Of all of these, vinyl tends to be the most energy efficient material as it has better natural insulating properties than fiberglass and metal and won't warp or deteriorate as wood windows often do over time.
As mentioned, double glazed windows are the best option for reducing heat loss in the home, since their air gaps create an additional layer of insulation.
Low-E Windows
Low-E glass helps block both ultraviolet and infrared light, but lets in the visible light. Infrared light is associated with heat energy. By blocking it out, Low-E windows help keep the heat from the sun from entering your home.
Low-E windows can be as much as 40% more efficient than traditional double-glazed windows. If you reside in a single-glazed property and want to increase the energy efficiency of your home without breaking the bank, another option is to install secondary glazing.
Window Selection Tips
Look for the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels . In colder climates, consider selecting gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with coatings to reduce heat gain.
Your choice of window frame material influences your window's overall energy efficiency. Wood windows provide excellent insulation. Wood has low conductivity which means wood window frames transfer less heat or cold into your home. Our proprietary fiberglass material offers insulating properties similar to wood.
When to Replace Your Windows. Home windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals start to weaken or fail, which leaves you open to drafts and water seepage. In addition, single-pane windows were the standard 15+ years ago.
Toughened glass, or tempered glass as it is commonly known is an impact resistant glass that can take high impact and does not break easily. Also when this type of glass breaks, it usually breaks into many tiny pieces which has a low risk of causing injury, which makes the glass much safer than a normal glass.
If you need strength and durability, fiberglass windows are a good option. They are built to withstand extreme heat and subzero temperatures.
Double-Hung Windows
It also delivers superior ventilation by partially opening both of its sashes to create two openings. To get the most room cooling effect, you can also install additional awning windows on top of your double-hung windows.
Casement windows are good choices because they can direct cool breezes into the home when opened. High-quality double hung and awning windows with tight seals also work well to keep the cool air in when closed.
Argon insulated glass – Argon is a dense gas and the most popular window-insulation option. Argon-insulated windows can increase energy efficiency by about 10% compared to air-filled units. Many argon-filled windows also have Low-E coatings to prevent heat leaks.
Single-pane windows are generally the least energy-efficient. These varieties do not create effective thermal barriers, so they allow conditioned air to escape while also allowing outside air in.
Triple pane windows with a high Low-E coating are the most efficient windows that you can get for your home. These are ideal for summer and winter. The window frame material makes a big difference too. Vinyl and fiberglass frames are some of the most insulating, with insulation-filled cavities.
A fiberglass window can look great 50 years after installation, whereas a vinyl one will last around 30 years. Fiberglass also does a better job of controlling temperature loss, making it more energy-efficient. Its glass base gives it better insulation than vinyl, which is valuable if you live in a noisy area.
While clear glass without any tint is perfect for a transparent view, frosted glass adds a diffused glow to the windows. You can also opt for colours to give a modern look to the windows, like grey, bronze, and blue. These colours also block UV rays and reduce glare.
Double-hung windows are among the most popular styles of windows for homes. This style goes well with many architectural styles. They are also favored because you can keep one part open for ventilation and the other part closed for safety.
Casement windows, double-hung windows, and sliding windows are the most secure windows to prevent intruders. A window vibration sensor can be installed, and an alarm will sound if the window breaks. Fixed windows will provide extra security from the interior, helping to prevent falls.
If you want your windows installed quickly, we recommend waiting until mid-summer when demand is lower to start your project. Replacement windows are also particularly important in the warmer seasons, as they keep your home comfortable and prevent harmful UV rays from damaging your home.
Is it cheaper to replace all windows at once? Generally yes, the cost per window will likely be lower if you choose to purchase your windows in bulk and replace them all at the same time. Doing so will usually save on labor costs for installation as well.
High quality windows offer a ton of value
There are other benefits too, like using fiberglass that doesn't rust, chip, rot, peel, or warp. New windows will be weathertight and you'll never have to worry about rain or other elements getting in through cracks in your window's frames.
Energy-Efficient Glass
Your large window's glass plays a key role in energy efficiency, as thin, single panes are the primary cause of indoor temperature fluctuation and energy consumption. Ramp up efficiency with: Double- or triple-pane glass.
Vinyl windows are energy-efficient windows, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Vinyl is a better thermal insulator than either wood or aluminum. It's also recyclable.