Energy-efficient windows can benefit you and your home in many ways. For starters, they can significantly improve comfort inside your home and help reduce your annual heating and cooling bills — thanks to their ability for moderating temperatures. Energy-efficient windows also have some specific features that can ensure better protection against UV and outdoor noise.
That said, it’s no wonder that experts often recommend ENERGY STAR®-rated windows for the homes in Maryville, TN. To give you a clearer idea of how these windows differ from regular windows, Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville — a trusted provider of patio doors and windows — shares the main advantages of energy-efficient windows.
Older windows tend to be more prone to drafts, heat loss and air leakage. This vulnerability may be due to their outdated window design and technology or normal wear and tear. Typically, energy-efficient windows have better insulation, and they can maintain a higher surface temperature on interior glazing. These qualities ensure that they are able to keep your home’s temperature stable and comfortable.
This is perhaps the most advertised benefit of energy-efficient windows, and it certainly has a good basis. Since energy-efficient windows are designed to moderate indoor temperature, it can assist your heating and cooling system to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, preventing your HVAC units from being overworked and consuming more energy. This can lead to reasonable savings on your heating and cooling costs every year. Make sure to pair your energy-efficient windows with quality replacement doors too so that you can maximize the benefits of your windows and doors.
Outdoor noise can also affect your comfort inside your home, and it can even keep you from having peaceful sleep at night. That said, if your existing windows aren’t able to prevent outdoor sounds from reaching your interior, your quality of sleep could be affected.
Fortunately, with high-performance energy-efficient windows, you can rest assured that a significant amount of the sounds coming from outside will be blocked, allowing you to have a peaceful and relaxing indoor environment. It’s also important to note that multiple panes generally offer better sound absorption. So if you want maximum sound absorption, you can choose triple-pane windows over double-pane windows. However, it’s still best to consult window professionals to know if triple-pane windows can really give you more benefits than double-pane windows in terms of overall energy efficiency.
During colder months, the outside air can be very dry. And when it gets into your home, it can reduce the inside relative humidity (RH) and cause dry throats and skin irritations. You can opt to use a humidifier, but this is often just a temporary relief. Furthermore, bringing the RH above 40% for an extended period can lead to issues such as mold growth and foggy windows. With energy-efficient windows, you can expect better thermal performance and higher inside glass temperatures that allow for increased RH levels. This promotes a more comfortable interior without risking condensation issues.
High-performance windows can bring more natural light into your home without letting too much heat pass through during the summer or escape during the winter. Because of this, you can rely less on artificial lighting and save on electricity costs.
Furthermore, you don’t have to be concerned about the sun’s heat reaching your interior. Windows with low-emissivity (low-E) glass can effectively keep heat out and repel the sun’s UV rays. As you may already know, the sun’s heat and UV rays can cause fading in floors and furniture. So with the protection that low-E glass can provide, you can have peace of mind that your interior and belongings will be safe from damage.
Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville offers a range of replacement windows and doors. For windows, we have double hung windows, casement windows, picture windows and more. For doors, we can provide sliding doors and French doors. Rest assured that our team is trained and experienced in window and door installation and that you can expect superior customer service from us. Call us at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve customers in Maryville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas.