Energy-saving windows are a great investment for any homeowner. They are the last piece of the puzzle that will save you the high utility bills resulting from heat loss in the winter and massive heat gain in the summer.

Are your walls and roof already well insulated? Choosing the right energy-efficient windows creates a complete cocoon. This will insulate you from nature’s fluctuating temperatures. This helps keep your home cozier without having to push the AC too hard.

What Makes Energy Saving Windows Different?

An energy-efficient window is built differently with insulation and UV light reflection in mind.

The idea is to keep the harmful heating effect of direct sunlight out during the summer. Basically, creating a perfect insulator between the interior and exterior of the house.

The Overall Ratings

Construction addresses issues like whether the window uses double pane technology and what energy efficiency ratings it can achieve. Some of the most common ratings include:

• U-factor: Determines how well the window conducts heat flow
• Solar heat gain coefficient: Determines how much solar radiation is transmitted or absorbed by the window and converted to direct heat
• Air leakage score: Determines how much air can leak through the window when it is bolted shut
• Window glazing: ability to reflect as much direct solar radiation as possible

These ratings form the basis of an energy-efficient window. They are a perfect guideline for what you should expect from an energy-saving window. Always consider these ratings. Manufacturers sell insulated windows with this solid approach. When shopping for energy-efficient windows, always check for the Energy Star Certification if you want peace of mind knowing that you’re dealing with the best technology. With the correct certifications, you know you’ll get the best back for your buck!

The Glass Technology

The glass pane forms the bulk of the window. It makes perfect sense that the kind of glass used in an energy-saving window immensely contributes to its efficiency rating. Generally, anything with more than two panes will be better. Most configurations come in double or triple configurations with an insulating gas sealed in-between the panes.

An additional coating or film on the windowpane, for instance, a low emissivity coating and solar control tinting will make the window perform better during the hotter summer months.

Choosing energy-efficient windows for the first time can be quite the handful. You can, however, never go wrong if you do your research or allow a professional window contractor to assist you.