What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?

As everyone is going for energy-efficient windows and doors, there are questions about the criteria that make these items energy efficient. Here, we will explain everything that makes a window energy-efficient so that you can focus on it when choosing your next window.

What does it mean for a window to be Energy Star qualified?

Energy Star refers to a program that is used for certifying that buildings and products have met some energy-efficiency standards. Therefore, if you are looking for energy-efficient windows and doors, you must check their Energy Star ratings.

For a particular window to be Energy Star qualified, it must meet the following requirements:

• It must have been made by one of the Energy Star partners
• It must have undergone independent examination, certification, and verification by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
• It must possess NFRC ratings to ensure it fulfills all stringent energy-efficient rules made by the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

Performance requirements

Generally, the climate of your house should be the leading feature you consider for choosing an energy-efficient window. Therefore, if you live in a warm environment, you need windows that can keep you cool whereas windows that can keep you warm are needed in a cool environment.

Notably, the Energy Star ratings of windows vary from one climate zone to another. Hence, you should note that what is energy-efficient for a zone may not be for another.

Common features of an energy-efficient window

To know if a window is energy efficient, the following factors must be present:

• Quality frame materials

The frame materials must be durable and require low maintenance. Such materials aid insulation and lower heat transfer.

• Multiple panes

The windows must have two panes of glass. The space between these panes must be filled with gas or air. The gas can be krypton, argon, or other kinds of colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gases. Double-pane windows are known to be better insulators than single-pane windows. For better sound insulation, great energy efficiency, and improved impact resistance, you can go for a window with three or more panes.

• Low-E glass

The low-E glass comes with unique coatings that feature infrared light for keeping heat outside of your home during the summer and inside during the winter. Besides, Low-E glass reduces the adverse effects of ultraviolet light on the furnishings inside your home.

• Warm edge spacers

The main function of a spacer is to insulate the edges of the window panes; thus, lowering the transfer of heat via the window.

Energy Star framing materials

The framing materials certified by Energy Star come in different forms such as:

• Aluminum
• Fiberglass
• Wood
• Vinyl
• Combination of different materials in the frame and sash
• Composite frames have different materials that have already been blended during the process of making them.

Now, you understand what it means to have an energy-efficient window. To make the most out of your investment in the window, it is crucial to hire windows and doors company to handle your window replacement. This ensures the replacement process is handled professionally and safely.