Features To Look Out For When Buying An Energy Efficient Window Replacement | New Braunfels, TX


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If you are an energy saving enthusiast, you should be aware of energy efficient windows. These windows have a wide range of designs and sizes that can fit any home, whether existing or in construction. Heat loss and gain through windows can account for about 25 to 30 percent of the total energy used for heating and air conditioning in homes. Having energy-efficient windows can reduce the amount of energy your HVAC utilizes.

Apart from saving your energy levels, these windows are more secure since they have solid frames and double and triple panes. Also, you can enjoy the view of the sunset or singing birds comfortably without destruction by condensation. Other benefits include increased home value and aesthetic improvement. Having known the benefits of these windows, here are some of the factors you can consider before replacing your current standard windows with energy-saving ones.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is the measure of the total amount of heat that transmits through glass, and its ratings vary from 0 to 1. Zero implies the lowest heat transmission while one is the highest point of heat transfer. The SHGC of windows ranges between 0.20 and 0.80. Characteristics that influence the difference in ratings include tints and low e-coating.

Energy-efficient windows for hot climate areas should be 0.4 and below, and those for cold weather regions should be 0.55 and above. You can get help from a window replacement expert that specializes in energy-efficient windows to select the right SHGC for your home, depending on the climate condition of the area you live in New Braunfels, TX.

Framing Material

Conventional windows can be inconvenient when it comes to closing them. In addition to that, the framing material can be weak, making them susceptible to falling off the building, especially during strong storms.

Also, some framing material on the traditional windows can be easily damaged by water making them rust and rot. If you notice the framing material of your existing windows is defective, considering window replacement from a certified expert is necessary. To avoid pursuing window services often, you can go for energy-efficient windows. These windows have a wide range of framing materials you can choose from.

Frames made of uPVC, timber, and composite aluminum are the most energy-efficient and are good insulators. They outperform conventional aluminum frames since they have advanced thermal performance features.

Additionally, the windows you get from your window supplier in New Braunfels, TX, should have frames with low U-values. You can contact a reliable window replacement company to journey with you throughout the replacement process in your home when you want to advance to energy-efficient windows.

The U-factor

While researching energy-saving windows, you’ve probably come across the term U-factor, also known as thermal transmittance. The U-factor is a number that showcases the standard of insulation of a particular window. The lower the U-factor the more efficient the window.

Windows with low U-factor allow less or no heat or cold loss through them as compared to those with high U-factor characteristics. In the US, U-factors range between 0.2 to 1.2 Btu/(h·ft2·°F).

Some of the energy-efficient characteristics that help to reduce thermal transmittance include multiple glass panes, low-E coatings on glazing layers, and argon or krypton gases between panes.

You can look for a window replacement expert to assess your home and suggest the best U-factor value you need to consider while buying energy-efficient windows.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

Visible transmittance measures the amount of energy found in light that passes through a glazing unit. VT is similar to SHGC, but the only difference is that SHGC is a measurement of the total amount of heat transferred while VT showcases the amount of daylight transmitted through the window.

VT values range from 0 to 1. The VT of actual fenestration products, including sash and frames, ranges between 0.10 and 0.80. The higher the rating the greater the amount of light that passes through the windows.

Energy-efficient window specialists recommend high ratings for your home in Braunfels, TX, because the replacement windows you get will be able to provide more natural light during the day as compared to your existing conventional windows. You can seek further help from a window replacement specialist to help you identify the exact ratings for your home.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® Symbol

Looking for the ENERGY STAR symbol is the first thing to do if you choose to go with energy-efficient windows for your next window replacement project. Many counterfeits have emerged in the market of energy-saving window products, and if you aren’t keen, you can be conned and buy windows you didn’t want.

You should look for an experienced replacement window service provider to help you acquire skillful buying tactics, ensuring you get value for the money you spent. However, if you find this a difficult task to do, you can visit a credible window company in Braunfels, TX, to handle everything on your behalf.

Glass Features

The quality and characteristics of glass are very crucial to the efficiency levels of energy-saving windows. You should choose either the double or triple-paned windows for maximum productivity. The more the glass panes the higher the amount of energy you save.

Although you may incur a substantial amount of upfront fees, in the long run, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having these energy-efficient windows. You can consult with a window replacement professional for correct sizing and shapes to fit into your home.

Additional features that increase the rate of energy efficiency are low E-glass which possesses capabilities of reflecting infrared light, keeping heat outside during the summer and inside during winter. The gas panes should be gas-filled with Krypton or Argon to offer maximum insulation.

Get Window Replacement Services Today!

First Place Windows in New Braunfels, TX, has a team of qualified and well-trained professionals to handle any replacement requests. If you plan to go energy efficient in your home, don’t leave windows out of the project. Energy-efficient windows play a major role in reducing your heating and cooling costs.

Our company will offer you top-notch window replacement services promptly after making a call. Don’t hesitate to choose us and enjoy the customer service experience we offer.