Looking for new windows? Perhaps your energy auditor has arrived, audited your energy consumption and advised that you update your current windows so you can save on utility bills and get rid of those troublesome drafts you feel all around the home.
However, while upgrading your windows may seem like the right first move in making your house energy-efficient, it may not provide optimal benefits for your particular home. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you have an energy audit conducted before you get started.
The Top 3 Most Energy-Efficient Types of Windows You Can Install
This post takes a look at three of the most popular kinds of energy-efficient windows on the market and how they help you save money and energy in the long-term.
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Awning Windows
Hinged on top, awning windows open outward, letting in ventilation without allowing falling leaves or rain in. The screens are inside the window, where they enjoy more protection from harsh weather.
Awning windows are typically used for basements since they can be installed high on walls and easily work without turning the handle. They’re an amazing option to combine with non-operable windows, like below or above a picture window, as they’re generally smaller than casements, sliders, or double hung windows.
Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing comprises frames (timber, aluminum, or uPVC) and two glass panes with a 12-16 mm gap between them. They also have a spacer bar for keeping the glass sheets spaced out to make the gap, which often fills with air or argon gas in some cases.
Double glazing is sometimes known as insulated glazing. When it traps the air between the glass panes, it provides greater insulation which drastically reduces the cold or hot air and level of noise.
There are substitutes for double glazed windows out there, which can offer an even greater insulation level. And in other words, the more glass layers your window has, the better its insulation.
When it comes to energy efficiency, double glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular. They come in multiple materials, styles, shapes, and sizes. But more importantly, they’re more eco-friendly and will drastically lower your carbon footprint.
Fixed Pane Windows
These are basically windows that can’t be shut or open. In other words, they’re a glass pane within a frame. While you can apply single glazing, it’s best to use double or even triple glazing with energy-efficient coatings for better efficiency.
The frame of the window itself may be made from different materials, including timber, composite timbers, uPVC, and aluminum, allowing you to match your fixed windows with other types of windows in your home. A few kinds of fixed windows include picture windows and transom windows (installed over other windows or doors).
Since fixed pane windows are inoperable, they’re definitely the most energy-efficient of all windows, especially if they’re paired with special coatings or double glazing. This is because they’re a sealed unit that doesn’t let air in.
In addition, fixed windows are the cheapest of all window options. This is because they don’t require any hardware to open or close and they’re also easy and quick to install.
Summary
The best types of windows to install in your house might be different from what your neighbors use. Before getting started, consider what energy-efficient windows will work perfectly for your home and also improve the efficiency of your home.
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