- May 24, 2021

Are Energy Efficient Windows Worth It In 2021?

Updated: Jun 14, 2021

Are you planning to replace your old windows or buy new ones? Unfortunately, as a homeowner, deciding on how to go about replacing your windows aren’t as simple as we might think.

Beyond their classical functions such as granting us natural light, fresh air, and security, they could make a significant impact on our lives.

That is why it could be overwhelming for you when selecting which type of window should be installed in your home. Whether you’re wary of your budget or the environment, consider investing in energy-efficient windows. With the help of modern-day technology, they can now offer a better return on investment and more comfort to homeowners. In this article, we are going to cover why energy-efficient windows are worth it in the year 2021.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

We all know the importance of having windows in our home. Primarily, they give access to daylight and facilitate cross-ventilation, which is a natural way of cooling a room. They provide active and passive security measures along with protection against severe weather. Moreover, they enable insulation and help in lowering utility bills by being energy efficient. But what makes windows save energy? Here are the following components:

Low-E Glass

Low-E Glass, also known as Low Emissivity Glass, is made of materials that can reduce heat. It reflects the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet rays) back outside, and these UV rays can cause health issues if too much is shed inside your home.

During the summer, the materials within the low E glass allow heat to be contained to make sure your home is cool during the summer. However, during the winter, it could reflect the heat produced inside the room, making your home warmer as well as more comfortable to stay in.

Gas Fills

Have you noticed the space between the glass panes? It should be noted that it doesn’t just contain the usual air surrounding us, but is actually filled with special gases. Most window builders often use argon and krypton as gas fills. They have the benefits of being non-toxic, clear, inert, and odorless.

They also function better as thermal insulators, which would prevent heat movement from one place to another. As a result, they can minimize the heat level through the sheets of glass.

Multiple Glass Panes

Having more layers of glass in a window can provide enhanced thermal and sound insulation. It helps in limiting heat transfer and reduces sound transmission, especially noise disturbance.

Warm Edge Spacer

A warm edge spacer is a type of spacer bar that separates the window glass panes and seals the air cavity in between. It contributes to the reduction of heat exchange and window condensation.

Quality Frame Materials

There are various materials that can create the foundation of a window. Common frames are made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and composite. But it’s important to note its durability, good insulation values, low maintenance, and resistance to temperature changes.

How Much Can You Save with Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy efficiency simply means the way of reducing energy consumption. It is a method of using less energy to perform an activity with the same output. One of the key measures in applying the concept is to install energy-efficient windows. However, how much can you as a homeowner actually save?

According to the U.S Department of Energy, 10-25% of our heating bill can be saved. It may take several years to show the payoff, but the benefits of added comfort and functionality can further compensate for the expenditures.

Energy Efficient vs Regular Windows

Windows range in various types. If you decide to purchase a window for new construction or replace an existing one, you have to determine which window would be affordable and works best in your climate. In addition to those features, you should consider which could offer more comfort in your home and provide greater energy savings. In this regard, let’s discuss the difference between energy-efficient windows and regular ones in the meantime.

Energy-efficient windows are built with Low-E glass which has better control with heat gain and heat loss. Additional low emissivity coatings can also block a huge scale of harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Even though they’re more expensive, they have higher insulation that can keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer. They also provide an effective barrier against noise nuisance.

On the other hand, regular windows are usually made with standard glass and a single pane. They have the advantage of being inexpensive. Thus, they are more favorable for those on a tight budget. They’re also convenient in structures that need very little insulation or security like sheds and garages.

Key Benefits Of Energy Efficient Windows

Still haven’t decided whether you should choose energy-efficient windows or not? Well, imagine living in a pleasant environment where you don’t need to depend highly on HVAC. Then suddenly it’s that time of the month which you have to pay your utility bills. Upon seeing the current charges, you’d think that you’ll never have to frown at those amounts again.

And so having visualized that, you can even get a better picture by noting the following key benefits:

Excellent comfort and improved protection

It would certainly be satisfying if you could live in a comfortable atmosphere in a peaceful setting. That’s why it’s essential to have energy-efficient windows. They have higher insulation which functions by keeping your room warmer or cooler depending on the climate. Whereas, you could easily maintain your desired temperature and without the bother of spending a lot of time in adjusting the modes on your appliances.

At the same time, the high level of noise produced outside could be reduced. Who wouldn’t want to remove their stress from honking cars, noisy neighbors, loud construction and industrial activities, and other similar disturbances? It seems we all do.

Greater cost savings

If there’s a lot of heat transfer, then your HVAC units will have to further operate and therefore increase the electricity consumption. But by preventing that through energy-saving windows, you’ll be able to pay lower bills and save more financially.

Environmental-friendly

Acquiring energy-efficient windows is not only beneficial to your budget, but it can also help the environment. It can be a very effective tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy demand in household consumption.