Posted by Bealing Roofing Comments Off on Are Your Windows Energy Efficient Uncategorized

Having energy-efficient windows in your home should be a priority, especially if windows are outdated, cracked, or no longer doing their job. Energy-efficient windows help reduce heating and cooling bills which adds up to long-term savings on your electric, gas, or oil bills. While that sounds nice, you may not know if your windows are energy efficient. We’ve put together some easy ways you can check to see if windows are efficient or not.

U-Factor

U-Factor is a measurement of the amount of heat that is transferred through a material. When the U-Factor is low, heat will flow more slowly through the material and it will do a better job of insulating. Most modern windows have a rating assigned and displayed on them. Most often, this will be etched into the glass in one of the corners. Look for the rating. If you cannot find one, then this is a good sign you have some very old, very inefficient windows. 

Window Frames

The framing around your windows is also a key place to look. Most windows will be framed in wood, aluminum, or vinyl. Wood frames are less energy efficient as they tend to expand and contract as weather changes. This causes air leakage around the window. Aluminum is also problematic as it heats easily and will transfer that heat either inside or outside depending upon the time of year. The most efficient option is a vinyl type framing. Insulated vinyl windows greatly reduce the amount of heat loss your home will experience. 

Single or Double-Pane

Double-pane windowsare much more efficient than single-pane windows. Additionally, the layers of the glass used to manufacture double-pane windows are thicker, adding to their efficiency. The space between the panes reduces heat transfer and also contributes to less condensation buildup on the window.  

Technology Wins the Day

Several technological advances have contributed to increased efficiency in windows. These are harder to detect, however. 

1. Glass Coating – Glass tinted with Low-E reflects solar heat. In the winter, Low-E will reflect heat into your home keeping it warmer. In the summer, it will reflect heat away from your home keeper it cooler.

1. Insulating Gas – Many double-pane windows contain a safe gas between the panes. This gas has a much higher resistance to heat flow than air, thus improving the thermal performance of windows. 

If you go through this short list of items and discover your windows are not as efficient as they could be, give Bealing Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. a call. Let’s talk about the many options available to you for window upgrades that will help reduce your heating and cooling costs, reduce energy consumption, and keep your house comfortable and efficient year-round.