How Do Energy Efficient Windows Work?
Jan
30
Written by:
1/30/2013 12:57 PM
How Do Energy Efficient Windows Work?
If you have been shopping for replacement windows for your home or business, you have undoubtedly encountered the phrase “energy efficient windows.” It is obvious that these windows are designed to save energy—and money—but just how do they accomplish this?
There are several ways windows today are made to be energy efficient and when they are all combined together, they can create an exceptionally energy efficient window that can substantially decrease your heating and cooling costs.
Some of the most common energy efficient components found in windows today are:
Low-E Glass
If you have ever poured a hot drink in a glass container, you know how poor of an insulating material glass can be. Glass absorbs and transfers heat very easily, which can be a very costly problem for any home with a significant number of windows. Low-E glass, like our Zo-e-shield glass, is designed to help block out the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays. In fact, our Zo-e-shield glass blocks 95-99.9 percent of the sun’s UV-A and UV-B radiation, which can reduce the fading of interior furnishings in addition to reducing the amount heat absorbed by your windows.
There are many low-e glass options including tints, reflective coatings, and multiple glass pane options.
Double and Triple Paned Options
In the past, windows were only a single pane of glass that separated the interior of your home from the exterior. As we mentioned before, glass is an excellent conductor of heat, so single paned windows were excellent transmitters of heat into and out of your home.
Today, energy efficient windows are available with two and three glass pane options with insulating gas-filled airspace to lessen the amount of heat transfer through the window.
Energy Efficient Window Spacers
Rather than simply using metal framing as a window insulator, today’s windows utilize a thermally-efficient spacer made of low-conductive materials that insulate against cold air flow and condensation. When combined with insulating dual or triple paned windows and low-e coatings, you get exceptionally energy efficient replacement windows.
Energy Efficient Materials
Although all varieties of windows can have energy efficient components and options, some of our windows offer superior energy efficient to the others. Fiberglass replacement windows, for example, offer superior energy efficiency to all other varieties of windows. Fiberglass is a low-conducting material that has very little expansion or contraction in hot or cold temperatures. This reduces the amount of airflow around the frame of the window—saving you money.
Weather Shield Energy Efficient Window Options
Weather Shield offers five levels of energy efficient glass options including:
To learn more about our energy efficient windows or if you would like to have energy efficient windows installed in your home or business, contact us directly or find a Weather Shield dealer in your area!