windows and energy efficiency

Windows and Energy EfficiencyWindows and Energy Efficiency


PART 1How Windows Help

Save Energy

Windows are often overlooked by the average homeowner when thinking about energy efficient solutions. However, they play an important role in passive cooling, efficient interior lighting, and even optimizing the performance of indoor appliances.

Windows and Energy Efficiency

How Windows Help Save Energy

Passive cooling

Even the most primitive windows contribute to how well a house can stay cool during warm weather. Basic windows serve as outlets to let warm air out and cool air in. Efficient window placement based on outdoor wind direction and house orientation can maximize airflow, reducing the need to rely on electrical appliances for cooling.

On the other hand, windows also play an important role in keeping the house warm during nighttime or cold weather. Windows with well-sealed frames can hold warm air inside. Keeping a house from getting too warm is just a matter of opening the window until indoor temperatures are at a comfortable level. More recent window options are designed to retain or release heat better than others, such as gas-filled windowpanes.


How Windows Help Save Energy

Interior lighting

Windows are still the main source of natural indoor lighting, even with the growing popularity of skylights in modern home designs. Natural lighting can work alongside passive cooling, but sometimes they tend to clash – the more sunlight enters the house, the lesser need for using indoor lamps during daytime. However, more sunlight also means warmer indoor temperatures, which can cause a problem during warm seasons. Using the right type of window and curtains can help you achieve the balance between keeping the indoors well lit, and comfortable.

Now that you know how important windows are in saving energy, stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon, where we will talk about the features that make

windows energy efficient.

Efficiency of appliances

Many people don’t realize that energy efficient windows affect more than electric bills and indoor temperature. Aside from the heater or air conditioner having to do less work, using energy efficient windows can also affect the efficiency of other appliances. Windows help control indoor humidity, which could cause moisture formation and rust damage. Ambient

temperature, which can also be regulated by windows, can also affect the long-term performance of your televisions and computers.


PART 2Energy Efficient

Window Features

Whether it’s fixed, sliding, or double awning, different homes require different types of window features to make them truly energy efficient. Some window types work well in warm weather, while others are better for houses in cold areas. The following are examples of energy efficient window features.


Energy Efficient Window Features

Low-Emissivity coatings or Low-E

By applying a thin layer of reflective substance on a windowpane, the window deflects heat away from the house more efficiently. You may find Low-E windows a bit more expensive than regular windows, but it is more affordable than other energy-efficient options. Still, Low-E coatings are the most versatile feature, since it can be used in almost any type of window. In fact, you can buy low-E films and apply them to your existing windows, although it’s still better to ask help from a professional to be able to get the most out of it.

Spacers

By using separate glass sheets, a window gets a pocket of air inside it. The trapped air serves as an extra layer of insulation, making it easier to keep indoor temperature at a constant level. Moisture tends to develop within the air pockets when humidity is high, but that should only be a concern if you’re living in a tropical area or somewhere that rains a lot.

Gas fill

Found in double-pane windows, gas between the panels is either krypton or argon gas instead of regular air. Gas fills work well on fixed windows because there are no moving parts that may create leaks. However, they do not fare well in high altitude areas where the low air pressure can cause the gas to leak out.


PART 3But Is It Cost

Efficient?

There’s no denying that having the features mentioned earlier in Part 2, can help you cut down energy costs, but how much do you actually save with energy efficient

windows?


But Is It Cost Efficient?

Without a doubt, the price of the windows themselves can affect your answer to this question. Consider this: There are lots of window material options and brands available, but generally speaking, those with a high rating from Energy Star (a program dedicated to maximize energy efficiency in many things including windows) won’t be the cheapest around in dollar purchase terms. The best way to go about things is to consider both the materials and the reputation of your manufacturer, and the expertise of your installer before finalizing your decision on which windows to buy. Selecting reputable providers of products and services can ensure that you get the best-quality, energy-efficient windows available, at the best value for your money.

The upside to carefully selecting your energy efficient windows is that doing so can considerably increase the overall resale value of your house. It’s simpler to think of it this way: when you purchase energy-efficient windows, part of the money you used for the purchase is returned to you in the form of resale value.


But Is It Cost Efficient?

You don’t even have to buy the most expensive option you can get your hands on. Although the pricier windows may be more efficient, a lower price doesn’t always mean poor performance. A good way to check if you’re getting the most out of your cash is to check the Energy Star label of each window. Depending on where you are located, look for options that meet your area’s recommended ratings (ratings are different for north, central, and southern climates). As long as a window meets the minimum ratings, it’s good enough for your home.

Aside from raising the value of your house, you also get to save on tax credits. Using windows that pass energy efficiency standards set by Energy Star can make you eligible for a tax credit in the hundreds of dollars. In addition, you can expect a reduction in energy consumption; that’s the whole point of getting energy efficient windows in the first place.


Renewal by Andersenof Kansas City

7220 West Frontage Road Merriam, KS 66203

(913) 956-0887913-385-1300

www.RBAKC.com

http://www.rbakc.com/

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