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Energy Saving Windows  

 

Special Window Glazing Films and Inert Gas Help to Produce Highly Energy Efficient Windows

 

By Mark J. Donovan

 

Windows represent the biggest heat loss source in your home. Between 25 and 50% of the heat lost from your home is due to windows. In addition, old non energy saving windows account for much of the heat build-up in your home during the summer months. Fortunately there is new technology-advanced energy saving windows on the market today that can keep your home warmer during the cold winter months and cooler during the hot summer months.

Today’s new window technology includes special film coatings and materials on or near the glass window panes.

The film coatings and materials let light through the windows, but more importantly provide higher insulation R-values and reflect back outwards from the window ultraviolet light that would normally heat the home during the hot summer months. These types of energy saving windows are constructed using two or three panes of glass, and sandwiched in between the layers are very thin films or inert argon gas.

The multi-layer window panes and argon gas are the two key technologies for making energy saving windows during the winter months as they increase the windows’ insulation R-values. The thin films that are either attached to the glass or are sandwiched in between the panes reduce the amount of ultraviolet light entering the home through the windows, thus keeping the home cooler during the summer months. The other advantage of these types of special films and coatings is that they can prevent furniture fabric, carpet, and even wood flooring from fading caused by ultraviolet light entering the home.

The only issue with the ultra-violet blocking coatings and thin films is that the ultraviolet sunlight can be beneficial during the winter months for homes located in colder climates. Thus, energy saving windows with ultraviolet coatings and thin films may not be ideal for colder climate locations.

Besides the window panes and glazing, there are also other features in energy saving windows that are not found in older ones. For example, older aluminum or vinyl windows had very little insulation properties in their frames. Today’s new energy saving windows are made with wood, vinyl, or aluminum frames.


Wood and insulated vinyl window frames are very energy efficient as they will not transfer heat as well as other window frame materials. In addition, non-metallic spacers are used between the multi layer window panes to help reduce heat transfer.

So when looking for new energy saving windows for your home make sure to select windows with these types of energy saving materials and construction. Also, windows sold today specify their insulation R-Values. The higher a window’s R-value, the more energy efficiency it will be. Keep in mind you will pay a bit more for these types of energy saving windows, however the costs will quickly be recouped by lower month home energy bills.

 

Find a Local Window Installation Contractor

For more information on Installing a New Window, see the Installing a New Window Ebook from HomeAdditionPlus.com.  The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.

 

 


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