows that come with multiple panes of glass. As the name implies, double- or triple-pane windows are windows that come with either two or three panes of glass. These panes of glass are separated by spaces that are filled with air. These spaces help to trap cold temperatures or heat, depending on the outside weather, between the panes and stop it from affecting the interior temperature of your home.

Argon Gas Fills

Argon gas is a natural, non-toxic, colorless, and odorless gas that is commonly used to increase the energy efficiency of windows. This type of gas is used to fill the spaces between the glass panes in double- and triple-pane windows and its purpose is to slow the transfer of heat through the window. Argon gas fills are a better option than just having air in between these panes because air contains moisture that can condense on the inside of the glass, making the window cloudy, whereas argon gas does not.

Spacer Systems

Spacers are an important part of every window. They are what separates the multiple panes of glass inside double- and triple-pane windows. They provide the windows with structural integrity as well as with a thermal and moisture seal that will help to enhance the windows' overall thermal performance. They are bonded to the glass panes with seals that help to form an airtight cavity within the glazing of the window. They can soak up any moisture that gets into your window and help to prevent condensation from forming inside the cavity. They also help to manage stress that is caused by changes in temperature and pressure.

Window Frame Material

The material that your window frame is made of also plays a large role in the overall energy efficiency of your windows because the frames make up about 25% of the windows' overall area. When looking for a window that will provide exceptional energy efficiency, you'll want to find one that has a window frame that is thermally non-conductive. The best energy-efficient window frames are ones that are made out of vinyl or wood, and it's a good idea to stay away from aluminum frames because they typically are poor energy performers.

High-Quality Energy-Efficient Windows Available from Expo Home Improvement

At Expo Home Improvement, we offer a variety of top-of-the-line vinyl replacement windows that provide exceptional energy efficiency. Our windows are coated with Low-E glass, have multiple panes, are filled with argon gas, and have glass seal spacers, all of which are designed to provide the ultimate in energy efficiency. What's more, all of our windows are ENERGY STAR® certified, which is a government-backed label given to windows that meet strict energy-efficient guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

To learn more about the energy-efficient windows we have available to homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Central Texas areas, contact the experts at Expo Home Improvement today.