Window glass may not be the first thing homeowners in the Broken Arrow area think about when it comes to energy efficiency, but it should definitely be on your radar. Having the right window glass can make a huge difference in your energy bills.
We've come a long way in window technology since the days when a window was literally just a hole in the wall. Today, window frames come in a variety of different materials, and window glass can be layered with different gases or have energy-efficient coatings to help reduce heat transfer.
Making Your Windows More Efficient
One of the more effective ways of making windows more efficient is to install double-paned windows with argon or krypton gas between the panes. These gases are invisible, odorless, and nontoxic. They work by reducing the amount of heat that's able to transfer from the exterior pane to the interior pane, thus keeping your home cooler.
Krypton prevents the most heat transfer and can be used in windows where the space between panes is as small as 1/4 inch. However, it is more expensive than argon. Argon can be used in spaces as small as 1/2 inch and comes with a lower price, although it's not quite as efficient in blocking heat as krypton is.
Buying Windows: What to Look For
The federal Energy Star program helps consumers figure out whether a product is energy efficient. If you see windows that have the Energy Star label, that means that they are certified to meet federal guidelines for efficiency.
Another thing to compare between window choices is the U-Factor and SHGC. The U-Factor shows how well a window insulates against heat transfer. SHGC stands for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or how much solar energy transmits through the window. When comparing windows, look for lower numbers in both of these categories.
Low-emissivity coatings come on some new windows and can be applied to existing windows. These coatings block heat transfer. Some low-emissivity coatings are spectrally selective, meaning that they'll allow a full amount of light while blocking up to 70% of heat from coming through the windows.
For more information about choosing energy-efficient window glass for your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today.