Replacing your replacement windows with energy-efficient ones helps reduce what you spend on heating and cooling, and may qualify you for energy-saving tax credits. Understanding which energy efficient window features actually make a difference helps you invest in the right upgrades rather than paying for marketing claims. Energy-efficient replacement windows cost more upfront than standard windows, but they save you money over time, though it can take years to fully recoup that cost through energy savings alone.
Double pane windows
You can expect to save money on your energy bills with double pane windows. Make sure you work with a trusted window installation team that offers strong warranties, since low-quality installation can lead to problems like improperly spaced glass, which causes failed seals and condensation between the panes.
The right windows can significantly reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs, making them an excellent investment for any homeowner. They also add to your home’s value and help reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Your home’s energy consumption accounts for a meaningful share of your carbon footprint, so upgrading to double pane windows is a great way to reduce it. You can also choose Low-E glass to block heat and UV rays while still letting light through, or opt for triple-pane glass if you’re close to your neighbors and want to reduce noise pollution.
Low-E glass
Low-E glass has a metallic coating that helps reflect solar thermal energy in the summer. This keeps your home cooler and reduces your energy costs. It also cuts glare and blocks harmful UV rays, which can cause furniture and fabrics to fade.
Typically, these windows are more expensive than standard glass, but the upfront cost is offset by the long-term savings in heating and cooling costs. They may also increase your home’s resale value.
To determine whether a window has low-E glass, consult the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) sticker on the window. It will show the U-factor and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient). The lower these numbers are, the more energy efficient the window is.
Low-E film
Window film is a great way to reduce the energy used by commercial and residential buildings. Combined with other components such as multiple panes of glass and gas fills like argon, this technology provides even greater energy efficiency than traditional windows. It works by rejecting solar heat gain while still allowing natural light to pass through. This reduces the need for air conditioning and can help lower energy bills by improving occupant comfort. Window films also offer other benefits such as reduced glare and protection against UV damage.
Window films are a cost-effective solution to making your business more energy efficient without the high price tag of replacing your windows. The film is a thin layer that is applied to the inside of windows and helps improve insulation. They are designed to reflect radiant infrared heat, keeping heat in during the winter and helping to cut heating costs, and they help to keep the sun’s rays out in the summer.
Gas Fills and Frame Materials
Beyond the glass itself, the space between panes and the frame material both play a major role in a window’s overall efficiency. Argon and Krypton gas fills are commonly used between panes to slow heat transfer, with Krypton offering slightly better performance at a higher cost. Vinyl windows tend to offer the best combination of affordability and insulation, while fiberglass frames hold up especially well against Utah’s temperature swings.
Look for ENERGY STAR certified windows that combine these features, quality glass, gas fills, and frame material, since that certification means the full window has been tested to meet strict national efficiency standards, not just one component of it. This applies whether you’re choosing double hung windows or any other style for your home.
Ready to upgrade to windows with the right energy efficient features? Contact Salt Lake City Windows and Doors for a free quote.