While considering to upgrade or in case you are building a new home, choosing the right windows is a critical step.
Gone are the days when people are more interested in style and look of the windows today, you have a lot of other factors to looks for while selecting the window especially if you are super energy-conscious and your main concern is to minimize the heating and cooling cost of your household then energy-efficient windows could be the best deal for you in many ways.it saves you from extreme weather condition, increase the comforts level inside the house, and less energy consumption means it lowers the greenhouse gas emissions and keep the environment safe
Design Options
There are many points while discussing the type of windows for energy efficiency, the first point is the design of the window itself. It is usually based on the aesthetic choice of the homeowner and the style of the home
Casement windows
This is the Most commonly used design of the window and these are mostly used in climates where the wind is a problem. For energy efficiency, their tighter seal give these windows a clear advantage over other design of the windows
Sliding windows
These type of windows are ideal for wide spaces and are also very common, it can be energy efficient by selecting the right glass choice for sliding windows
Double hung windows
These are the traditional type of windows but are not the best choice in extreme climate and double hung windows can be energy efficient with an organ gas filled
Choosing the frame material
After choosing the basic design and functionality of your window now its time to know about the frame material there are many types of materials available with positive and negative aspects and you have to choose according to your budget, style, and environment
Wood
Wood frame is always considered to be less prone to heat and cold these frames always require maintenance and if you choose the quality species of wood then it works well for long period of time and always remains in a good shape and it is costly than other types of frames
Vinyl
It is the most affordable choice for windows frame and can be the best choice for energy efficient if properly insulated and well constructed
Vinyl doesn’t require maintenance cost and is limited in colors
Aluminum
It is the commonly used option of many builders due to its strength and durability plus it is less expensive and has a low maintenance cost.
Aluminum was considered to be the least energy efficient but using thermal break technology it can be the highest energy efficiency.
Fiber Glass.
This is the best choice for you if you are taking energy efficiency very seriously
It is considered to be durable and stable material for windows frame and it also requires a small maintenance cost
Choosing the right Glazing
Glazing is the most important component to consider while looking for energy efficient windows. There is a wide variety of glass configuration and coating which plays a big role in energy efficiency
Double Glazed windows
These windows have two layers of glass with a space in between that is vacuum sealed and can be inflated with the gas like argon-filled, it provides an insulation barrier to keep the heat in
Triple Glazed windows
It has three layers of glass and is more suitable if you are living in harsh winter climates