Understanding How Energy Efficient Windows Work

Efficiency is a common topic for many fixtures or components of our home, and windows are no exception. What does the term “energy efficient window” refer to, and how do energy efficient windows work?

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to serve as your one-stop shop for all things Pella windows, entry doors, garage door repairs and more around Salt Lake City, St. George and even Boise. We offer a wide range of energy efficient window replacements and window installation services, ensuring that your home is both comfortable and cost-efficient year-round. Here are some basics on how energy efficient windows work, some of the different terms that are important to know when it comes to energy efficient windows, and what to be thinking about if efficiency is a top priority for your window replacement.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

The broad term “energy efficient windows” refers to windows that are designed to minimize the amount of energy, such as heat or cold, that is able to transfer through the window. This means that during hot summer months, less heat will be able to enter your home through the windows, keeping your home cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning. Similarly, in colder winter months, energy efficient windows help keep warm air inside by minimizing heat loss through the glass.

How Do Energy Efficient Windows Work?

Energy efficient windows work by using advanced technology and materials that are specifically designed to reduce heat transfer. One key component is low-emissivity (low-E) coatings applied to the glass surface. These coatings reflect infrared light, which helps keep heat out during summer and in during winter.

Additionally, energy efficient windows use multiple panes of glass with an insulating gas layer between them, which further reduces heat transfer. Double- and even triple-pane windows are common options for energy efficient windows.

Important Terms to Know

When looking into energy efficient windows, there are some key terms you should be familiar with:

• U-factor: This measures the rate at which heat is transferred through a window. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient the window.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much solar radiation is allowed to pass through a window. A lower SHGC means less heat enters your home through the window.
• Visible Transmittance (VT): This measures how much light passes through a window. Higher VT means more natural light in your home.
• R-value: This measures the resistance to heat flow through a material. A higher R-value means better insulation.

Other Efficiency Improvement Options

There are also a couple other approaches that are sometimes used with windows to increase their energy efficiency even further:

• Argon gas: Argon gas, which is extremely dense and has no color or odor, is often used to fill the space between window panes. This adds an extra layer of insulation and reduces heat transfer, particularly when paired with Low-E glass.
• Warm edge spacers: These are spacers that are placed between panes of glass on double- or triple-pane windows. They are designed to reduce heat transfer at the edges of the window, where it is most likely to occur.

Role of Energy Star Certification

Another major consideration when selecting energy efficient windows is whether or not they are Energy Star certified. Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy that sets energy efficiency standards for various products, including windows.

When a window is Energy Star certified, it means that it meets or exceeds these standards and can significantly reduce your energy bills. You should be on the lookout for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the product has been tested and meets these standards.

Energy efficient windows are a great way to reduce your energy bills, increase the comfort of your home, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By understanding how they work and being familiar with important terms, you can make an informed decision when selecting energy efficient windows for your home. Be sure to also consider other options like argon gas and warm edge spacers, as well as looking for Energy Star certification.

And if you’re in need of window replacements or installation services, be sure to contact Price’s Guaranteed Doors for all your needs. We’re here to help make your home more energy efficient and comfortable, all while providing top-notch customer service. Contact us today for window, door or garage door services around SLC, St. George or Boise areas!