Understanding Energy-Efficiency in Replacement Windows
By Aaron O'Hanlon
Window replacement for improved energy efficiency is one of the most
popular remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners today. Replacing
your windows could result in energy savings of 30% or more in any
region of the U.S. Your choices for replacement windows will consider
the style of the window as well as the efficiency and safety of the
window. To help you understand the energy-efficiency qualities of
various replacement windows, here are some facts to help you make
decisions.
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Some window materials conduct heat and cold. The result is
some energy loss through the window materials. The material that loses
the most heat or cold is Aluminum. Steel conducts about one-third the
amount of heat and cold. Stainless steel conducts about one-third the
amount of heat and cold lost with steel. The most efficient material
for windows is wood, conducting 1/1000 the amount lost through
aluminum. And just a fraction behind wood is vinyl. The bottom line is
that the most energy-efficient window materials are wood and vinyl.
Vinyl, of course, requires less maintenance.
The next consideration is about the glass in the windows. Heat and
cooling loss through glass can be reduced by adding a second pane of
glass and leaving space between the panes to trap the outside air which
is at a different temperature from the inside air. These double-paned
or double-glazed windows are more efficient than single panes.
Double-paned windows can also have a fill of gas between the panes to
further reduce heat exchange. Filling the space between panes of a
double-paned window with Argon gas will make it twice as effective.
Filling the space between the panes with Krypton gas increases the
R-value of the window from 4.0 to 4.55. Triple-paned or triple-glazed
windows filled with Argon gas have an R-value of 6.25, and choosing a
triple-paned window filled with Krypton gas provides an R-value of 10.0.
Windows can also be coated with screening finishes of various kinds to
block UV (Ultraviolet) rays and IR (infrared) rays. These screening
finishes protect window treatments and furniture and carpeting from
fading and reflect back some of the heating effect of the sun.
Windows of any style, size and shape can be chosen in several colors of
vinyl and can be painted any color if your choice of window material is
wood. Windows can be purchased with various styles of dividers within
the window and even with blinds attached in enclosed compartments or
with blinds placed within the window itself.
No matter what style or type of window you need for an energy-efficient
window replacement project, you will do well to look for the "Energy
Star" seal first. These windows will meet minimum standards established
by the Federal Government.
Aaron O'Hanlon has been helping window contractors increase profits
through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at
Footbridge Media. See his companies latest creation: Virginia
Replacement Windows or contact him directly at Contractor Marketing
Replacement Windows
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