E star windows, or energy star windows, are designed to prevent cooled or heated air from escaping from your home through the windows. Not only does their increased insulation ensure that your home’s interior remains comfortable in the warmer and colder months, but they can also save you money by reducing your home’s energy usage!
To help you make a more energy-conscious decision on which replacement windows are the right choice for you, we have put together a short guide on e star windows and their benefits.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?
There are main factors that contribute to a window’s energy efficiency. These factors include the glass, frame, and installation of the window.
Vinyl is often seen as “cheap” because it tends to be the most budget-friendly option for replacement windows. However, even though it is a less expensive material, it must still be an energy-efficient choice. Vinyl windows, insulated glass, and airtight seals reduce the air leaking through them.
Speaking of glass, when selecting what kind of glass your replacement windows should have, there are a few boxes that you’ll want to check. To get a properly energy-efficient window, you will want to look for a Low-E, argon-filled, double-paned (or even triple-paned) window. Low-E windows mean that your home is protected from the sun’s hot rays in the summer, and argon insulation will prevent heat from escaping in cold winter temperatures.
You should also ensure that your e star windows are properly installed. Even if you purchase the highest-quality energy-efficient windows, improper installation can prevent them from performing effectively, ultimately costing you much more money in the long run.
Energy-Efficient Window Terms Explained
Low-E Glass
Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has been treated with a microscopic metallic coating designed to filter the amount of UV light that enters your home. By filtering the amount of UV light that enters your home, the heat gain is lower in warm seasons and allows more heat during cooler months. This keeps your home’s temperature more consistent year-round. By filtering out UV light, low-E glass also prevents fading on your furniture and window treatments.
U-Factor
U-factor gauges the rate of heat transfer and how well a window insulates. It is measured on a scale from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the u-factor, the more effective the window is at insulating.
R-Value
R-value refers to a building material’s insulation level. Each region of the US has an energy-efficient r-value range for windows based on that area’s climate.
Argon Gas
Argon is an extremely dense colorless, odorless gas with very low thermal conductivity. It is used as insulation between double-pane and triple-pane windows. Paired with Low-E glass, it keeps the window closer to room temperature, helping eliminate drafts and increase energy efficiency.
How to Tell If a Window Is Energy Efficient
The quickest and simplest way to determine if a window is energy efficient is to look for the ENERGY STAR logo. This blue seal of approval means that a window has been put through a thorough testing process and meets various industry-accepted energy-efficiency standards.
Which Windows Are Most Energy Efficient?
The truth is that some windows are designed and manufactured to be more energy-efficient than others. If you are looking for the best windows in your home, the most common e star windows include casement windows, double-hung windows, and picture windows.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are the most popular in homes today because they maximize air ventilation abilities. They are also some of the most energy-efficient windows you can choose from. When strong winds blow toward your home, less efficient windows may leak cold air inside. When this happens with casement windows installed, the wind’s pressure causes them to seal even tighter, making them a great choice for extreme climates.
However, casement windows will still require regular maintenance to maintain their optimal energy efficiency. This usually involves ensuring that the stability and functionality of the window’s hinges and seal remain intact.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are especially common in older homes. Still, they remain a popular modern choice due to their versatility and ability to open without protruding either inwards or outwards of the home. They are a great energy-efficient window option for milder climates, but casement windows are still the best choice for more extreme weather, as air might find its way between the sliders.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are also known as fixed windows, meaning they remain closed and do not open. Generally, they are manufactured with less frame and more glass to give homeowners unobstructed views. However, this means that many people have the misconception that due to their large glass surfaces, they could be more energy efficient. But that’s not the case. They should serve you well as long as they are manufactured with high-quality double-paned glass.
How E Star Windows Can Benefit Your Home
E star windows would save you money both now and in the coming years. Making a house more energy-efficient is a new window benefit at the top of most people’s wish lists! Moreover, 40% of the average energy budget goes to heating and cooling your home, so you want to keep that energy from escaping through the windows.
E star windows save energy by using some unique coating on the glasses, a new window spacer system, and advanced technology. The following are some benefits of installing energy-efficient window replacements:
1. Improve Your Energy Savings
As the name implies, e star windows can reduce your energy consumption. These windows have insulating properties, making your home environment comfortable during summer or winter. Additionally, with the indoor temperature constantly varying, you’ll only have to rely a little on your heating or air conditioning systems. Lower energy consumption means burning less fuel, making your home more eco-friendly.
2. Protect Your Home Against UV Rays
Regular windows allow more sunlight into your house and don’t effectively protect you from UV rays’ dangers. Also, UV rays are known to damage wood, cloth, and furniture and are more problematic for light-sensitive individuals. Many e star windows have a special coating that blocks or reduces UV rays. The coating could block up to 98% of the rays, so you’ll not see any fading or deterioration in your house.
3. Reduce Condensation
Condensation could cause a severe problem, particularly in rooms with higher moisture levels. Bathrooms and kitchens are often the sources of excess moisture. The moisture vaporizes in the air before condensing on cold windows, producing puddles and streaks of water. Furthermore, the increased presence of water can cause mildew, damaging your home and properties.
E star windows can significantly reduce the amount of condensation in your house.
The insulation that helps maintain room temperature also keeps the temperature of the surface above the threshold, which attracts moisture from the air. Nevertheless, humidity is unavoidable, and it’s advisable to use dehumidifiers or fans to help control the humidity levels.
4. Provide a Return on investment (ROI) via Resale
Replacing old windows could generate a significant return on investment (ROI) in the short and long term. Suppose you want to live in your present home for many years. In that case, the cost of installing the new e star windows that last for tens of years, and come with a premium warranty that will be recovered in due time, is offset by the savings in energy bills and low cost of maintenance and repairs. Moreover, energy-efficient window replacement is one of the top five home improvement projects with the highest profits.
Changing your old windows to new vinyl or wood replacement windows can give you a return on investment (ROI) of up to 95%. Besides, if you plan on selling your home, upgrading your windows can increase its worth and make it sell quicker.
5. Noise Protection
Do you live in a busy area? Millions of homeowners are forced to hear constant traffic noise daily. However, if you finally want to experience peace in the comfort of your home, consider installing e star windows. Most people need to be made aware that they possess soundproofing capacities. Besides, if you live in the city, this is the best option because traffic noise is an ongoing nuisance.
6. Qualification for Energy Discounts and Tax Incentives
New window installations are costly. Homeowners can reap the benefits of efficient energy replacements, even if the huge initial cost may be intimidating. However, many municipal and regional agencies provide discounts and credits to offset the cost of installation.
7. Less Maintenance
This is a huge selling point if you want to sell your home someday. Besides, many would love to live in a low-maintenance residence because you don’t have to hassle with constant upkeep. Moreover, there is less condensation on these windows because of energy transfer. In other words, you don’t have to worry about mildew as much because there will be less condensation.
8. Make Your Home More Comfortable
Homes are meant to be comfortable. In the winter months, you do not want to wear different types of clothing to stay warm in your house. E star windows come with the advantage of keeping your home comfortable day and night because the windows allow the temperature in your home to be better regulated. Moreover, you will not have to rely on your heat or air conditioner as much to keep the air temperature constant. Instead, the windows will be able to help you achieve this level of comfort on your own.
Conclusion
E star windows offer numerous advantages to your home and wallet. These windows will transform your home into a pleasant and comfortable living environment. Installing new windows may sound like an expensive venture, but it will help to save money on heating, cooling, and electricity bills. Get started with replacing your windows by contacting us today!