Although no window frame can ever be 100% airtight, there shouldn't be a noticeable amount of cold air coming in. For cold climates, you'll want to choose windows that have wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or composite frames. Wood with vinyl cladding is ideal since it will hold heat best and the vinyl will protect the wood.
If you live in a colder climate, choose a window with a lower U-factor, as these windows offer better thermal resistance. Gas-filled windows with low-E coatings are also great in colder climates, as they reduce heat loss. In warmer regions, the low-E coating will reduce heat gain in the home.
Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass window frames are dimensionally stable and have air cavities that can be filled with insulation, giving them superior thermal performance compared to wood or uninsulated vinyl.
Older windows, even some newer windows, can let cold air right into your home. It happens because of cracks, failed seals, and poor insulation.
Low emissivity glass (often called 'low e glass')
Low emissivity glass can prevent the sun's heat from escaping a room.
Windows and doors are typically responsible for about 40 percent of your home's heating bill. Thermal windows are typically two to four times more efficient than older single pane windows. That means you can expect your winter heating bills to drop on average about 20 percent to 30 percent.
Double or triple-pane windows are thicker than single-pane windows and can be made from low E glass are good at holding in heat. They let sunlight into homes during the winter months to warm up the home. These windows can be insulated using a high-density gas like krypton with low thermal conductivity.
Despite the controversy following any DIY homeowner solution, both window companies and repair gurus consider insulation film to be effective. It really works, and it can increase a window's insulation for many months. Additionally, insulation film lets in sunlight—which can further warm a window.
Window film covers are inexpensive, reduce drafts, help the house feel warmer during winter months, and reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation.
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. Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow.
How are triple-pane windows better than double-pane? The answer is pretty straightforward. The additional pane of glass in the window creates a better insulating barrier. Compared to double-pane units, triple-pane windows allow less heat to escape, have less condensation, and are more soundproof.
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.
Traps Heat
Insulated glass windows trap heat inside, and its double-pane doesn't let the heat escape. Although this is beneficial for the cold season, it has the opposite effect in summer. Sometimes it also results in overheating that can increase the air conditioning cost.
Disadvantages of vinyl windows:
They have the tendency to sag due to their flexibility. Their flexibility also limits their size and the weight of the glass they frame. Many people find them less elegant or natural-looking than wood.
Double glazing improves the thermal efficiency of single glazed windows, which only use a single pane of glass to retain heat.
Instead, homeowners in cold climates should opt for double or triple-pane windows made from low-E glass. Low-E glass has been treated with a thin, metallic coating designed to filter certain types of light into your home. In winter, this allows sunlight in to help keep your home warm.
Using thicker glazing or a specialised pane of glass can help you achieve much better results. The best way to reduce heat from windows is to use a special type of glass known as low E, for low emissivity.
A solar control glass is a glass with a special coating designed to reduce the amount of heat entering a building. It reflects and absorbs heat as well as filtering light for reduced glare. Using a solar control glass can reduce the need for air-conditioning and blinds.
Is It Better to Put Plastic on the Inside or Outside of Windows? If you're looking for a temporary solution to keeping the cold air out during the winter, installing plastic on the outside of your windows is a good idea.
Yes. Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using “aluminum foil-covered cardboard” between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.