Choosing energy-efficient windows doesn’t need to be an overwhelming chore. When you know you need to replace the windows in your home, the intelligent choice is picking windows that help you create energy savings over the years.
Pinnacle Home Improvements is the Knoxville window replacement expert. We are committed to high-quality, energy-efficient window installation and customer satisfaction. In this article, we provide our energy-efficient windows buying guide to help further simplify the process.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is all about using less energy to produce the same results. For example, in homes, HVAC systems use the most power out of any other appliance for heating and cooling. When you enhance your home with new energy-efficient windows, you provide better insulation. Doing so allows this integral piece of machinery to cool or heat your home to your desired temperature without having to work harder to maintain that temperature.
The benefits of energy-efficient windows include:
Greater Cost Savings and Less Energy Consumption
One of the best benefits of energy-efficient windows is that they reduce energy consumption while reducing energy bills. When your windows are properly insulated and energy-efficient, they will retain the ambient temperature in your home rather than let it leak out. This keeps your HVAC system from incurring greater wear and tear and running at a constant rate.
Greater Comfort in Your Home
Energy-efficient windows help you keep your interior temperature at your desired level, no matter the season. You won’t need to wear more layers indoors or suffer needlessly in the summer heat.
Reduced Condensation and Noise
Insulated energy-efficient windows reduce condensation caused by the contrast in indoor and outdoor temperatures. Condensation creates moisture, which can cause mold to thrive, leading to the need for costly repairs to your window frames. Additionally, the insulation helps minimize noise from outside, providing you with a more peaceful environment inside your home.
Better for the Environment and Your Property Values
You’ll be doing your part for the environment by reducing your carbon emissions, effectively lowering your carbon footprint. You’ll also have the benefit of enhancing your home’s appearance and efficiency, making it command a higher resale price.
Energy-Efficient Windows Buying Guide
If you’re ready to plan your window replacement, check out our energy-efficient windows buying guide.
Types of Windows
Choosing energy-efficient windows begins with deciding on a type of window. Double-pane and triple-pane windows are the most popular considerations. These windows have multiple layers of glass with a spacer between them, allowing them to be filled with a non-toxic gas.
The gas, typically argon, adds more excellent insulation than air. Double-pane windows, known as double-glazed windows, provide plenty of energy efficiency. However, if you face east or west, have concerns about cold weather, or live in a noisy neighborhood, it may be best to choose triple-pane or triple-glazed windows for even better energy efficiency and insulation.
Material Considerations
Deciding on the type of window is only one part of choosing energy-efficient windows. You will also need to think about the materials for the frames. You can choose vinyl, fiberglass, and wood. Even aluminum is an option, though it is less energy-efficient. However, you can have any frame material insulated to help it add additional protection to your home.
Window Ratings
When choosing energy-efficient windows, you should consider the window ratings. Energy Star certifications make it easy to see which windows are energy-efficient. While that’s a significant first step, it’s essential to understand the U-Factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through your windows. The lower this number is, the better insulation it provides to prevent heat loss in colder climates. The SHGC measures solar radiation that becomes heat when it comes through windows. The lower this number is, the lower the solar heat gain, which is better for hotter climates.
Installation Process
The way that energy-efficient windows are installed is a huge factor. You should always choose a reputable and professional installation company. This will ensure that your windows are installed according to manufacturer instructions to avoid voiding the warranty. It will also protect you from any issues with building codes, as professional installers know how to follow every requirement.
Cost vs Savings When Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows
You stand to gain many benefits from energy-efficient windows when you have them installed. However, it is an investment you’ll be making into your home. Don’t keep your focus on the upfront costs, but rather, take a look at the bigger picture and how much you’ll save on energy consumption over the years.
When you upgrade your windows to energy-efficient windows, you stop wasting energy, effectively lowering your energy bills. By keeping your home better insulated, you also prevent excess damage to your HVAC system.
Over time, the savings make this upgrade worth it, and since they enhance the comfort of your home as well, you’ll find it to be worth every penny. It’s a significant investment from which you’ll start reaping benefits right away.
Pinnacle Home Improvements’ Approach for Energy-Efficient Windows
This energy-efficient windows buying guide is merely to help you understand how to plan your selections. Choosing energy-efficient windows can feel overwhelming to many homeowners because there are so many options. You’ll want to select window styles, glass cuts, interior and exterior colors, and much more.
A good way to decide on the right windows for your home is to contact Pinnacle Home Improvements. We walk you through your choices and explain the pros and cons of each to help you feel confident in your preferences.
Once you’ve picked all the options for your windows, we will begin by removing the old windows and disposing of them properly. The next step will be the installation of each window, which will not only follow manufacturer requirements but also building codes to ensure everything is done according to the law. After inspections are complete, you will fall in love with your home all over again. Contact us today to get a free quote on our energy-efficient window replacements.
