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Energy Efficient Windows Save Valuable Resources

Energy efficient windows have a subtle but powerful effect on their surroundings. The first place you feel it is in the microcosm of your wallet but when you look at the big picture it's obvious that they also have a beneficial effect on our environment as well. Figures from 1990 show that unwanted heat gains and losses in residential and commercial buildings cost the United States $20 billion for a single year.

Windows that give more by using less are energy efficient. Levels in energy efficiency are related to the thermal resistance of the frame and spacer materials, the glazing methods and number of glass layers and the window style. Wise selection and correct installation of the right windows can go a long way towards reducing energy losses.

The least energy efficient is the old window that needs replacement. It is a known fact that older, inefficient windows leak warm air in winter and cold air in summer leading to higher energy bills. Replacing them results in a substantial energy saving.

When choosing an energy efficient replacement bear in mind that different styles of windows offer varying levels of performance. It's all in the seal. Apparently compression seals hold more effectively than sliding seals do. For this reason many people favor the casement window over the double hung. Casement windows use compression seals all round while the double hung uses compression seals for two of the four sides and sliding seals for the balance.

Manufacturers help us with the complex task of finding the most energy efficient option by using a standard rating system that applies to all windows. The R-value refers to the resistance to heat flow and the range goes from 0.9 for the least efficient to 3.0 for the most efficient.

Using energy efficient frame materials like wood and vinyl coupled with a double layer of good low-emissivity (low-e) glass will provide the most successful combination for energy efficient windows.

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