In the Mid-South, we are all too familiar with the extreme summer heat, but often find ourselves unprepared for the unexpectedly cold winter months. For this reason, it is important that we properly insulate our homes. Our windows are a great place to start, as they are a source of exposure to the outside world and can often introduce drafts to the home, throwing off the internal temperature of your home. When your windows are no longer serving their purpose as insulators, consider replacing them with energy efficient windows! They provide much better insulation than typical single-pane windows and can save you money in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy efficient windows have a great range of benefits for any home in any location, especially as the outside temperature begins to drop and it is doing so quickly in our area.

1. Improve Insulation

The technology used in energy efficient windows make them better insulators than standard builder grade windows, as they are designed to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping your home and outside air entering. This means that the overall temperature of your home will remain much more regulated and you will not be impacted as greatly by the colder winter months.

2. Protect from External Environment

Regular windows allow ultraviolet rays from the sun to penetrate into your home, leading to fading and deterioration of carpet, rugs, woods and other fabrics. Energy efficient windows, on the other hand, protect your home from harmful UV rays by preventing them from entering through your windows. Additionally, energy efficient windows reduce condensation buildup and lessen outside noise.

3. Lower Utility Costs

With improved insulation and less draft, energy efficient windows can greatly lower the cost of heating and cooling your home. These windows also provide long-term savings by reducing the need for window and home maintenance. These windows prevent water condensation from entering and therefore prevent mold growth and water spots. New windows also reduce the need for caulking and other fixes. The Department of Energy estimates that replacing your windows with energy efficient ones could save you up to 31% annually in heating and cooling costs.

4. Help the Environment!

Energy efficient windows lessen the amount of cooling or heating necessary to regulate your home’s temperature, and therefore, mean less energy is used. You can help the environment just by making the switch to energy efficient windows.

What Are the Elements of Energy Efficient Windows?

The advanced technology used in energy efficient windows leads to their improved insulating properties and heat blocking abilities.

Double- or Multi-Panes

The use of two or more panes of glass in windows adds extra layers of protection from the outside world, especially from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. During the winter months, these panes keep the warm air inside.

Gas Fillings

The space between these panes of glass can be filled with a number of natural, invisible gases, such as Argon and Krypton. These gases act as a thermal insulator and reduce the amount of heat transfer through the window panes.

Low-E Glass Coating

Coatings, such as Low-E (or Low-Emissivity), can be applied to the exterior of the window and control the way in which heat and sunlight move across the window. These coatings block heat from entering the home when it’s hot outside and prohibits heat from leaving when it’s cold. Low-E specifically can block up to 90% of the sun’s rays!

Frame Materials

The window panes, gas, and coating work together with the window frame to completely seal the window and provide total protection. While aluminum is a common option for window frames, it can also act a conductor and transfer heat into the outside environment. Other frame materials that pair well with energy efficient windows include vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or composite, and have the added benefit of not transferring heat.

What Factors Should You Consider?

 When deciding between the various energy efficient windows on the market, there are a few factors to consider:

First, the U Value. This value measures the rate at which heat is lost or retained through windows on a range from 0.14 to 1.20. Look for windows with a lower U Value, as these windows are better at preventing heat loss and will provide better insulation.

Second, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This value measures the amount of heat radiated by the sun that is absorbed by your windows and subsequently released into your home in a range from 0 to 1. The higher the coefficient, the higher the percentage of available heat that can pass through the window. Choosing a window with the right coefficient will depend on the region in which you live. For instance, in colder regions which rely on heating systems, look for windows with a higher coefficient to allow for a greater percentage of heat to pass through and make use of the available sunlight to generate warmth inside the home.

YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW INSTALLER:

Are you considering making the switch to energy efficient windows before the winter season, but not sure which ones are right for your home? Located in the Mid-South, Mighty Metal Roofing can help you determine which energy efficient windows will work best in your region and with your lifestyle. Our company is a locally owned roofing and remodeling company with over 25 years of experience and a specialty in metal roofs. We have a A+ rating with the Mid-South BBB. We provide free roof estimates and roof inspections along with a selection of finance options that best fit your budget.

Why Wait To Replace Your Windows?

Contact Mighty Metal Roofing today to learn more about our energy efficient window options!