PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY

There are many ways you can bump up energy efficiency in your home but your windows are one of the most crucial elements you can focus on. This is because between 10 and 25% of heating and cooling requirements in an average American home are affected by heat lost and gained through windows, which translates to a loss of $35 billion every year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

When you opt for an energy-efficient window, you can save anywhere between 7 and 15% of energy that you would have otherwise lost, according to ENERGY STAR, translating to savings as well on your energy bill. How does an energy-efficient window do this? It’s all thanks to the sum of its parts.

What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient

Consider the following:

GLASS – The type of glass used can greatly affect a window’s energy efficiency. Insulated glass, for instance, features spacers that create a moisture and thermal seal for enhancing thermal performance, keeping the level of heat that passes through a window down. Low-emissivity glass, or low-E glass, on the other hand, is fitted with a thin, transparent layer of tin oxide or silver that lets a window reduce solar heat gain without affecting visible transmittance. Double-glazed windows are also more energy-efficient than their single-glazed counterparts.

PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY

FRAME – Like glass, frame materials can affect the level of energy efficiency a window has. Wood, for instance, remains a popular option because it provides good insulation while offering great aesthetic. However, it requires serious upkeep to keep performing well. Vinyl is more affordable and easier to maintain than wood but offers decent insulation that’s why it became a favorite as an alternative to wooden frames, Composite, on the other hand, combines the appearance and performance of wood with the ease of maintenance afforded by vinyl, which is why it is steadily gaining popularity as a replacement window option.

Understanding Energy-Efficiency Labels

By default, getting an ENERGY STAR label means a window is energy-efficient because it has met standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Windows will still differ in just how energy-efficient they are, however, depending on the rating on its label, but generally the higher a rating is, the more energy-efficient a window will be.

PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ENERGY STAR labels can stand alone as a measure of window performance but they are typically included alongside the National Fenestration Rating Council’s own label, which outlines more specific performance ratings, like:

U-FACTOR – Measures how well a window keeps indoor heat in.

SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC) – Gauges how much solar heat a window lets in.

AIR LEAKAGE – Determines the amount of air that a window lets through.

VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE – Lists the level of natural light that a window lets in.

Now that you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to debunking common myths and misconceptions about window energy efficiency. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more!

PART 2: COMMON WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

While it’s hard to argue that energy efficiency will benefit you, it cannot be denied that a lot of people are not clear on what energy efficiency is to begin with and how windows are related to it. Many make the effort to do their research but with the sheer volume of information you find on the internet, it’s not difficult to get overwhelmed, or worse, encounter wrong information. To understand window energy efficiency then, it’s important to cut through myths and misconceptions to reveal the truth.

Myth: Energy efficiency is synonymous with using less energy.

Fact: Using less energy is called energy conservation. Energy efficiency has more to do with smartly utilizing energy. Window energy efficiency means then that a window helps in using energy more effectively so that none is wasted.

Myth: Making your home energy-efficient is expensive.

Fact: Improving energy efficiency in the home does require some spending but the move is actually cost-effective when you take into consideration the long-term benefits you can enjoy. For starters, based on the 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup up to almost 79% of what you spent on a replacement window. Think of achieving energy efficiency as an investment instead of a mere additional expense. Even when you have to work with a budget, you can still improve energy efficiency in your home because there are affordable energy-efficient windows you can take advantage of.

PART 2: COMMON WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Myth: I can easily replace my window on my own.

Fact: It is possible to replace a window on your own. However, don’t expect to get the same results as a professional installation. Aside from possibly shoddy installation, there are also other inconveniences associated with DIY work, like choosing the wrong windows, not having insurance coverage and not being eligible for manufacturer warranties. These are simply the risks you take by not working with a professional contractor.

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Learn more about windows and energy efficiency by asking a professional contractor all the right questions. Let Part 3 of this e-book teach you how.

PART 3: TALKING TO A WINDOW CONTRACTOR - ENERGY EFFICIENCY QUESTIONS TO ASK

If you’re due for a replacement anyway, it really is worth considering getting energy-efficient windows. However, even energy-efficient windows will offer a range of options so you have to choose wisely to ensure you get the right one for you and your home. Your local window contractor is there to assist you every step of the way and it will help you a lot if you knew what to ask them for assistance for. To get you started, consider these questions:

“What are my options? Can you explain the benefits of each one?”

Asking this questions gives you specifics about the window options available to you, helping you cut through too much information to get what you need to make a decision. Again, energy efficiency is affected by different window components. You can more easily assess an option if you know what you want and need to get out of a replacement window. Don’t hesitate to let your contractor know that you have a budget you want to work with so they can help you figure out which replacement window will be the best fit for you.

PART 3: TALKING TO A WINDOW CONTRACTOR - ENERGY EFFICIENCY QUESTIONS TO ASK

“What is the right window for my home?”

At the heart of it, what is right is relative. However, when it comes to windows, there really are options meant for certain homes. Talking about energy efficiency focuses on the function of a window but you can’t forget that windows can also drastically affect how your home looks. Generally, traditional window styles work well with traditional home designs and modern windows on modern properties, but this is not a hard and fast rule. For a window to be energy-efficient, however, it must be rated to meet the requirements of your local climate. Choose to work with a reputable contractor and they can provide you with suggestions to take into consideration based on their knowledge and experience, simplifying the selection process for you.

“Which area of the house should I prioritize?”

This is essential to ask if you are not planning on replacing all of your windows at once for whatever reason. Your contractor can assess your home to determine which parts are in need of attention first, allowing you to make the most out of your window replacement.

Renewal by Andersen ofDenver and Colorado Springs

1401 W Bayaud Ave #5 Denver,CO 80223

Denver- (303) 968-3287Colorado Springs- (719) 313-5403

LoveYourWindows.com