Creating comfortable, energy-efficient homes is on everyone's agenda, especially when it helps lower energy bills. While insulation, heating and cooling systems often come to mind when considering energy efficiency, many overlook the role of windows. As Homestyle Renovations experts, we thought it was time to delve into understanding what makes a window energy-efficient. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on energy-efficient windows and how they can benefit you.

Understand U-Factor

The U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-Factor, the greater the window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties. Investing in windows with a low U-Factor can help conserve heat in your home during colder months in Windsor, Ontario, and surrounding areas.

The Magic of Low-E Glass

Low-E stands for low-emissivity. Low-E glass is coated with an extremely thin layer of metal oxide that allows light and short-wave heat energy to enter while reflecting long-wave heat energy back, thus keeping your home relatively warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This makes Low-E glass a great choice for both energy efficiency and a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

Double, or Better Yet, Triple Glazing

Single-pane windows are a thing of the past. Double or triple-glazed windows are the new norm and for a good reason. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with an insulating gas layer in between, while triple-glazed have three. The more layers, the better the insulation and energy efficiency, as they can trap more heat inside during winter and keep out excess heat during summer. Not to mention, they also provide excellent soundproofing.

Gaze at Gas Fills

Gas fills between window panes can further improve a window’s insulation and energy performance. Argon and krypton are excellent insulating gases commonly used. They have higher resistance to heat flow compared to air and therefore, enhance energy efficiency when sealed between glazing layers.

Frame it Right

The frame material also influences the energy efficiency of a window. Vinyl, composite, wood, and fiberglass are excellent options. Not only do they help to reduce heat transfer, but they are also durable and require minimal maintenance.

Weather Stripping and Warm Edge Technology

Look for windows with quality weather stripping to prevent air leakage. Warm edge technology, on the other hand, refers to the spacer material used to separate glazing layers in energy-efficient windows. It reduces heat transfer and helps prevent condensation.

Spectacular Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

SHGC measures the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits. In Windsor and surrounding areas, where we experience a mix of both hot summers and frosty winters, it’s important to look for windows that strike a balance of a low SHGC and high visible light transmittance to maximize daylight while reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Energy Star Certification

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, look for the Energy Star label. Windows with this label have been independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and thus are guaranteed to be energy-efficient.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what makes a window energy-efficient is crucial for making informed decisions in your pursuit of creating a more sustainable and efficient home. Switching to energy-efficient windows is not just about savings on energy bills, but also about creating a comfortable living environment.

At Homestyle Renovations, we offer a range of energy-efficient windows solutions, including the Golden Windows product line which offers aluminum-clad, wood, and vinyl options that exceed the industry standard for energy efficiency and are fully compliant with the Ontario building codes 2020.

Ready to start your energy-efficiency journey? Our knowledgeable tradesmen are on standby ready to advise you on the best fit for your home. Connect with Homestyle Renovations today!