What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?
Windows provide light and ventilation, but older glass and aging sashes can actually be costing you money by negatively impacting your home’s energy efficiency. You can improve energy efficiency and instantly increase the value of your home when you replace those old windows with energy efficient windows. You’ll love the way they look and love the energy cost savings.
According to energystar.gov, choosing energy efficient windows, doors and skylights certified with the Energy Star label can reduce your energy bills by up to 12% and help protect the environment. But, what makes window energy efficient? Window manufacturers utilize several new and emerging technologies to help safeguard us from damaging UV rays and ultraviolet light and help regulate our home’s temperature by using less energy.
- Framing Material – the use of durable, low maintenance framing material will improve insulation and reduce heat transfer.
- Edge Spacers – A warm edge spacer made from non-metallic or metal hybrid materials insulate the glass pane edges for increased heat transfer reduction.
- Two or More Panes – Windows with two panes of glass or more provide optimal insulation, impact resistance, and energy efficiency.
- Low-E Glass – Low-E glass has a special coating to reflect harmful ultraviolet light that will protect you and your family and interior furnishings from fading over time.
- Gas Fill – Non-toxic gasses like krypton, argon and other odorless, colorless gasses are used to fill the space between multiple panes of glass to provide excellent insulation.
Performance Criteria from the NFRC
The performance criteria based on certified ratings for energy efficient windows from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) vary in the US by each distinct climate zone. The majority of the state of Utah is located within the Northern climate zone with the following criteria found on window manufacturer’s label:
- U-factor is the rate of heat transfer to show how effective the window prevents heat from escaping from the interior. The U-factor rating to look for if you live in Northern or Central Utah will be a minimum of 0.27 for windows.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) shows the increase in thermal energy as solar radiation is absorbed through the window. The SHGC performance rating for the Northern climate zone does not have a minimum requirement.
Choosing Energy Efficient Windows in Utah
Peach Building Products proudly serves residential and commercial customers across the Beehive State. We offer favorable financing for our high-quality windows and an easy-to-use online bill pay options to work within your window replacement project budget. Come visit our showroom located in Salt Lake City, Utah or call 801-938-4990 to speak with one of our qualified window replacement professionals – we are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you on your way to new, energy efficient windows to improve the value of your home and energy savings.
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