Are the older windows in your home not very energy efficient? Are you considering an upgrade? It may be due to feeling discomfort with drafts, having higher electric bills, or trying to avoid a window with a layer of ice on the glass due to poor insulation. Here are some considerations to think about when selecting new windows.

Double Or Triple Pane Glass

One big feature that you'll need to decide on is if you want double-pane or triple-pane glass. Having single-pane glass is not even the standard that is used these days, which can make double-pane glass a huge benefit on its own. The two glass panes are used to trap a layer of inert gas between them that helps improve insulation. The gas is colorless, so you'll never know it's there, but it also stops condensation from forming on the glass.

Triple pane glass is a more premium feature and definitely not a standard, but it has its own benefits. If you really want to make your home more insulated, triple-pane glass will help you do it. The three layers also improve issues with reducing outside noise, which can make triple-pane glass a great option if you live on a busy street with traffic. 

Low-E Coating

You can also improve the energy efficiency of the glass by having a low-E coating applied to it. This will help dramatically reduce the amount of heat that transfers through the glass and enters your home on a daily basis. This coating not only helps reduce how much energy you use to cool your home in the winter but can also prevent furniture and carpet from fading that have direct exposure to sunlight during the day. 

Material Type

Many homeowners think that the type of material you use for your windows is purely aesthetic, but that is not true at all. Window framing materials like wood and vinyl work in different ways that you may not be aware of. Vinyl doesn't conduct cold or heat very well, which makes it an energy-efficient material. The material itself also has hollow chambers in the framing that act as a dead space, which improves energy efficiency. Meanwhile, wood windows are going to look amazing on your home and come at a premium price, but they are actually not as energy efficient. Wood is more likely to transfer hot and cold temperatures to make your home less energy efficient

For more information on home window replacement, contact a window installer in your area.

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