Reducing energy costs is more crucial now than ever because the global inflation rate is expected to be 6.6% in 2023. One of the ways to save money is to replace or update old windows with energy-efficient windows.
Energy-efficient windows are constructed with two or three glass panes sealed together, surrounded by a frame made from wood, uPVC, or another material. These windows can help you reduce your energy bills and save money by minimizing the use of artificial heating and cooling in your house while also improving the comfort of your home all year. Here are a few things you need to know about these windows to help you decide if you should invest in them and which type of energy-efficient windows you should get.
1. The Benefits
Energy-efficient windows are an excellent investment if you want to save on your energy bills in the long term. They have two or more panes of specially treated glass with an inert gas (non-reactive) gas trapped between them. This inert gas does not transfer heat well, preventing heat from escaping the room.
Many have concerns that the view from a double-paned window might be disrupted, but energy-efficient windows are specially treated with a thin layer of metallic particles that reflect UV rays away from your house, resulting in a clear and unobstructed view.
One of the biggest effects of UV rays is skin cancer affecting 9,500 people in the USA daily. However, you can now open your curtains and sunbathe in your house easily due to the UV rays reflecting the quality of these windows. Energy-efficient windows will help you get peace and quiet due to their noise-reduction qualities; the double-paned glass with inert gas dampens sound waves from entering your house.
2. The Disadvantages
The most significant disadvantage is the cost of these windows. Energy-efficient windows cost you more than standard single-paned windows. If your house has multiple rooms, these costs can add up. The quality of your brand matters when it comes to choosing energy-efficient windows. Cut-rate or off-brand windows may not be properly sealed off, resulting in drafts in the windows which will cause more problems than they solve. Similarly, if the double-paned energy-efficient windows are poorly insulated, condensation can form between the window panes obstructing your view.
3. How to Know if You Need Energy-Efficient Windows?
Stand next to your windows on a cold day and touch them. If they feel colder than the rest of the house, then the cold air from outside is cooling your house by conducting through these windows.
4. How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows?
It can be complicated to choose the correct window based solely on how it’s made because a variety of factors can affect a window’s ability to conserve energy. Fortunately, there is a ranking system to assist you in selecting the most effective one. Windows with low energy consumption are rated from A++ (the most effective) to E (least efficient).
Look for the BFRC ranking to determine which window is the most energy-efficient, in which A-rated – most energy-efficient, and C-rated – least energy efficient. Windows will have a U value which shows how easily heat passes through the window. You can determine the window’s possibility for energy savings by adding this to the energy-efficiency rating.
A recycling program is another service some contractors provide. They will remove your old windows and recycle the materials. In exchange, they will lower the price of putting your new window.
Endnote
Energy-efficient windows are a great option if you’re planning to replace all the windows in your house and have a big budget. This investment will help you save on your energy bills for decades and reduce your carbon economy. If you want to save on your energy bills but have a tight budget, installing energy-efficient windows isn’t a good option. Replacing a single window won’t really reduce your energy bills, and low-quality windows can even increase your bills.
