Replacing drafty windows with energy-efficient windows Houston TX will save you money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. But not all windows are created equal, and understanding the different NFRC ratings will help you make the best choice for your home.
For example, higher NFRC ratings work better for northern climates while lower ones reduce solar heat gain. Keep reading to learn more about the various ratings.
Low-E Glass
Windows play a crucial role in a building, letting in light and air, breaking up expanses of wall and providing an opportunity for those inside to view the outside world. But they are also a source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, contributing to high energy bills. Energy-efficient windows help lower utility costs by preventing heat transfer and keeping cool, climate-controlled air in your home.
Low-E windows have a microscopically thin, transparent metallic coating that helps them reflect infrared rays and keep heat from passing through your window. This keeps your home cooler in the summer and helps reduce energy bills without sacrificing natural light.
Energy-efficient windows are a great option for any Houston home. You can choose from a wide range of styles and configurations to fit your space, including double pane windows with an insulated gap between the glass that contains argon gas. This insulation helps prevent heat from escaping your home in the winter and protects your furniture from damaging UV rays in the summer.
Insulated Glass
A window’s glass plays a crucial role in regulating indoor temperatures, especially in winter. Insulated windows prevent heat loss from your home by reducing air penetration through infiltration, conduction, and radiation. These windows also minimize energy consumption.
The insulated window is made of two or more panes with a gap between the glass that is filled with a dense material such as argon or krypton. The space is further sealed and fixed with a durable frame material such as aluminum, vinyl, or wood. A desiccant material such as silica gel or zeolite is used below the spacer bar to absorb any moisture that may be present between the glass panes.
The insulated windows also act as soundproofing windows and reduce noise coming from outside, which is a common problem in busy areas. They also protect your interior from sun rays that are harmful to your fabrics, carpets, paintings, and furniture. These benefits make insulated windows worth the initial investment.
Warm-Edge Spacers
The spacer system used to separate the glass sheets in a window has a significant impact on its energy efficiency. Traditional aluminum spacers are highly conductive and cause a temperature difference between the edges of the insulated glass unit and the center. This leads to condensation in winter. Warm-Edge Spacers block the path of escaping heat far more effectively, reducing this problem and increasing your window’s energy efficiency.
The patented Intercept spacer system is engineered to reduce condensation and edge-to-glass temperatures, while increasing the longevity of the sealant around the insulating glass. This is important because the sealant is under pressure from expansion and contraction as the window ages, which can lead to premature failure.
The Intercept spacer system also provides a premium thermal barrier that helps your GS Series windows achieve an ENERGY STAR-rated U-factor. This translates to increased comfort and lower utility bills year-round.
Weatherstripping
There are few things that can be as energy-consuming as old windows. The cracks and drafts created by them can put a strain on your HVAC system throughout the year, leading to higher energy bills than you would expect. The good news is that you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by sealing the cracks with weatherstripping.
It is a flexible, insulating material that works well along window jambs, window stops and the bottom of door or window sashes. It is available in a range of thicknesses and styles. Rigid rolled-vinyl gaskets are another option. They come in spools and can be cut to size as needed.
There are many ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, but installing energy-efficient windows is a great place to start. Energy-efficient windows help keep hot, humid air out and cool climate-controlled air in, making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature. It’s also a home improvement project that can save you thousands of dollars a year in utility costs.