Understanding Energy Efficiency With Replacement Windows
Window replacement for improved
energy efficiency is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken by
Massachusetts homeowners today.
Replacing your
windows could result in energy savings of 30% or more in any region of the
U.S. Your choices for replacement windows will consider the style of the window
as well as the efficiency and safety of the window. To help you understand the
energy-efficiency qualities of various replacement windows, here are some facts
to help you make decisions.
Some window materials conduct heat and cold. The result is some energy loss
through the window materials. The material that loses the most heat or cold is
Aluminum. Steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold. Stainless
steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold lost with steel. The
most efficient material for windows is wood, conducting 1/1000 the amount lost
through aluminum. And just a fraction behind wood is vinyl. The bottom line is
that the most energy-efficient window materials are wood and vinyl. Vinyl, of
course, requires less maintenance.
The next consideration is about the glass in the windows. Heat and cooling loss
through glass can be reduced by adding a second pane of glass and leaving space
between the panes to trap the outside air which is at a different temperature
from the inside air. These double-paned or double-glazed windows are more
efficient than single panes. Double-paned windows can also have a fill of gas
between the panes to further reduce heat exchange. Filling the space between
panes of a double-paned window with Argon gas will make it twice as effective.
Filling the space between the panes with Krypton gas increases the R-value of
the window from 4.0 to 4.55. Triple-paned or triple-glazed windows filled with
Argon gas have an R-value of 6.25, and choosing a triple-paned window filled
with Krypton gas provides an R-value of 10.0.
Windows can also be coated with screening finishes of various kinds to block UV
(Ultraviolet) rays and IR (infrared) rays. These screening finishes protect
window treatments and furniture and carpeting from fading and reflect back some
of the heating effect of the sun.
Windows of any style, size and shape can be chosen in several colors of vinyl
and can be painted any color if your choice of window material is wood. Windows
can be purchased with various styles of dividers within the window and even with
blinds attached in enclosed compartments or with blinds placed within the window
itself.
No matter what style or type of window you need for an energy-efficient window
replacement project, you will do well to look for the “Energy Star” seal first.
These windows will meet minimum standards established by the Federal Government.
If you are looking for
a Massachusetts replacement window contractor please call us today at 508-801-3482 or complete our online request form. |  | Home >>
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