Economical Options for Choosing New Windows
Simply put, windows are important. They affect light, ventilation, and temperature. The style of window you choose affects the character of your home. Windows can evoke period and style; they also can say a great deal about the people who own them.
And for as long as you have them, your new windows also dramatically affect another area of your life--your wallet. The cost of energy is rising. Going cheaper now can cost you plenty in the long run. Today's energy efficient windows can literally save you hundreds of dollars a year.
You can also save money, when the time comes to buy new windows, if you know what to look for.
Low-E Windows for Energy-Efficiency
Low-emittance (Low-E) coating is an invisible, microscopically thin layer of metal or metal oxide deposited on window glazing surfaces to reduce radiative heat flow. They control how much heat passes through your window. When choosing low-e windows, the key thing to look for is the type of solar gain. If you live in a warmer climate, a low solar gain window helps to keep your home cool. If you live in a warmer climate, look for moderate or high solar gain windows to keep your home warm.
Gas-Filled, Double-Paned Windows
Gas-filled windows are double-paned with gas injected into the space between the panes. Originally, double-paned windows were filled with air or flushed nitrogen. But newer double-paned windows are filled with argon or krypton, conductive and slower moving gasses that minimize the convection currents between the window panes and reduce the heat transfer between the outdoors and the inside of your home.
Energy Efficient Frames
As far as energy efficient frames go, your best bet is to go with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frames, which have higher resistance to heat flow values (R-values) than their aluminum counterparts and are easier to maintain than wooden frames. Newer fiberglass frames have some of the highest R-values but are expensive and not yet widely available.
Sources:
Efficient Windows Collaborative
Energy Guide, Energy-Efficient Windows
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