Replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows can save homeowners money on their utility bills. These upgrades also qualify for home energy tax credits.
When selecting a window, look for ENERGY STAR labels and ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council. You should also be aware of the importance of whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs.
Insulation
With the advent of new window technology, it has become possible to insulate a home much better. The insulating properties of these windows help you save energy costs and make your home a more comfortable place to live in. These windows also insulate your home against hot and cold weather. They also reduce the amount of cooling energy needed to keep your house at a pleasant temperature. They also block out harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage carpeting and furniture.
If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your energy bills, the best solution is installing energy efficient windows in your Oviedo FL home. These windows are designed to prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping, which will drastically cut down on your energy bill. They also help in keeping the temperatures even throughout the house, and they can qualify you for energy saving tax credits. They also add value to your home and help it withstand the strong Florida winds.
Soundproofing
If you live near a busy road or an airport, your home can be subjected to unwanted ambient noise that can impact your quality of life. While careful construction and insulated walls can help mitigate this issue, soundproof windows can significantly decrease the noise level.
Unlike cellular blinds and heavy fabric drapes, which absorb and block only some of the outside noise, soundproofing windows create a barrier that can reduce outside noise by up to 95%. These window inserts are a great option for those looking to upgrade their current windows without spending thousands on an entire remodel.
To achieve the best noise reduction, look for a window that has a high STC rating. This means that the window can withstand vibrational sounds and airborne noises. It also helps to minimize flanking, which is when sounds can travel through adjacent wall partitions. A triple-pane window with a high STC rating is ideal.
Low-E glass
Unlike clear glass, which absorbs solar heat and transmits it to a building’s interior, low-e coatings reflect heat energy back into its source. This helps building occupants maintain comfortable environments while meeting their energy-efficiency goals.
A Low E coating reflects harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation, while allowing visible light to pass through. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting, boosting a building’s indoor mood and productivity.
This coating, along with the insulated frames and spaces between panes, acts as an effective thermal barrier, significantly reducing energy loss. In fact, this type of window can cut your cooling costs by up to 25-30 percent (5). Plus, it protects furnishings by blocking UV rays that cause them to fade and deteriorate over time.
Argon gas
It sounds like something from a science-fiction movie, but argon is becoming more common in new windows. This colorless, odorless gas is used in double paned windows to improve their thermal insulation properties. It fills the space between the window panes.
Argon is a noble gas and is found naturally in the atmosphere. It is also used for many industrial applications, such as in light bulbs and for metal production. It is non-toxic, does not react with other substances and dissipates quickly in well ventilated spaces. It is also used to prevent a buildup of frost on windows in cold weather.
Because argon does not conduct heat as efficiently as air, it makes an excellent insulator. As a result, it helps keep homes cool in Florida summers, which reduces the workload on air conditioning systems. It also does not support the growth of mold and mildew and can help control condensation in humid climates.