When it’s time to replace the windows in your home, there are many factors to consider. In addition to selecting the design, replacing your windows gives you the opportunity to make your home as energy efficient as possible. By selecting windows made of materials that are proven to keep your home sealed, what might be considered a larger investment will pay for itself over the years.
Windows all homeowners should consider purchasing are those that feature Low-E (low-emissive) glass coating and Argon Gas filled windows. These energy-efficient windows are designed to neutralize the effects of changing weather inside your home.
Low-E glass is made of a unique microscopic glaze that helps minimize the ultraviolet, infrared and visible light from penetrating glass. It reflects heat in the summer and helps keep heat inside in the winter, making it a good choice in climates where heating and cooling costs can be a concern. Low-E glass keeps a constant temperature so your air-conditioning and heating systems aren’t required to start up as frequently.
These types of energy-efficient windows use a combination of Low-E Coating as well as Argon Gas, which helps protect against air leakages and can also block UV Rays from damaging interiors of the home.
How does argon gas work inside a window? Double-pane windows can be filled with this gas to insulate a room and minimize the transfer of heat through a window. It is a colorless, odorless gas and is not harmful even if a leak were to occur. Since argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double-pane windows helps improve their overall insulation. By combining argon gas with a Low-E glass coating, these windows will help the temperature of the window be closer to room temperature, eliminating air currents and drafts that happen when contrasting temperatures meet.
Additionally, Low-E and argon gas filled windows also have the ability to control solar heat gain. This means the heat from the sun that often makes a space uncomfortably warm is reduced.
Although selecting windows that include these energy efficiency features might seem like a greater upfront investment, the money saved compared to installing regular single-pane windows will make it worth the money based on energy savings alone.
If you are considering new windows and want to learn more about Low-E and Argon gas replacement options, schedule a free consultation with an expert from Hometown today!