There are many different types of energy efficient windows that not only help cut down our energy bills but also help save our environment. If you want to minimize the cost of either cooling down your home or alternately heating it up, selecting the right type of energy saving window as well as its construction materials is a very important step indeed. There is a veritable plethora of materials out there that can be utilized to make an optimal set of energy efficient windows. However, there are four key components for the creation of the perfect window. They are:
- Glass
- Designing
- Frame
- Installation
Glass
The best insulators are double paned glass or even better triple paned glass with Argon or Krypton gas filled in between the various layers. The gases help trap any residual heat in the room where they are located and ensure that you don’t need to turn the thermostat all the way up, even in mid winter. Moreover, they also help protect from UV (Ultra Violet) radiation from the sun during summer and that ensures not only the safety of your family but also helps prevent carpets and upholstery from fading over the period of time. Moreover, softly tinted glasses can make the room feel all warm and cozy while one way mirror glass also helps increase privacy.
Designing
There are many efficient designs with some being more popular than others. Some of them include:
Casement Windows
These windows are hinged at the sides and offer excellent overall energy efficiency. In summers, they may be opened to catch a stray breeze while in winters they may be closed so as to allow sunlight while keeping the shivery winter winds at bay.
Storm Windows
Storm windows are generally mounted outside the main windows and they may be either permanent or temporary structures. Not only do they help protect against harsh weather but are also excellent insulators against both noise pollution as well as trapping and retaining the residual heat inside the home.
Picture Windows
These windows are permanently closed and are framed like pictures on a wall. They can only allow sunlight while effectively blocking the cold weather outside.
Frames
There are many materials with which energy efficient windows are constructed, each with their own sets of pros and cons. Some of the more common ones include:
Aluminum
While not being the most energy efficient material around, it does have the advantage of not rusting at all when exposed to the environment and at the same time, it is relatively inexpensive
Fiberglass
Fiber glass frames are more expensive than their aluminum counterparts, but are light and tough at the same time
Wood
While, it is certainly true that wood retains the most heat, but it is not only just expensive but also has a tendency to warp over time under extreme temperatures.
Installation
This is the part where top-notch professionals come in. If the windows are not properly installed then the chances are they would be prone to drafts and leakages and as such would drain heat more quickly than even conventional windows. It is important that they be waterproofed beforehand while all caulking is done both thoroughly as well as methodically.