Windows have come a long way from the simple glass and wood construction of the past. Modern replacement windows are now a product of years of technological advancement which make them stronger, easier to manufacture, install and use, and more energy-efficient. When it comes to windows, energy efficiency is measured by a number of different factors. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these factors so you can choose the right products to use on your next home improvement project.
The Department of Energy uses ENERGY STAR® ratings to assess the energy efficiency of window products. These ratings might sound a little too technical for the layperson so our window replacement experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville have provided the following explanations to help you understand them a little bit better.
Some materials are designed to prevent heat from the sun from entering your home while others are best-suited to maximizing this heat. Finding the right replacement windows starts with understanding the climate where your home is located.
For areas with long winters and steep drops of temperature, it may be best to use your windows to get more heat from the sun. The opposite is true for warmer places, where cooling is more important. Talk to a local window contractor to determine the recommended energy efficiency ratings for your area.
The glass area of a window is its most distinctive feature. Manufacturers often design windows so that homeowners can have greater glass areas and maximize their views of the outdoors. For energy efficiency purposes, however, glass plays a much different role. The replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen® come with an exclusive High-Performance™ Low-E4® coating.
Low-E stands for low emissivity, and it’s a measure at how much of the sun’s heat can pass through a material. Low-e glass increases the insulation ability of your windows, which means you’re more well-protected against solar heat gains.
Your local window company might also offer you a choice between single, double, or triple-pane windows. These indicate the number of glass layers the window will have. Single-pane windows are perhaps the least expensive but they are also the least energy-efficient. Double and triple-pane variants will often have two to three glass layers separated by a layer of an inert gas that helps improve its insulation.
While triple-pane windows might sound like the best option in terms of performance, most experts recommend sticking with double-pane replacement windows as the differences are often not too significant, particularly in areas with a temperate climate.
At Renewal by Andersen®, replacement window products always come with exclusive Fibrex® frames. Wooden windows offer high-insulation ratings and great aesthetic features but they are often prone to structural problems and require frequent maintenance. On the other hand, vinyl offers durability and affordability, but can be restricted when it comes to colors and patterns. Fibrex combines the advantages of these two options without the usual drawbacks, making it a superior choice to frame your replacement windows.
The number one problem with other replacement windows comes from the seals. Without a good seal, warm or cool air can escape from your interiors into the outdoors. This leads to higher energy bills as your HVAC system struggles to maintain a certain temperature. It can also lead to a drop in your comfort by creating drafty areas in your home. Renewal By Andersen® produces high-quality seals in all replacement windows, which means you’ll won’t have to worry about this problem for a long time.
Find energy-efficient replacement windows and more at Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville, your trusted replacement window company. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our online form to schedule an in-home consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Knoxville, TN, and other nearby areas in Tennessee.
