Homeowners Guide to Energy Efficient Windows

Below, we look at the vital function that energy-efficient windows play in the home and offer a complete rundown of your house's most energy-efficient window types. When window glass is recycled, it is typically used to create fibreglass or other building materials rather than new window panes. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity. However, recycling glass windows presents unique challenges due to the presence of additives like metal oxides and salts, which can affect the colour and melting temperature of the glass. In Europe, the production of glass was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decrease of 2.6% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, the insulating glass window market is mainly driven by the rising trend of energy-efficient building construction.
Once the window is then shut, the energy-efficient windows can trap this heat in and make the HVAC system work harder to maintain a cooler temperature as a result. Energy-efficient windows can also reduce the amount of noise pollution coming from outside your home, making for a more comfortable space inside. This is a great benefit if you’re developing houses or awning windows units near busy roads or high-traffic areas so this doesn’t affect your resale value so much. While double and triple-glazed windows are certainly more expensive, they also add plenty of value to your new build. If you’re planning on reselling after completion, you can increase the asking price and potentially create a bigger profit thanks to the windows alone.

Double-glazed windows are more efficient and utilise more materials, so they’re bound to be more expensive. Depending on where you get your windows from, they can range in price from $200 to $1,500 per square unit. Look for our FSC® certified  wooden window and door products on our website.
Energy efficient windows are constructed so they reduce as much heat loss as possible. They can also be constructed to reduce as much heat gain as possible, where overheating is an issue e.g. large south west facing windows. The openness factor on solar screens varies and affects the efficiency benefits; greater openness reduces the protection against glare and solar heat gain but increases visibility and light transmission. They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain. They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure. Window films help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure.

To earn the ENERGY STAR® label, a window must meet performance standards set by the U.S. These include maximum U-factor and t SHGC ratings based on your climate zone. All windows we install exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements for the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to materials, variables include the number of panes, how the windows are hinged, how they operate, and how much ventilation they offer. You may still find some all-aluminum windows, but their popularity has declined with the development of vinyl. All of the windows in our current ratings are double-paned, with the space in between filled with insulating argon gas. Even the best windows won’t deliver the look or comfort you expect if they’re installed incorrectly. Professional installation is key, especially if you have an older home where, say, window frames have shifted over time and are no longer square at the corners. To realise their full potential, WERS ratings are designed to 'plug in' to NatHERS, Australia's Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme accredited software.
It is not as sound-resistant in contrast to other materials, and it may rust over time. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home. Well-placed windows can decrease the need for artificial lighting by allowing in natural light, which will also help save on energy costs. If efficient windows are installed as part of a  new construction project, a smaller, more affordable heating and cooling system may be sufficient for the building. In addition to keeping your home comfortable, these windows also help in reducing your carbon footprint. By using less energy for heating and cooling, you’re directly contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning your home with sustainable living practices.

So if you’re looking for a way to improve the comfort of your home, double glazed windows may be the perfect solution. In addition, energy-efficient glass can also be used in conjunction with energy-efficient windows and doors to further reduce energy consumption. Like awning windows, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows because the sash closes by pressing against the frame. If you still want maximum light, but minimum heat, Low-E glass is a great option with its transparent coating that reflects heat and cold. Providing excellent insulation, Low-E glass allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home all year round. Offering solar protection as well, have peace of mind knowing your glazing protects furniture, carpet and curtains from fading.
With gas fills and low-E coated glass, they control heat gain and loss while reflecting UV rays. These windows offer long-term savings, yielding up to a 70% return on investment when the property is sold. Aluminum windows may seem like a cost-effective choice, but they fall short on insulation and energy efficiency when compared to other materials. Aluminum is a thermally conductive substance which makes it very susceptible to heat transfer.

Planning permission often restricts the property owner from using more modern materials when renovating, so it is important to explore any constraints that your property may need to adhere to. Learning about window energy efficiency ratings can help you choose windows suited for your climate. Compare different windows’ Energy Star and NFRC certifications and consult with professionals to find the best windows for your specific needs and budget.
In addition, between the panes of glass, we use Argon gas instead of air and a warm edge spacer bar to improve thermal efficiency and further reduce heat loss. The slim-profile frame is constructed from a five-chamber profile frame and a six-chamber profile sash to further reduce the conductivity of heat. Lastly, energy efficient windows help your HVAC system operate more efficiently. When your home is well-insulated and free of drafts, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This not only extends the lifespan of your HVAC equipment but also reduces the likelihood of costly repairs.
Well-constructed operating windows like casement and awning windows offer good air infiltration rates, a leading factor in energy efficiency. Double hung windows with improved sash locking technology also reduce air leakage. Vinyl windows are often the most energy-efficient and cost-effective, while wood windows may require exterior cladding for improved energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows reduce energy consumption, lowering an individual's carbon footprint and contributing to environmental sustainability by using less electricity for heating and cooling. To assess thermal performance in windows, ENERGY STAR criteria use values determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council .

Air leakage refers to the rate of air movement around a window when there’s a pressure difference across it. Windows with a low AL rating are tighter than those with a high rating, assuming proper installation. A poorly installed window, door or skylight may cause condensation, cold drafts or even allow water to leak into your home. And the damage water causes is usually invisible until it is very costly to fix. The global waste crisis is a pressing issue, and the glass industry plays a significant role in this narrative.
Energy-efficient windows are an important component of sustainable building design and making your home more energy efficient. The construction and operation of buildings account for a significant proportion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient windows help to keep a building cool in summer by reducing the solar heat gain coefficient which is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window. Storm windows add an extra layer of protection, providing superior insulation properties and helping reduce heating and cooling costs.