You’ve likely heard that energy efficient windows can save you money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. But there are other important benefits of energy efficient window replacement for your St. Louis home. Read on for a look at all the benefits.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment for an energy efficient window replacement quote, call us at (314) 423-DOOR or contact our window and door professionals online to schedule a consultation.
What Are Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy efficient windows prevent heated or cooled air from escaping your home. They maintain a consistent temperature by either harnessing the sun’s energy or keeping it at bay.
The following terms make it easier to understand energy efficient windows, how they work, and make informed choices during energy efficient window replacement.
- Low-E Glass: Low emissivity glass is a type of glass coated with a thin layer that reduces heat and light transmission. Its paper-thin coating can improve a window’s efficiency substantially.
- Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Glass: Insulated glass consists of two or three panes with spaces between them that are filled with argon gas. This prevents heat from transferring through the glass. Non-insulated glass consists of a single pane of glass. Their insulation ability is lesser than that provided by insulated glass.
- U-Factor: The U-factor is a rating system that measures the energy efficiency of building materials like windows, doors, and skylights. It is the ability of the entire window assembly – glazing, frame, and sash material – to stop heat transfer. The lower a window’s U-factor, the better its insulation ability. Most energy-efficient windows will have a U-factor between 0.30 and 0.15.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This rating measures how much solar radiation can pass through a window. Windows with a low SHGC let less solar radiation pass through the glass, making them a good option for hotter climates. Windows with a high SHGC allow more light to pass through and warm rooms, making them a better option for colder climates.
What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficient Window Replacement?
Here are some top reasons to replace your conventional windows with energy efficient alternatives:
- Save on your energy bill: Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows reduces household energy bills by an average of up to 13 percent. However, it is important to keep in mind that you won’t get the most benefits unless you replace most or all of your old windows.
- Enjoy better thermal comfort: Energy efficient window replacement has the added benefit of improving indoor comfort by keeping outdoor elements at bay. They act as a barrier against cold weather, keeping your home warm during winter, and keep you comfortably cool in the summer months, often without overuse of the air-conditioning.
- Decrease your carbon footprint: Heat loss or gain is responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Energy efficient window replacement is a way to improve energy utilization in your home, reducing your home’s demand from carbon-intensive power plants, thereby helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reduce window maintenance: As energy-efficient windows are designed to minimize energy transfer, they maintain a consistent temperature and reduce moisture in your home. The likelihood of condensation, and resulting mold, decreases substantially, lowering your maintenance needs and costs.
- Protect home furnishings: Window coverings, furniture, and wood floors can fade from discoloration after exposure to direct sunlight. Energy efficient windows have a special coating that prevents UV rays from permeating your indoors, helping preserve your belongings.
Contact Berry Door for Energy Efficient Window Replacement in St. Louis
Berry Door & Window is a St. Louis window replacement company offering a wide range of energy efficient window products. Our in-house team, never subcontractors, carries out professional installation, ensuring your windows will last for years to come, providing improved comfort and efficiency as well as other benefits. Contact us to request additional information on energy efficient window installation or schedule a consultation.