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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
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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.
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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.
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.
Get Free Window Price Quotes,
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Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
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