Energy Saving Windows – Tips on Buying Replacement Windows

Today’s new window replacement technology includes special film coatings and materials on or near the glass window panes to enable extremely energy efficient windows.

The film coatings and materials let light through the replacement windows, but more importantly provide higher insulation R-values and reflect back outwards from the window ultraviolet light that would normally heat the home during the hot summer months. These types of energy saving windows are constructed using two or three panes of glass, and sandwiched in between the layers are very thin films or inert argon gas.

The multi-layer energy star window panes and argon gas are the two key technologies for making energy saving windows during the winter months as they increase the windows’ insulation R-values. The thin films that are either attached to the glass or are sandwiched in between the double plane windows reduce the amount of ultraviolet light entering the home through the windows, thus keeping the home cooler during the summer months.

The other advantage of these types of special films and coatings is that they can prevent furniture fabric, carpet, and even wood flooring from fading caused by ultraviolet light entering the home.

One Drawback on Energy Star Windows / Energy Saving Windows

The only issue with the ultra-violet blocking coatings and thin films affixed to these energy star windows is that the ultraviolet sunlight can be beneficial during the winter months for homes located in colder climates. Thus, energy saving windows with ultraviolet coatings and thin films may not be ideal for colder climate locations.

Other Advantages of Energy Efficient Windows Besides the window panes and glazing, there are also other features in energy saving windows that are not found in older ones. For example, older aluminum or vinyl windows had very little insulation properties in their frames. Today’s new energy saving windows are made with wood, vinyl, or aluminum frames.

Wood and insulated vinyl window frames are very energy efficient as they will not transfer heat as well as other window frame materials. In addition, non-metallic spacers are used between the multi layer window panes to help reduce heat transfer.

Energy Efficient Window R-Values

So when looking for new energy saving windows for your home make sure to select windows with these types of energy saving materials and construction. Also, windows sold today specify their insulation R-Values.

The higher a window’s R-value, the more energy efficiency it will be. Keep in mind you will pay a bit more for these types of energy saving windows, however the costs will quickly be recouped by lower month home energy bills. The higher a window’s R-value, the more energy efficiency it will be. Keep in mind you will pay a bit more for these types of energy saving windows, however the costs will quickly be recouped by lower month home energy bills.

If you need more help on choosing the right energy savings window replacement for your home, contact one of our pre-screened window installation contractors. They can help you select the replacement windows that are right for your home and budget, and perform the installation.