Key Ways Windows Can Help Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Windows are part of the unsung heroes of our household. Apart from our roof, our doors, our walls, and our tiles, our windows help keep everything together. However, windows are not just there to keep us safe from external threats such as rain and winds. Did you know windows can help make your home more energy efficient? That’s right, windows are actually capable of making our homes conserve energy and make the most out of our energy-based appliances and devices. The good news is that making our windows energy efficient is not exactly too hard either.

Why Windows?

Windows are a perfect way to contribute to your home’s energy efficiency due to its nature. Remember, windows provide our homes with things such as ventilation, warmth, and light. Since we can place our windows where we wish, this means we can also tailor our windows to make the most out of these features.

1. On Selection

You may find yourself wondering how come there are potentially a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best windows for creating an energy efficient home. This is because windows are, by nature, capable of a lot of things. Don’t forget to think about their “energy performance ratings” when it comes to your place’s climate and the overall design of your home.

• Try to select homes with low numbers in both U-factors and SMGCs so you can maximize your energy savings in various temperature settings.
• Understand that window frames collect heat, so this can be detrimental if you live in a hot area, but useful if you live in a cold area.
• Different kinds of glass can contribute to collecting or dispersing heat and cold air, so choose wisely depending on the kind of home you have.
• Always remember to carefully plan for the kinds of windows you are getting. Windows are designed depending on how they appear, and how they interact with members of the household. Professionals like http://royaltywindows.com/ can better guide you in this aspect. Windows are classified depending on how they are opened, or if they slide, or if they are fixed. This is because windows can be tailored to have various effects on the household that needs them, and smart selection of said windows can have a lot of benefits for you.

2. On Existing Windows

When it comes to existing windows, making them more energy efficient is not extremely difficult. It all boils down to proper planning and maintenance. For instance, you can add to the energy efficiency of windows you already have by adding new features such as caulking, storm windows, weather-stripping, and adding stuff such as window coverings and treatments to improve their overall performance.

• Storm windows can help reduce the amount of air that is leaking inside and outside the house. They can provide more comfort than your previous windows.
• Weather-stripping and caulking does the same benefits as storm windows, albeit they are composed of adding more components to existing windows. Cracks, joints, and gaps that are less than a quarter of an inch wide may benefit from caulks. Meanwhile, weather-stripping additions can be added to components that move such as windows that are operable.
• Treatments and coverings can actually help maintain heat during the winter, and they can reduce gaining of heat throughout the summer.
• If you want windows that are more appropriate for cold weather, then it may be best to use a heavy-duty and clear sheet of plastic on the frame, and to add a clear plastic film on the inside. You can also install insulating window shades that are tightly-fit to the windows you need.
• If you want warmer windows, you can install window drapes, blinds, and shades to reflect a lot of heat away from the sun. Of course, awnings on windows that face west and south can benefit a lot as well. Make sure you try to use reflective films just for added protection.

3. On New Windows

If you’re planning on renovating your home or getting a new one, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to make your home more energy efficient than ever. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to selecting windows based on the kind of effect you want to have.

• Before selecting windows like those at Scelta Windows, try your best to see what sort of windows are out there. Check if these are the types of windows that are appropriate for your home setting, and try your best to see the “energy performance” ratings of said windows with respect to your house.
• Some homes can adapt a “passive solar” design, which means they use the sun in order to provide heating, lighting, and cooling. These designs of course vary on where you live and the components you use, but the benefits remain the same: the target is to pretty much use the sun more when it comes to altering aspects of your home instead of relying in electronics.
• When you live in warmer places, try to make sure the “glazing areas” of your windows face south so they can collect a lot of heat during the winter. Meanwhile, you have to make sure there are shades to avoid heat gain in the summer.
• When you live in colder places, try to make sure that windows are north-facing to take advantage of the sun’s rays as they pour into your home. And for southern-facing windows in warmer climates, window film can reduce utility use too.
• If you plan on having windows that face the other directions, try to have them in small numbers so they can get light and heat but not too much of an inconvenience.

Conclusion

A little creativity can go a long way, and in terms of our windows, a little creativity can actually save a lot of money when it comes to our energy budget. We often only look at windows as part of the things that keep our houses together, including doors, walls, tiles, and the roof. However, if we use our windows carefully and maintain them properly, they can bring a lot of benefit to the household as well. Talk about efficiency in the household! If you have other ideas on energy efficiency with windows in mind, then feel free to share them with us below.

Joe Minardi
Owner/President

I am the owner and founder of Scelta Windows based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have over 20 plus years of experience, specifically in the residential remodeling and replacement window sales and installation. I launched Scelta Windows to provide choices to customers, along with a commitment to superb customer service. Many Oklahoma residents may remember me from my days co-hosting a home improvement show on KRMG Radio, with Denver Fox. For over 10 years, I enjoyed providing tips to listeners. I have also been featured on many national and local publications and websites with articles and tips related to home improvement and windows.