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Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
by AJ Fanter
Refacing Cabinet Columnist
Are your windows costing you money? While double pane windows were once the gold standard of energy efficiency, today's replacement windows are far more efficient.
Here's a review of what makes for an energy efficient window, so you can see if it's time to buy replacement windows for your home.
Is It Time To Buy Replacement Windows?
According to the Department of Energy's Energy Star website, even if your windows work as well as the day they were installed, if they're more than 20 years old, they're costing you money.
Energy Efficient Features of Replacement Windows
According the Energy Star website, it could be time to buy replacement windows if you do not have the following:
- Improved Frame Materials. If you live in a mild climate area thermally broken aluminum frames are more efficient than solid aluminum. In areas that have cold winters, wood, wood composite vinyl and fiberglass are better choices.
- Glass Coatings. Low-E or low-emittance is a microscopic film that's applied to the glass to keep heat inside during the winter and outside in the summer. There are three kinds of Low-E based on where you live: High, for very cold winters; Moderate, for hot summers and cold winters, and Low for those who have very hot summers and mild winters.
- Warm Air Spacers. Today's spacers are typically made of vinyl, fiberglass, foam or steel which prevent condensation and reduce heat loss.
- Gas Fill. Today's windows feature odorless, colorless and non-toxic gases such as Argon or Krypton between the panes.
- Weather Stripping. Most of today's windows feature plastic weatherstripping.
Time to Buy Replacement Windows
If you don't have these energy saving enhancements, it could be time to buy replacement windows. To ensure that you get the most energy efficient choice for your home, be sure and look for replacement windows that not only have the Energy Star label, but that feature the appropriate U-Level (how well the window insulates) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) for your location.
Source
About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada.
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