ENERGY EFFICIENT REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Energy efficient window upgrade

Thinking about upgrading your home’s windows? We’re here to help you understand your options for energy efficient windows and find the right solution for your comfort and budget.

Don’t let your energy dollars go out the window.

Traditional windows with single- or double-pane clear glass don’t perform nearly as well as ENERGY STAR-qualified windows and could cost you hundreds of dollars in home heating and cooling costs. In fact, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.

 

Sources: Energy.gov and U.S. Department of Energy

What you need to know about energy efficient window upgrades.

illustration of an energy efficient window

What are energy efficient windows and how do they work?

Energy efficient windows are designed to reduce heat transfer into and out of your home. The most efficient models are made with triple pane glass with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and gas fills and spacers. Although low-e windows cost 10%-15% more than regular windows, they can reduce energy loss by as much as 30%-50%.

mother and daughter in kitchen, in front of a bright window.

What type of frame and sash cladding is best?

Improving the thermal resistance of your window frames also contributes to a window’s efficiency — especially its U-factor. (This is the rate at which a window transmits non-solar heat flow.) Common frame materials include aluminum, wood, wood composites, fiberglass and vinyl. You’ll want to balance efficiency, aesthetics and cost to determine the type of frame that’s right for your home.

What are some of the benefits of energy efficient windows?

Replacing your aging windows with energy efficient windows can be expensive, but the benefits are clear:

  • Lower heating and cooling costs

  • Increased indoor comfort

  • Fewer drafts or hot and cold spots

  • UV protection

  • Noise reduction

  • Easier to open and close

  • Enhanced safety and security

  • Increased property value

  • Federal tax incentives may be available

  • Reduce energy waste

man inspecting windows.

Is window replacement right for your home?

Window replacement is especially beneficial for homes with older single-pane or aluminum frames. If your existing windows are damaged or warped and your home feels drafty — or heats up quickly in the summer — energy efficient windows could make a big difference.

woman caulking window

What can I do to make my existing windows more efficient?

We get it, the cost of installing new widows can add up quickly! There are a few things you can do to give your existing windows an efficiency boost, like applying low-e window film or sealing leaks and gaps with caulk. Installing low-e storm windows can also help reduce air movement and thermal gain at a fraction of the cost of a new window.

Find the right energy efficient windows for your home.

A member of the Quality Contractor Network can help you determine which style and type of window is right for your home. Here’s what you’ll need to know to get started.

Understanding window lingo.

  • U-Factor

    Measures heat loss — the lower the U-Factor, the better.

  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

    Measures how much solar heat is admitted. Once again, the lower the better.

  • Visible Transmittance (VT)

    Measures how much light passes through a window.

  • Low-e

    A type of window glass that has a special coating to reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through.

  • Glass insulation

    Argon gas is often used to fill the space between panes and acts as an insulator.

  • Design pressure (DP) rating

    Measures how well a window resists pressure from high winds.

Resources for all your home energy needs.

Check out these other helpful home energy services.