According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30 percent of a home's heating energy gets lost through windows. It is easy to see how upgrading to more energy-efficient retrofit windows could save large amounts of energy and lower your utility bill. There are a lot of ways to do so.
If you are considering new windows, keep reading. This article covers the latest retrofit window options for achieving better energy efficiency. Read on to find out the best window upgrades for your home.
Innovations in window frame materials have gone a long way toward increasing a home's energy efficiency. High-quality frames made of vinyl, fiberglass, or composite materials can offer a better thermal performance than traditional ones, like aluminum. These frames are much more durable as well, so you can expect them to last and perform well for decades.
Doubled-paned windows have become the standard for modern window designs. These create an added layer of solid material that helps keep air in or out.
For greater energy efficiency, homeowners or businesses can opt for triple or even quadruple glazing. This further reduces heat transfer and provides better insulation.
One of the newest innovations in upping energy efficiency in windows is vacuum-insulated glass (VIG). This consists of two panes of glass separated by a space, usually argon or krypton, which is denser than air. This eliminates convective heat transfer, producing an insulating quality.
Another advance in retrofit window energy efficiency is the use of low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These are thin layers of metallic oxides applied to glass.
They reflect infrared light while still permitting visible light to pass through. This makes windows more effective at blocking heat in the summer and retaining it during the winter.
Smart home technology now extends to windows. You can upgrade to windows with sensors that monitor various environmental conditions. These include internal and external temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity.
You can integrate these with your home's thermostat, which will automatically make adjustments to heating, AC, and ventilation. This can help optimize energy usage.
Some windows can use this information to adjust the tint. This improves comfort in a room and eliminates the need for your HVAC system to do all the work.
This last tip has less to do with energy efficiency than it does with the environment. Regardless of the type of window material you go with, choosing more sustainable ones for retrofit windows can limit environmental impact. These include recycled glass, as well as responsibly sourced frame materials.
Now that you know the most innovative retrofit window options for energy efficiency, you are ready to get started. A qualified installer can further advise you on the best choices based on your preferences and project goals.
At Cal Coast Window & Door, we have more than two decades of home window replacement solutions. We use only the top manufacturers of the highest quality products that can help achieve the results you want. Reach out to us today to schedule a free estimate.
or perhaps you have questions...
5627 Stoneridge Dr Suite 305
Pleasanton , CA 94588
(925) 398-8184
CA Contractors License #991336
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