Tips For Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

Everybody wants to cut their energy bills. Use an intelligent approach to boosting your home’s energy efficiency by thinking from the outside-in. Many homeowners try to buy the latest and greatest energy efficient models of air conditioning or heating systems without factoring their windows into the equation.

Old, rattling windows allow in bitterly cold air in winters months and warm, moist air during summer months. Attempting to chill hot air and warm up cold air can skyrocket your energy bills. If you want to save on energy bills replace your windows with up to date, energy efficient models. Taking an outside-in strategy to sealing your home can boost your savings quickly.

Sifting through the many makes and models of energy efficient windows can be an overwhelming experience. With the different terminology used to explain how windows benefit your home and the many advantages inherent in buying a particular model you may feel too confused to make an intelligent choice.

Armed with a few basic facts about windows you can make a confident decision and reduce your energy bills significantly.

Materials

Choosing wood, vinyl or composite frames can help you save with energy efficient windows. Frames made of wood are energy efficient, popular choices for people who want to buy new windows. Wood is easily painted and can be maintained with minimal effort. Insects can easily damage wood windows and these types are also apt to rot but manufacturers can coat them with a water-repellant or cover them with hearty aluminum or vinyl. Vinyl windows are resistant to moisture and are low maintenance but will fade due to weathering.

Aluminum windows are cheap but less energy efficient since these windows conduct heat. Fiberglass windows are high maintenance, expensive frames which are tough to find in energy efficient versions. Composite windows do not look as pretty as other types of frame but are fairly energy efficient models.

General Tips

Search for low E-coatings. These types of coatings on the glass reflect heat from your home and bounce away harmful UV rays. These coatings can have a darker tint and have the coating applied to the exterior of the glass in warmer climates and to the interior of the glass in colder climates to maximize energy efficiency.

Both awning and casement windows are highly energy efficient. Each window seals tightly against the weather stripping compared to double-hung windows. This keeps hot air out during warmer months and chilly air out during colder months, cutting down on your air conditioning and heating bills and boosting the energy efficiency inside of your home.

Find windows with low U-factors or U-values. These types of windows have the most insulation against medium or harsh weather conditions. Look for windows with compressible gasket type weather stripping to keep out rain and cold air. This type of stripping is used in most cars to seal in dry, comfortable air and to keep out moisture and extreme weather conditions.

If you’re shopping for windows in Ohio look for Cincinnati window replacement and installation.