What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?

If you’re like many window replacement customers, boosting the energy efficiency of your home is one of the top reasons for your project. You’ve probably heard that modern replacement windows can help keep your energy costs down by regulating your indoor temperatures so your heating system doesn’t have to work so hard. But not all replacement windows are engineered for thermal performance, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with the basic features that make a window energy efficient.

Let’s Start With the Window Frame

Frame materials and how they’re put together play a big role in building energy-efficient windows. Wood is a good insulator, but wood-frame windows don’t stand up well to harsh weather without a lot of upkeep. Vinyl windows with insulated, fusion-welded frames are a terrific low-maintenance alternative, and they’re far more energy efficient than standard aluminum-frame windows. Another good choice is composite windows, which—just like wood windows—block heat transfer with solid frame construction. But composite windows don’t need ongoing maintenance the way wood windows do.

Energy-Efficient Glass Is Key

Perhaps the most important component of an energy-saving window is the glass. Most energy-efficient windows have two or three panes of glass with gas fills between the panes to provide extra insulation. The best energy-efficient windows also have low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to prevent indoor heat from escaping in the wintertime and outdoor heat from making its way in during the summer.

The Finishing Touch: Warm Edge Spacers

In a multi-pane window, you need spacers to keep the panes the correct distance apart. Non-metallic spacers conduct less heat, which means they’re the best choice if you want to maximize your window’s energy efficiency.

It’s important to remember that energy efficiency features should be customized for the climate where you live. If you’re shopping for replacement windows in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area, you can feel confident turning to Clear Choice Window & Home Solutions to help you find the ideal energy-efficient windows for your home. In fact, all of our windows exceed AAMA air infiltration standards by 600% to 2,000%.

At Clear Choice Window & Home Solutions, we’ve been helping local homeowners get energy-saving upgrades since our founding in 1998. Contact us today!