The whole world is going green, which is great for the world but can be quite confusing for a homeowner. Energy-efficiency is a noble goal, but without some background knowledge of what it means – in terms of home improvements – the task of going green will be a daunting one. To better understand what energy-efficiency windows are, here is an overview of the technology involved in making windows more eco-friendly, as well as a breakdown of the many ways that how going green benefits you.
The Technology of Energy-Efficient Windows
The most common energy-efficient windows are the thermal double and triple paned windows. These windows feature layers of glass which have been sealed with a spacer separating them and then filled up with insulative gas. Not only do these extra layers of glass and gas provide additional insulation, they also block the majority of harmful UV rays and discourage moisture build-up (condensation).
Furthermore, when a low-emissivity glass is used, this provides additional UV filtering and limits the transfer of heat between the exterior and interior environments. Aside from layers, seals, gas, and spacers, there are also various window coatings and glazes available which provide additional UV filtering and safety (shatter-proof) features and benefits.
The Benefits of ‘Green’ Windows
Without these improvements, your home’s windows are vacuums, sucking your wallet dry due to heating and air conditioning bills going through the roof – at least 30% of that money wafting right out of your windows! If you’re afraid of the cost of upgrading your windows to be more energy-efficient, rest assured it is money well spent, and it will save you a lot more money in the long run. The added value also adds resale worth to your home, something to keep in mind if you plan on flipping the property at a later stage.
- Two fundamental features of energy-efficient windows are their increased sunlight and clearer view while limiting the amount of heat allowed to transfer over the glass through their additional thermal properties.
- When you have UV coated windows, there is less of a fading effect on your drapes, carpets, furniture, and artwork which is caused by sunlight exposure. Even wooden furniture can be affected and damaged by too much exposure to sunlight, which energy-efficient windows combats.
- Less condensation is another benefit of eco-friendly windows, thanks to warmer interior panes of glass which keeps frost and moisture build-up to a minimum.
- Better comfort levels can be expected when you have energy-efficient windows installed, thanks to improved insulation and ventilation, which prevents both chilly, energy-wasting drafts and stuffy humidity.
- Last but most certainly not least, energy-efficient windows save you lots of money. Not only do they keep your heating and cooling bills down, they reduce wear and tear on your HVAC equipment, ensuring everything lasts much longer and repair and maintenance costs remain manageable.
About the Guest Author
This guest post was provided by Apex Window Werks, a home window repair company located in Chicago, Illinois. AWW is rated with A+ by the Better Business Bureau, it is listed on Angie’s List and has a lot positive feedback from satisfied clients. If your wooden windows need to be repaired, feel free to get in touch with them.
