If you don’t have energy efficient windows, you have likely experienced how much heat is lost during the winter and how much cool air is lost during the summer. This may have been particularly evident in the prices of your utility bills. Thankfully, new energy efficient windows have the technology to minimize that wasted energy. They increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling units, and ultimately save you much more than you paid for them.
Key Elements of Energy Efficient Windows
Design
The style of the window and the way in which it opens will affect its energy efficiency. Energy efficient windows are sold with a label from the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council). This label will detail the performance of that particular window and help you choose the best windows for the Minnesota climate.
Glass
It is important to understand what type of glass is in your windows. Some of the best energy efficient windows have what is called Insulated Glass Units. They feature two panes of glass with a special gas in between them that increases the thermal properties of the window.
Coatings
Another option for energy efficient windows are ones with a coating or film applied to them. A coating can be applied to a new window during manufacture. The coated windows are more expensive but will ultimately pay for themselves with the money you save. Another option would be a film. These can be applied to older windows and are a less expensive option for increasing your energy efficiency.
Advantages of Energy Efficient Window Coating
Reduced Utility Costs
The US Department of Energy estimates that window coatings can lower your wasted energy by 30 to 50 percent. During the summertime, this coating will keep the heat out of your home. During the winter it will keep the heat from escaping. The coating also reduces hot spots in your home and allows your heating and cooling units to be more efficient.
Sun Protection
Regular glass can only block out UVB rays but not UVA ones. But window coatings are able to block out almost all ultraviolet sun rays. This protects your furniture from long term sun damage and protects you from sun burn.
Tinting
Window coatings can be applied with a tint to minimize glare. It can also increase your privacy by making it more difficult for others to see the inside of your home. This can be very useful as it removes the need for drapes and blinds.
Various Options for Energy Efficient Coating
Low-E Coating
A low-E coating is usually added during manufacture and reduces the window’s U-factor; the rate that heat is allowed to flow through the window. A lower U-factor means that less heat is able to flow through the window, thus keeping the heat on the side that you want it on. Low-E coating also has options that control the amount of solar heat that is allowed through into your home. You can also choose how much visible light you want the window to allow into the room.
Spectrally Selective Coating
This coating is a variant of low-E coating that is designed to allow as much visible light as possible into the room. It is intended to keep out the heat and dangerous rays while still making the room look bright and sunny.
Tinting
Mainly used for reducing the amount of visible light that is allowed in. It will not usually provide much protection against heat and radiation unless it is used in conjunction with low-E coating.
Reflective Coating
This coating will reflect the sunlight and thus reduce the amount of heat admittance and visible light. It is used more popularly in hotter climates. Keep in mind that this coating significantly reduces the amount of sunlight allowed in. So additional indoor lighting may be required, this will counteract any energy efficiency goals you may have.
When choosing new windows, make certain to consult the NFRC label to aid you in making your decision. You want to choose a window that is ideally suited to your home’s look and climate location. You might also consult a professional window contractor to guide you in choosing the most energy efficient products for your home. They can also help you to ensure that they are properly fitted and installed. You can find just such window experts at Iron River Construction.
Contact us today for all your energy efficient window needs and to schedule a free consultation!
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