Energy-efficient windows work by controlling heat energy flow between the outside environment and the interior of commercial buildings or houses. Most energy in homes is lost through the windows. Many homeowners are keen on overhauling or replacing their window system in favor of more energy-efficient types to cut costs. If you’re one of them, be sure to check out window replacement by Maverick Windows for expert services. There are many other notable benefits from energy-efficient windows such as soundproofing, improved view quality, and general comfort.
Energy Efficient Windows
Slider windows are an example of some common energy-efficient windows in the market, more energy-efficient than double-hung windows. However, it would be wrong to claim that they are the most energy-efficient windows in the market, as they are not as efficient as most crank windows (i.e., casement and awning windows). Slider windows are opened by sliding sideways, an opposite of double-hung windows that are opened vertically. Because of this, slider windows provide a more pronounced and unobstructed view than most window types. This is because our eyes receive the highest amount of light from a horizontal viewpoint instead of a vertical one.
Energy-efficient windows have varying levels of thermal resistance depending on the materials and technologies used. If your primary target is energy control, you need to be conscious of these materials to optimize energy saving for your home or office premises. It’sIt’s paramount to seek guidance from an expert window professional on the applicability of some of them to your window preference to serve your energy control goals. You also have to note that how a window operates is crucial to the rate of air it can potentially leak hence impacting energy flow. The trick here is in customizing and optimizing the materials and technology involved. Let’s take a look at some of them.
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Frame Material Used
All frame types have pros and cons, and some score higher than others in thermal resistance. Those that are bad conductors of heat like wood, vinyl, and fiberglass offer the highest thermal resistance compared to aluminum.
Aluminum Frames
They are well known for having the lowest cost maintenance because of their tough nature. However, using either metal or aluminum for energy-efficient windows is a bad choice, if not detrimental. This is because of their poor heat insulating ability. They can be used effectively if sandwiched between a plastic strip.
Fiberglass Frames
They can be made extra effective by being filled with insulation due to their dimensionally stable nature. They rank very high in thermal insulation properties.
Vinyl Frames
They are also highly effective for thermal insulation due to their properties like high resistance to moisture and the presence of hollow cavities that can be filled with insulation.
Composite Frames
Made up of a distinct mix of wood products mixed with plastic polymers to increase their thermal and stability properties. They are more resistant to decay than ordinary wood and work perfectly well as a thermal-resistant frame.
Wood Frames
They are rated as average in their thermal performance and need a lot of regular maintenance. Aluminum, metal, or vinyl covers are often incorporated to help reduce the maintenance frequency.
Type of Glazing
The type of glass you use will influence to a great extent the overall efficiency of energy in your home. You will have to consider several window designs with varying coatings and technologies. A window type can be insulated by two windows being placed apart, forming airtight airspace in between that acts as an insulator.
Another type of insulated glass that can effectively save energy is the Low-E coating (low-emissivity). A Low-E coating is an ultra-thin metallic oxide layer incorporated directly on the surface of one or more of the insulated glass types mentioned above. Such a glass type can last for up to 15 years without the metallic oxide peeling off and can be a cheaper alternative to overhauling the windows.
Gas Fills and Spacers
Two inert gases, argon or krypton, may be used to fill the space between two glazings to mitigate heat movement between the interior and exterior. Krypton ranks higher than argon in thermal performance but is more expensive. Sometimes the two are used concurrently in different portions to reduce costs while increasing efficiency. On the other hand, spacers are used to maintain the required distance between glazing layers and provide room for both thermal expansion and the prevention of gas leaks.
