When the windows in your home need to be replaced, energy-efficient windows are your best option. Energy-saving windows will help you cut down on your electric bill over the years and keep your HVAC system from working harder to heat or cool your home.
One thing that will help you in your quest to find the best replacement windows is seeking out ENERGY STAR-rated windows. You’ve likely seen the little logo and perhaps know they help conserve energy, but what else do they do?
At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we provide a wide array of energy-saving home improvement solutions, especially when it comes to energy-efficient windows. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is built into every project for your home. In this blog post, we provide more information about ENERGY STAR-rated windows and how our Alpharetta window replacement contractors can help you with expert installation.
What Are Energy Star-Rated Windows?
ENERGY STAR was created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy with a focus on identifying products that provide energy conservation and savings. Using third-party testing, it applies the ENERGY STAR logo to items that align with the set requirements.
ENERGY STAR-rated windows let you enjoy the view and natural lighting while protecting you from heat transfer and energy waste. They help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are many reasons to choose these energy-efficient windows when making upgrades to your home.
Benefits of Energy Star Windows
Choosing ENERGY STAR-rated windows has plenty of benefits for you and your family.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
These energy-saving windows utilize special technologies that include glass coatings and non-toxic gas fills to improve insulation for your home. It’s not limited to the glass, either—the framing materials, edge spacers, and weather stripping also play a role in the effectiveness of these kinds of windows.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Since ENERGY STAR-rated windows are great at insulating your home, they also prevent unnecessary energy waste. By minimizing the emissions of greenhouse gasses from your home, they help you reduce your carbon footprint, benefiting the environment at large.
Improved Comfort and Indoor Temperature Regulation
Since these energy-saving windows are rigorously tested for energy efficiency, they are better at keeping your home at your desired temperature. You won’t have to struggle in winter to keep your home warm nor will you sweat it out trying to keep cool in the summer. ENERGY STAR-rated windows block more solar heat gain in hotter weather while reflecting radiant heat to your home’s interior when it’s cold outside.
Protection for Your Home
Without efficient windows, the most treasured items inside your home can be subject to damage from repeated sunlight exposure. ENERGY STAR-rated windows typically have Low-E coatings that prevent the fading of your favorite photos, paintings, draperies, rugs, and other furnishings.
They also protect your home by reducing condensation on the windows. Windows that lack energy efficiency get too cold and cause water to condense on the interior. Eventually, it pools around the window, leading to damage, which can encourage mold growth. When you choose ENERGY STAR-rated windows, the inner surface of the glass and frame stay warmer, reducing this occurrence to protect your home for years to come.
Choosing the Right Energy Star Windows
Choosing windows can be overwhelming. It’s important to look for the ENERGY STAR label when you’re making your selections as it can cut down on your research. These labels are kept simple to detail the best climate zones, ensuring you find options that best fit your needs. They will also help you find the best U-Factor rating and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
As you look at these windows, it’s just as important to consider the orientation of your windows. You can choose specific windows for different sides of your house. At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we can provide more assistance by assessing your home to help you make the right choice.
ENERGY STAR-rated windows are often eligible for incentives and federal tax credits. We can additionally let you know about these added savings for your windows.
Pinnacle Home Improvements’ Approach to Energy-Saving Windows
If you’re ready to start your window replacement with Pinnacle Home Improvements, it will all begin with choosing your new windows. You will need to choose the frame type, glazing, gas fills, and styles for your windows, and while that may seem overwhelming, our team will be there with you to guide you through all of your choices.
We will go into greater detail about ENERGY STAR ratings and show you the advantages of Low-E coatings, double- and triple-glazed windows, and other energy-saving features. This ensures you get the best benefits from the energy-efficient windows you choose for your home.
After selecting your energy-saving windows, we will begin the installation process. Our team of window replacement experts will first take care to properly remove and dispose of your current windows. Next, we install the new ones according to the instructions from the manufacturer to ensure the warranty isn’t voided.
The process will vary depending on your home’s construction. Masonry, wood, brick, stucco, and siding all require specific approaches. Our installation team knows how to handle it all. As we follow building codes to install flashing and air sealing, we pay attention to every detail. Once finished, we inspect every part of every window, giving you complete peace of mind that you won’t need to worry about your windows for years to come.
ENERGY STAR-rated windows certainly save you time in the selection process. They will help you know at a glance that you are choosing energy-efficient windows for your home. Since they come in many styles and varieties, we’re here to guide you through from start to finish to fall in love with your home again. Contact Pinnacle Home Improvements for a free quote and to learn more about replacing your windows with ENERGY STAR windows.
