Replacement Window and Siding Blog CT

What Makes a Replacement Window ENERGY-EFFICIENT?

  

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        Many people wonder what makes a replacement window more energy efficient than another, especially if they can't see any distinct differences? Basically, how well an energy-saving window performs depends on the construction of the window frame and the spacer material that separates the individual frames of glass inside the pane and the glass itself. Energy-efficient windows include modern technologies to reduce air flow and heat loss. These technologies include glazing, low-E coatings, low-U values, and gases such as krypton or argon between panes. There are many different types of Energy Efficient Windows advertised these days, but most of them barely make the Energy Star standard. Here are 5 categories of what to look for when shopping for an Energy Efficient Replacement Window:

 1) Multiple Panes of Glass: Two panes of glass, with an air or gas-filled space in the middle, insulate much better than a single pane of glass. Some Energy Star qualified windows include 3 or more panes for even greater energy efficiency, increased impact resistance, and sound insulation. 

 2) Improved Frame Materials: Vinyl and Fiberglass frames reduce heat transfer and help insulate better. 

 3) Low-E Glass: Special coatings reflect infrared light, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. They also reflect damaging ultraviolet light (UV rays), which help protect your interior furnishings from fading away.

 4) Gas-Filled Windows: Some energy-efficient windows have argon, krypton, or other gases between the panes. These odorless, colorless, non-toxic gases insulate substantially better than regular air. 

 5) Warm Edge Spacers: A spacer keeps a window's glass pane the correct distance apart, today's warm edge spacers reduce heat flow and prevent condensation. We use a Duralite Spacer System which improves the total window R-value which reduces heat loss and saves money on energy bills. 

  To find out more information about Suburban's highest energy-efficient window, The HEAT MIRROR Replacement Window, please click here.