Insulated Windows for Better Energy Efficiency

If you want to stay warm during the cold days and comfortable during the hot ones, I recommend getting insulated windows. Besides giving you consistently nice temperatures year-round, these energy-efficient options also reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Different types of insulation provide various benefits. Some block light while others block airflow. There are also those that stop the heat transference process. Insulated windows are also less likely to bring about condensation problems, unlike non-insulated options.

Read on to learn more about the types of insulated windows and the factors that you must consider when looking for them.

Types of Insulated Windows

A basic understanding of how each type of insulated window differs from another will help you choose the right one for your home.

Tinted Glass

In this type, the glass is colored slightly to reduce the amount of heat absorption while also reducing glare. Windows that have a gray or bronze tint can block both heat and light, making a room darker. Meanwhile, green and blue tints block heat without keeping the light out. It is best to avoid darker tint colors as they can make a room really dark, without providing much benefit.

Double and Triple-Glazed

These are made of two (double-glazed) or three (triple-glazed) glass panes that have an air space in between them. The panes are commonly spaced just a few millimeters apart and sealed to trap air inside. The trapped air serves as a barrier that reduces the amount of heat absorbed and transferred through the window. Heat transference is measured through the “U-factor.” The lower the number, the more energy efficient the widow is. Some manufacturers lower the U-factor by adding inert gases such as argon and xenon, instead of regular air between the windowpanes.

Reflective Coatings

As the term suggests, reflective coatings are those that make the window look mirror-like on the outside. They come in bronze, silver, and gold, among other colors. These coatings do a great job in stopping glare and preventing heat transfer. However, they also block a huge amount of light, making it ideal for use in offices and industrial buildings. To make the most out of its benefits, an efficient lighting system should be in place. Otherwise, the savings gained from blocking heat will just be spent on energy used for lighting.

Low-Emissivity Coatings

Also known as low-e coatings, these are thin layers of metal or metal oxide applied to window glass panes. They are known to be more effective than air or gas pockets between panes when it comes to preventing heat transfer, and can reduce energy loss by up to 50 percent. Some low-e coatings allow certain types of light in. However, some types do not, blocking natural light.

 Factors to Consider When Choosing Insulated Windows

When choosing windows for your home, I suggest that you look into the thermal features associated with every product. This will help you make a better energy-efficient and long-lasting investment.

Multiple panes – Double-pane windows insulate twice as well as single-pane windows. Naturally, triple-pane windows have more insulating power.

Gas between the panes – It is best to choose windows that have argon or krypton gas between its panes. Krypton, in particular, is often used on thinner, multi-pane windows. Argon, on the other hand, insulates almost as effectively as krypton, and costs less.

Frame construction – The window frame is said to account for approximately 15 percent of energy loss, making it a crucial factor when shopping for windows. Non-urethane aluminum windows make a poor choice as it has high conductivity levels. A wise choice would be fiberglass, as it is the most durable material available for window frames while offering efficient insulation.

Window coating – Windows that have a thin layer of metal oxide on its panes are good options. They allow sunlight in, letting you enjoy natural lighting, while reflecting away damaging infrared radiation.

 Author Bio:

Jim Krantz is a home improvement professional contractor and writer for Renewal by Andersen of Colorado Springs. He is always focused on delivering the very best customer experience, the highest quality windows and doors, and the best value. When he is not busy working, he loves to share his ideas to other people through blogging.