Replacing your old, outdated windows with Energy-efficient windows can cut your energy costs. They also help control heat transfer to keep your home cooler in summer and can prevent high cooling bills.
The most energy-efficient windows have Low-E glass that blocks UV and infrared rays without reducing visible light. They also contain spacers and argon gas to boost insulation.
Energy Efficiency
The windows in your home are responsible for a significant amount of heat transfer. That’s why energy-efficient windows are a must for Florida homes. By reducing heat transfer, they reduce the strain on HVAC systems and help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.
The ENERGY STAR label is a great way to compare the energy performance of different windows. When selecting windows, look for a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.25 or lower. SHGC measures how much of the sun’s heat passes through a window, as well as its ability to absorb and hold that heat.
In addition to a low SHGC, ENERGY STAR qualified windows have other features that improve energy efficiency. For example, a warm-edge spacer and argon gas fill between glass panes help block the flow of warm air into your home. This reduces your cooling costs and protects carpeting and furniture from harmful UV rays. Additionally, vinyl frame windows have better natural insulating properties than metal or wood.
Low-E Glass
The type of glass used in energy efficient windows can make a big difference in heating and cooling costs. The specialized coating on these windows deflects radiant heat from the sun, helping to keep internal temperatures comfortable without straining HVAC systems.
It also limits the amount of heat that passes through the glass in summer, again easing stress on air conditioners. It also keeps out harmful UV rays, which are damaging to furniture and can cause fading over time.
This specialized glass is available in hard-coat and soft-coat options. Hard-coat Low E coating can be more practical in cold climates, since the insulating properties are better. Soft-coat is available in two different varieties, with either one or three coating layers, depending on your climate needs. For example, Viridian offers a variety of products called Viridian ClimaTech and LightBridge next, which utilize different numbers of soft-coat Low E coatings to meet the specific requirements of different climate zones.
Insulating Materials
Energy efficient windows are made to reduce the transfer of heat energy into and out of your home. The insulation materials used in the frame and sash are designed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Double-pane (dual-glazed) glass performs much better than single pane windows. This is because the space between the two sheets of glass is filled with an odorless, colorless gas such as argon or krypton. These gases help to insulate your home from the summer heat and winter cold, reducing the need for you to run your air conditioning or heater.
Many ENERGY STAR window manufacturers use foam-insulated frames that can save you money on your energy bill. They may also use a warm-edge spacer to insulate the edges of the sealed unit. Wood storm windows also offer a good source of energy efficiency, but they need to be insulated properly to avoid heat transfer. Today, wood storm windows can be glazed with low e coatings to improve insulation and protect carpet, furniture and other valuable items from harmful UV radiation.
Storm Protection
When it comes to protecting your home from Florida’s tropical weather, storm windows offer some of the best protection in the market. They’re able to withstand high levels of wind pressure and are designed to resist forced entry attempts. Many insurance companies offer discounts on hurricane-rated window products.
The frame materials you choose also play a role in your energy efficiency and insulation. Vinyl frames are an excellent choice for Florida because of their natural insulating properties and durability. Other common framing materials include aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. For the best results, opt for a high-quality vinyl frame that has been clad with either aluminum or fiberglass to reduce thermal transfer and improve durability.
To find the most energy-efficient options, look for ENERGY STAR® certified windows labeled for the southern climate zone and with an SHGC rating of 0.28 or lower and a U-Factor of 0.60 or less. These ratings indicate how well the window keeps heat out during the summer and keeps your home warmer in the winter.