How would you like to better regulate the temperature in your home while also lowering your energy bill? It sounds too good to be true. But here at Top Rated General Contractors Los Angeles, we’ve seen it done. Even better so – we’ve done it. All you need is an energy-efficient window replacement. Windows are responsible for up to 40% of the heat coming into and going out of a home. If you can regulate that better, you can save up to 20% on your energy bill. But first, you need to weigh your options. This will help you choose the right solution for your home.
Energy-efficient window replacement options to consider
Before you start looking into construction companies in Orange County that will do the work for you, you need to decide on which type of window to install as a replacement for your current ones. While any energy-efficient replacement is better than having windows that aren’t energy-efficient at all, not every option is suitable for every home or every pocket. So, take your time to look into the different options.
Multi-paned glass
One of the easiest ways to make windows more energy-efficient is to use multiple panes of glass – install double and sometimes even triple-paned windows. This creates a pocket of space between the glass panes which traps air in and makes it more difficult for heat to escape. Double-paned windows are quite common and more than enough for most homes. But triple-paned windows, which are more energy-efficient, can get quite pricey.
Gas-filled windows
To make them even more energy-efficient, some multi-paned windows are filled with inert gas like argon. The gas creates an additional layer of insulation which makes for better UV filtration and prevents energy loss. And don’t worry, the work interior design companies Los Angeles did for your home won’t be lost – the gas is clear, colorless, and odorless so you won’t even know that it’s there. What is more, gas-filled windows are typically not very expensive. This makes them the perfect solution for a budget-minded homeowner.
Low-E coatings
Low-e or low-emissivity glass coatings are different types of treatments you can add to the windows to make them more energy-efficient. Depending on the type of coating you choose, you can:
- lower or block the transmission of the sun’s UV rays into the home,
- reflect cold and retain inner warmth,
- or reflect outside heat and retain interior cooling.
You don’t have to choose just one either. Sometimes, windows in different parts of the home need different treatment. With Low-E coatings, you can treat different windows in different ways to make sure each one is suited to the room it’s in.
Window spacers
Metal or hybrid metal window spacers insulate the edges of individual windowpanes, prevent energy from escaping. They also keep the glass panes at an exact distance from each other in order to create an air pocket which can then be filled with gas. All this combines to reduce heat transfer and increase energy efficiency.
Foam-filled windows
Heat doesn’t just escape through the glass; it also escapes through the gaps between the glass and the window frames. In order to prevent that, you need to fill these spaces with some kind of insulation. Foam is the go-to choice. By filling the frames and sashes of the windows with foam, you can reduce thermal conduction and make your windows more energy-efficient.
The benefits of opting for an energy-efficient window replacement solution
At this point, you may be wondering: why should I even bother with energy-efficient windows? Are they really worth calling remodeling contractors Los Angeles for? The answer is yes, because energy-efficient windows come with a number of benefits:
- First and foremost, energy-efficient windows lower your energy bill. Whether you pay to heat or cool your rooms, insufficiently insulated and treated windows can combat your efforts which will only cause you to use more energy to control the temperature in the home.
- Secondly, energy-efficient windows decrease condensation. This might not seem like a big deal, but less condensation means better views and easier window cleaning.
- Third of all, energy-efficient windows reduce damage to fabrics. By filtering UV light better, they preventing the fading of upholstery, carpets, wallpapers, and more. Not only does this make your home look nicer, but it also ensures your furnishings last longer.
- Next, energy-efficient windows reduce noise pollution. In addition to filtering out light, they filter out sound, giving you more peace and quiet.
- Finally, energy-efficient windows make your home more comfortable. They will eliminate drafts, reduce harmful direct sunlight, and reduce outside noise.
How to find the right energy-efficient window replacement option?
With so many different options for energy-efficient windows, you must know how to choose the right option for your home. The first thing you should know is that it is entirely possible, and even advisable, to combine different techniques to make windows more energy-efficient. A double-paned window with gas and Low-E coatings will, for example, be more efficient than a simple double-paned window without any additions. Secondly, you should keep in mind that not every room or every window needs the same treatment. You may, for example, want to invest in high-quality windows only for the areas of the home where you’re losing the most energy while sticking with more affordable and less effective solutions in other parts of the home.
Finally and perhaps most importantly, look for high-quality, high-performance windows. These are the only ones worth investing in. You’ll want to windows with the ENERGY STAR®️ label. These windows have been certified to provide all the benefits of energy-efficient windows and are always a safe bet. Next, look at whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs – these ratings assess the efficiency of the window as a whole, including the frame, and provide you with the most comprehensive and reliable information about the window’s efficiency. Finally, choose windows that match your climate: for warm climates, choose low solar heat gain coefficients and coatings to reduce heat gain.
Other factors that affect energy efficiency
Even a good energy-efficient window replacement solution will only get you so far. There are other factors to consider when trying to conserve energy through windows. This includes the placement of the windows, the region where you live, the climate in your area, and the quality of installation. So take these things into account and be realistic when upgrading your windows – energy-efficient windows are not magic and if you’re up against other factors, you may not see as much improvement with them as you really want.