An energy-efficient window reduces a structure’s need for artificial heating and cooling. In the past 25 years, technological development has allowed for the creation of windows with up to four times the heat and cold insulation of traditional windows.
What characteristics an energy-efficient window has?
The glass, frame, and hardware that are all part of windows work together to achieve a certain level of performance. Energy-efficient components substantially defend against heat gain and heat loss and lower the energy used by the entire building.
Windows with low emissivity
Low-emissivity windows, also known as low-E windows, can be up to 40% more effective than typical double-glazed windows. A metal coating on a plastic film is suspended between the glass panes, giving them the ability to be “spectrally selective.” They let short-wave solar radiation into your home but prevent long-wave heat radiation from escaping in the opposite direction.
The metal coating is quite challenging to see with the naked eye from the inside, but it can appear somewhat mirrored from the outside.
ENERGY STAR® Windows
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) testing results are displayed on every window’s label, but only the most energy-efficient windows are awarded the coveted ENERGY STAR blue sticker.
The government certifies ENERGY STAR windows based on NFRC-like performance ratings. As a result, if you see the ENERGY STAR label, you can be sure that the window is more energy-efficient than those without it. However, remember that ENERGY STAR certification is based on geography and climate, so a window that performs well in the warm Southwest sun may not do so well in the chilly Northeast.
Window Insulation
Windows have typically had a single pane of glass for hundreds of years. Then, in the 20th century, a unique event took place. According to the manufacturers, adding a second pane of glass adds further insulation. It reduces the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient regarding NFRC energy efficiency (SGHC).
Modern insulated windows come with more than simply additional glass panes. Insulating gas also separates each windowpane. To get even more energy efficiency out of your windows, triple-pane windows offer five layers of insulation, two more than dual-pane windows and four more than single-pane windows.
Windows with double glazing
Reducing all types of heat transmission is the optimal approach for energy efficiency. Double glazing is considered the vehicle for all high-performance windows in hot, cold, and mixed conditions. Double glazing offers the optimum thermal performance when paired with Low-E glass on at least one pane and argon gas in the space between. U-values can be as low as 1.8, as opposed to a single-glazed transparent window’s approximate U-value of 5.
The smallest air gap in double glazing is 6 mm; however, unless there is no other option, this should be avoided. The U-value will be improved by using wider spacing (10–20 mm), which can raise the star rating by at least half a star (see Windows Energy Rating Scheme below).
Weatherproof Seals
Through openings and cracks around windows and door frames, hot and cold air can enter or exit a house. For energy efficiency to be improved, windows must have good seals. Traditionally, casement and awning windows fitted with compression seals tended to improve air infiltration. However, new improvements for sliding window seals have been made.
Replacement Windows
It may be simple to be deterred by the cost of replacing the windows all around your house, but in the long term, investing in energy-efficient replacement windows will help you save money.
If any of the following describes your current windows, you should think about getting replacements:
- Placed in place 15–20 years ago
- Lack of double glazing
- Locks have been broken, and there is broken glass
- Improperly opening
Tips for Window Selection
- The ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels should be visible.
- Consider using gas-filled windows with Low-E coatings in colder climates to help prevent heat loss. Choose windows with layers to lessen heat gain in hotter areas.
- For excellent thermal resistance in colder climates, use windows with a low U-factor; this measurement measures how quickly non-solar heat flows through a window.
- Find a solar heat gain coefficient that is low (SHGC). A window's ability to allow solar radiation is measured by SHGC. Heat gain is reduced in warm areas by low SHGCs.
- In temperate locations with cold and hot seasons, use windows with low U-factors and low SHGCs for maximum energy savings.
- Instead of center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs, look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs.
Windows with hinges
Ventilation is the purpose of hung windows. They move outward on a hinge when you turn a crank or push something with your hand. Lower air leakage rates are a primary advantage of this design over sliding open and shut windows. A hinged window’s single sash tightly grips the frame when closed. Sliding, double-hung, and single-hung windows feature two straps that overlap.
Hinged windows include awning windows, casement windows, and hopper windows. The location of the hinge on each—top, side, and bottom—is the only distinction between them. They can be paired with picture windows to increase the utility of your window combinations or utilized for thoughtful ventilation.
Harvey Classic Features
Although not all windows are made equal, energy-efficient windows save heating and cooling expenditures. Harvey Windows are designed with high-quality components and essential features to maximize energy savings. Energy star windows offer up to 30% in savings. Windows that meet the criteria are eligible for 0% Mass Save® financing.
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