5 Facts About Energy Efficient Windows
Ordinary windows provide only one-tenth of the thermal protection of an equal area of exterior wall. Fortunately, energy efficient windows can help with reducing the costs and discomfort normally associated with these necessary features of a house. There are a lot of good reasons for using them but five facts really stand out.
They Really Work
The wood and vinyl used in energy efficient window replacement frames are the top choices for insulative materials. With vinyl, the addition of standard insulation to the frame’s core can double their thermal resistance up to R-5. The windows themselves supply a thermal barrier by using two or three glass panes with a thermally resistant gas like argon or krypton filling the space between. Finally, an invisible coating made of metallic materials like silver or tin is applied to the glass to reflect interior heat that would otherwise radiate out of the room.
They’re Attractive
Coming in all shapes and sizes, energy efficient windows with either wooden or vinyl frames add beauty to any home. We recommend wood since it’s the gold standard among window frames with their natural grain that can be stained or painted to blend with any type of architectural style.
Durability
As already mentioned, wood is one of the top choices for insulating window frames and it has a great reputation for toughness. This material will last as long as the house itself as long as it’s properly maintain. Vinyl frames, the other top selection for thermal protection, are also surprisingly strong. Vinyl really comes through in its ability to withstand the elements with little maintenance. Specially formulated, it can also hold up to UV exposure without fading.
Summer Protection
The same spectrally selective coating of metal that reflects heat back into the home can reflect the sun’s heat away from the interior in summer. These windows can also be equipped with an extra coating that block ultraviolet light from entering the home. This type of light can fade colors in everything from wall paint to carpeting and is even harmful to houseplants. Plants actually need light in the blue and red frequencies of the visible spectrum. Energy efficient window replacement glass allows these forms of light to easily pass through.
Added Benefits
It’s easy to see how two layers of glass can help block sound. Less obvious is how this thermal barrier ensures an interior window layer that won’t be much colder than the air indoors. Without the cold interior surface, damaging moisture won’t be condensing on windows and dripping down on window sills and walls causing stains and mold.
Better Than The Average Window
Stunning energy efficient windows let the sunlight in through condensation-free panes without letting in summer heat, winter cold, noise, and even destructive UV rays. Whether it’s a home under construction or a needed replacement job, our crew at Peach Building Products can help with selecting and installing these modern marvels.
About the Author:
Peach Building Products Doors & Windows is Utah’s most trusted home improvement supplier. From custom doors, windows, skylights, sunrooms, shutters and blinds, we’ve been making happy homeowners for over 23 years.
Peach Building Products Doors & Windows
7220 S 900 E
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 566–1255
