You hear a lot about energy ratings and energy efficiency, including when you’re in the market for new residential windows. Is there really that much difference when it comes to more energy efficient designs?
The answer is yes. In fact, if you want to get the most benefit from those new house windows, paying close attention to the energy rating is the only way to go. Here are some of the design elements that help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home and make it possible to save quite a bit on electricity bills.
The Impact of Double or Triple Pane Glass
In times past, single pane glass was the industry standard. Those days are long gone, but it’s still possible to find modern variations on single pane glass. That’s not what you want to include in those new windows.
A better choice is to go with double or triple pane glass. In terms of energy efficiency, both of these designs help to create a more effective barrier between the outdoor temperature and the climate you’re trying to maintain indoors. Greater control of the indoor temperature means that you can minimize the amount of energy it takes to heat the home in winter and cool it during the summer months. Less energy consumption translates into lower power bills each month.
The nice thing about double and triple pane glass is that it does not interfere with the view. You can still look out of the windows and enjoy looking at the landscape any time that you like. In fact, you can have the panes tinted slightly to reduce glare and have an even better view.
The Snug Fit of the Sashes
The energy efficient windows of today are constructed to ensure that the sashes fit snugly into the frames. That doesn’t mean you will have any trouble raising or lowering the sashes. What it does mean is that there are no worries about are seeping in from between the sashes and the frames. Thanks to the fact that the seal is tight, it’s possible to sit close to the window and not feel any sort of breeze at all.
Just as you want to control the temperature transference through the glass, it’s also important to prevent air from seeping in. This will also make it easier to manage your home’s energy consumption and ensure nothing goes to waste.
Low Emissivity Glass Coatings Help Too
Along with double and triple panes, did you know that many manufacturers apply coatings that help to minimize the emissivity of the glass? The coating helps to lessen the amount of ultraviolet or infrared light that passes through the glass. It also helps to reflect heat. The result is that you end up spending less money trying to keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable level and save a little more money on your monthly power bill.
The Same is True for the Gas in Between Glass Layers
We’ve established double and triple pane glass is great for helping reduce energy consumption. Another factor that goes into windows that are energy efficient has to do with the gas found in between each of those layers of gas. Argon and krypton are commonly used to fill in those tiny spaces in between each layer. They further neutralize the potential for temperature transference through the glass. That’s in part why you can sit close to a window on the coldest winter night and still be perfectly comfortable. It’s also another factor that helps to lower your power bill.
There are other factors that go into the design of an energy efficient window that help reduce the amount of electricity the home consumes each month. Even little things like the design of window pane spacers can have an impact. If you’re in the market for new windows, look closely at the features and see what you think. Your choice today will make a big difference in the years to come.
Sean Cooper is the bestselling author of the book, Burn Your Mortgage: The Simple, Powerful Path to Financial Freedom for Canadians, available now on Amazon and at Chapters, Indigo and major bookstores, and as an Audiobook on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.