Best Energy Efficient Windows

Best Energy Efficient Windows Window Replacement

Purchasing the best energy efficient windows is a great way for homeowners to reduce the cost of heating and cooling their homes. Choosing the right windows can be tricky, but the key is finding the upgrades that save money without delivering a blow to your bottom line. When choosing energy efficient windows, homeowners should focus on four key aspects: frame, glass, design, and installation.

The Frame

There are a variety of window frame materials available, each with its own pros and cons. It is up to you to choose the material that works best for your budget.

Vinyl

Pros: less expensive without being “cheap,” can offer excellent energy efficient options through insulated glass and tight construction that reduces air leakage

Cons: limited color choices

Wood

Pros: best value for insulation, can stand the test of time if well-built

Cons: prone to rot (especially in humid or rainy climates), require more upkeep

Aluminum

Pros: practical in rainy and humid climates, meets coastal building codes (strong against hurricanes)

Cons: not the best choice to prevent heat transfer and loss

Wood-clad

Pros: offers the low-maintenance of vinyl or aluminum with the temperature-transfer resistance of wood

Cons: prone to rotting in wetter climates

The Glass

Experts suggest going with a double-paned window with Low-E glass, with a vacuum-sealed argon fill. The feature will cost about $40 extra per window, but it’s worth the price in energy savings. Low-E argon filled windows offer much more insulation than single-pane windows. This will make a big difference in your monthly energy bill. You should also check the window glass for its energy-efficient features.

The Design

The best energy efficient window designs include:

Double-hung windows These are found in many homes across the United States, particularly in pre-war buildings. The windows are double-hung and the bottom slides up to open the unit. This can be an efficient option, but is not the best choice for extreme climates because of the potential for air intrusion between sliders.

Casement windows These units are popular in climates where wind is an issue. These windows have a crank that swings the window outward to open and they seal tighter when wind blows in towards the house.

Picture windows  These are typically large units that do not open. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be energy efficient with the right glass choice and gas-filled interiors.

The Installation

A proper installation is important to keeping your windows energy efficient. Even the best windows will not perform effectively if installed incorrectly. Be wary of any contractor who relies too heavily on expanding foams or sealants to get windows to fit well. These materials aren’t waterproof and can cause problems later down the road. Pre-installation water proofing done well before installation is the best option to seal your windows from the elements.

If you need professional help to install new windows, use TalkLocal to find a local service provider in minutes!


4 Responses to “Best Energy Efficient Windows”

  1. westorangelumber.com says:

    Great article at west orange lumber we offer a high quality affordable price on energy efficient windows.

  2. energy efficient windows says:

    If your microwave is making a loud humming noise, first check to see if it still heats efficiently.

  3. Bob Morison says:

    There are so many options for windows nowadays that it’s really difficult to desice which ones are the best fit. I am an architect and I have used many different windows. The best windows I have used was Passive House certified super energy efficient wood windows with aluminum clad on exterior. We ordered them from Intus Windows. Also I wouldn’t go with double-hung windows. I know they are very popular, but I would recommend to try casement windows. They have triple seal which provides super air tightness. Good luck building your homes!

  4. Bob Morison says:

    There are so many options for windows nowadays that it’s really difficult to decide which ones are the best fit. We have used many different windows in our projects. The best windows I have used was Passive House certified triple pane wood windows with aluminum clad on exterior. We ordered them from Intus Windows. Also I would recommend to try casement windows instead of double-hung. They have triple seal which provides super air tightness. Good luck building your homes!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *