Energy efficient windows: Cool in summer, warm in winter.
Natasha Bobic – Monday, October 26, 2015
Simply put; windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation. But now your choice in windows can be pivotal in reducing energy costs and controlling the amount of heat that enters and escapes from your building.
What is of growing concern with the old fashioned window is that they fail to meet the more stringent building regulations of today. Heat escapes when you most need it and gets in when least want it.
Your old windows are not always a lost cause. Storm windows, caulking, weatherstripping, and the use of window treatments or coverings can all enhance the energy efficiency of your windows. However, for an old building with inefficient windows it may well be more cost effective to replace them.
Modern, energy-efficient windows are an investment, saving on lighting, heating and cooling costs and reducing the level of noise reaching your building.
Components of energy efficient windows
The correct glass
A near invisible coating improves the windows resistance to heat flow and increases its insulating value, while maximising the amount of light getting in.
Double glazed windows
An ideal energy efficient solution is to reduce all forms of heat transfer. Double glazing is considered the vehicle for all high-performance windows, in climates hot, cold and mixed.
Argon gas sits between the layers of glass in the most efficient double glazing, providing the greatest thermal performance.
The narrowest air gap used in double glazing is 6 mm but this should be avoided, unless there is no alternative. The use of wider gaps (10-20 mm) will improve the U-value and can increase its star rating by at least half a star (see Windows Energy Rating Scheme below).
Window frames
To complement the glazing system, a high quality window frame is essential. Aluminium is strong, easy to clean, durable, and has a long life- thus is recommended.
Wood is often used for buildings attempting to maintain their historical and structural integrity but is not as energy efficient and requires maximum upkeep.uPVC is a cheaper alternative and is arguably the most energy efficient of all window frames. However, it is inferior to aluminium in dealing with varying heats. That means, no more- warm in winter, cool in summer. Their production also requires considerable chemical production and environmental strain.
Good Weather Seals
Air can escape or enter a home through gaps and cracks around sashes and frames. Good window seals are what seals the deal and makes certain that your windows will do what they set out to and remain energy efficient.
Installation
There is no substitute for a professional installing your windows. They will ensure that the key ingredient of your windows; their efficiency is maintained. But you will also have a guarantee in place, allowing you piece of mind that your windows will be of the best quality and fitted carefully, to avoid leakages and instabilities in the future.