Replace your Old Windows with New Energy Efficient Models

Most homeowners replace their windows because the old ones have worn or damaged sashes, or because they have done some remodeling and the old windows look—well, old. Some are aware of the loss of heat and cooling energy through frames that no longer fit as snuggly as they once did or through the single pane of glass.

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Regardless of the reason for replacing the windows, most people shop on the basis of appearance first, cost second and best energy savings last. Since windows are available in nearly any size or shape, finding the windows to fit your house is actually the least challenging part of the process.

Since up to 30% of the heating or cooling energy used by your home can be lost through the windows, it makes sense that finding the most efficient windows for the price you can afford to pay should be your first priority. Energy is lost through windows in four ways; they are airflow, radiation, convection, and conduction. The best quality windows will address all four areas of energy loss. You want to purchase windows with the lowest possible U-factor lowest airleak rate, high visual transmission, and appropriate solar heat-gain co-efficient..

The most obvious source of heat loss or gain is radiation which is the actual movement of heat in the form of infared energy which passes through the glass. We tend to think of radiant heat as that caused by the sun when its rays pass through the window. However, heat tends to move toward a cooler body, so the heat created on the inside during the winter will radiate out through the glass just as the sun’s rays in the summer will bring heat inside your home. Windows with Low-E coatings on the glass will reflect the heat have lengths, keeping heat out in the summer and in during the winter.

Another fairly obvious problem is airflow as poorly fitting frames and low quality weather stripping allow air to pass through so you are trying to heat or cool both the inside and the outside. Experts say that air leaks alone can siphon half of the heating and cooling air out of your home. You want windows with tight weather stripping and seals that do not leak when the windows are closed. You also want good quality latches and hinges that hold the window tight against the weather stripping. Window manufacturers publicize the air loss of their windows as cubic feet per minute per square foot of window. You want the lowest possible rating.

Are you getting a draft through your old windows? Part of that draft is probably caused by convection. This happens when the heat in the interior of your home meets a cool window pane. The heat becomes denser as it cools and moves toward the floor. As it moves it is quickly replaced by warmer air. The result is a continuous movement of the air within the home, causing the sensation of a cool draft. This problem is solved by the installation of double or triple glazing that is gas filled along with heat resistant frames.

The last source of heat loss or gain is conduction as heat that comes in contact with the window warms the glass which then warms the air on the other side. This is the same effect as putting a pan on an electric burner. As the burner heats up, anything in contact with it also becomes hot. Multi-glazed windows have a gas such as argon between the panes. These gasses do not conduct heat very well, so more heat is kept inside during the winter, and kept out during the summer.

In addition to choosing a well made, energy efficient window, you also need to select values that match your climate. Your manufacturer or distributor should have a table showing the values of different types of windows. Once you find the energy values that meet the needs of your home, you will also be able to select the size, shape and color that best enhance both the indoor and outdoor beauty.

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