While they may seem extremely expensive to install and purchase (especially if you want to replace all of your windows), an energy efficient window replacement will usually pay itself off at resale and save you hundreds of dollars annually.  However, there are a variety of types and price ranges for energy efficient windows and you need to find the best window for your climate and house.  In order to do that,  there are a couple factors that you need to consider when choosing and installing energy efficient windows.

Understanding window performance

Each window will perform less or more efficiently based on the types of glass and spacer used in the frame.  Windows usually lose heat during the cold season and gain heat during the hot season, which adds to the energy costs of each household.  The U-factor is a measure of the rate of non-solar heat flow. So the lower the U-factor, the more insulating and efficient the window.  The U-factor should be displayed prominently on all windows, so be sure to check this statistic before purchasing any energy efficient windows.

A big factor that determines window performance is the number of panes the window has.  You want a window with more panes because it decreases the U-factor, meaning there is greater insulation. Another factor is the gas filler between the panes. While air is a great insulator, argon and other gases are sometimes used as well for even greater insulation. The distance between panes also affects efficiency; a window with more distance between the panes with only air can often outperform argon-filled windows that have a smaller distance between the panes.

Looking at labels

Energy Star labels are helpful when determining which windows meet certain energy specifications, so be sure to read them completely and carefully to find out which window fits your lifestyle. While the highest-end windows are extremely energy-efficient, they usually are not worth the price for residential homes.  Consider your climate as well, as a moderate climate may require less energy efficient windows. So use your best judgment when weighing cost vs. efficiency to get the best fit for your home.

Installing the window, however, is an issue in and of itself.  If you don’t want to deal with installation, you can always use TalkLocal to find high quality window replacement services in minutes.  They’ll help you out with your specific need, based completely on your schedule.

This entry was originally posted on Friday, July 6th, 2012 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Window Replacement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.