How to Stay Cool in The Summer With Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Texas heat is something serious during the middle of summer. 3 digit heat for weeks at a time is common. Something else we see that is common is homes not being able to cool down. When this happens, the first thought of the home owner is their AC must not be working. That may be the case, but many times the AC winds up working fine and the real culprit turns out to be the windows, especially in older homes where the windows are 15 years or older. Even the best AC system can’t keep your home cool if your windows are old and drafty. Installing new windows for energy conservation turns out to be one of the more popular reasons we see people buying replacement windows in Texas. Below you learn how energy efficient replacement windows can help you stay cool during the heat & save money.
- LOW-E GLASS COATINGS
Energy efficient windows are typically designed with a low-e glass coating which is applied to the internal glass. This coating separates heat and light energy.
Essentially, it works as follows:
- The heat gets reflected back to the sun and
- The short wave light passes through the coating to illuminate your home
The major benefit of low-e glass coated energy efficient windows is that you can still have natural light without the intense heat from the sun.
- INSULATED GLASS
Vinyl window replacement is one of the most ideal upgrades for a cooler home in the summer. This is especially the case for vinyl window frames that contain chambers for extra insulation. By insulating these pockets, it becomes much more difficult for cool air in the home to escape through the window frames. Since vinyl frames can help reduce heat transfer, homeowners will ultimately experience a cooler home during the hottest days.
Not only are vinyl frames energy efficient, but they also are easy to maintain. During the summer, the sun can beat down on the window frames and cause damage such as fading. One way to help avoid this situation is by choosing high quality vinyl frames, which are better capable of resisting heat.
- ARGON GAS
Argon gas has about the same solubility as oxygen and is used to displace the air between window panels.
In terms of energy efficient windows, this means that if the space between the glass layers is filled with argon gas, it will help reflect the outside heat while helping to regulate the temperature inside your home.
These three features of energy efficient windows can optimize your summer savings. For electric bills nationwide, you can see average savings of 12 % when Energy Star certified windows are installed in your home.
You can also see annual savings of anywhere between $101 and $538 if you swap your single pane windows out for Energy Star qualified windows depending on the number and location of windows you are replacing.
Professional Window Installation is Essential for Energy Savings
Even the most energy efficient windows won’t keep the home cool if they’re improperly installed. Incorrect installation leads to a myriad of problems, with one of the most notable issues leading to energy loss.
Energy loss occurs in this situation due to air escaping through areas such as the sash, the frames, and where the sash meets the sill. Locking the window can help create an airtight seal, but even the smallest mismeasurement can result in a home that feels hot even when the air conditioning is running.
Before you choose to install replacement windows with energy savings in mind, be sure that you hire a professional window installation company. It might cost a little more upfront, but your savings will be greater in the long run.
