When a homeowner is installing new windows, they’re thinking of it as a long-term investment. They want windows that look great, are durable, and that require little maintenance. However, one of the most important things they should be thinking about is how energy efficient their windows.

While they may cost in some cases, the extra insulation they offer can help reduce utilities and essentially pay for themselves. There are several things that can help make one window more energy efficient than the next. Read on to learn more about those factors and then reach out to Progressive Insulation & Windows at (800) 500-6200 for more information.

Choose insulating frames

Window frames can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency. You’ll find many types of window frames, the most popular of which are fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl, or wood. Aluminum will give you the least amount of insulating, even with thermal brakes added to reduce heat loss.

Homeowners often prefer the look of wood but it doesn’t require quite a bit of maintenance. Fiberglass windows are very low maintenance, insulate well, and can have the appearance of wood if you’d like. In fact, they’re made with a wide range of finishes and colors. Fiberglass frames also don’t expand or contract with weather changes, which means you’re not going to deal with tiny gaps popping up as time goes on.

Choose window panes that are energy efficient

You’ll also need to consider the type of window pane you want for your windows. If you choose multi-pane glass, air will get trapped between the panes of glass. This helps to insulate your home in both hot and cold weather. Some double pane windows have a substance between the panes, such as Argon, Krypton, or another inert gas, which offers better insulation.

At Progressive Insulation & Windows, we also offer Low-E glass coatings, which reflect infrared light to further keep your home cool on hot days and warm on cold days. Spacers are the final part of multi-pane windows that you’ll need to keep in mind. Spacers are the part that actually separates the panes of glass. They insulate the edges of the pain, which helps to lower heat transfer.

How much of a difference can energy efficient windows make?

According to studies, replacing your windows with energy efficient options could lower your utility bills by as much as 20%. As you consider your options, you’ll want to check a few things. First is the U-Factor, which is the energy efficient rating. A good score is considered to be between .15 and .26.

You’ll also look at air filtration. For this, the ideal is .5 or power. The solar heat gain coefficient should be 0.29 or lower. The visible transmittance should be more than .40 in triple pane windows and more than .50 in double pane windows. We give you these numbers as a reference but don’t worry – we can help you understand what all these numbers mean.

To learn more about your window options, reach out to Progressive Insulation & Windows at (800) 500-6200 today. We are here to help you get more enjoyment – and more efficiency – out of your window replacements.