Energy-efficient windows help reduce heating and cooling costs by slowing thermal transfer. They also prevent cold drafts in winter and hot summer air from entering your home, enhancing comfortability.
Energy-efficient windows are typically double or triple-paned and contain inert argon gas for added insulation. They also feature low-emissivity coatings that block UV rays, which protect carpets and furniture from fading over time.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows, as their name suggests, have two moving sashes that operate independently. This provides a more flexible design that enhances home comfort. Homeowners can open the lower sash to allow hot air to escape and cool air to flow in, improving home ventilation.
Alternatively, homeowners can keep the bottom sash closed while raising the upper sash for maximum natural light and airflow. This window style also reduces outdoor noise for a quieter living space that promotes relaxation and quality time with family and friends.
Window World’s double-hung window options are available in a variety of glass patterns, interior and exterior colors and energy efficiency levels. They also feature composite frames for durability and low maintenance, which reduces the need for regular cleaning. This type of window is also safer for pets and children, as the sash cannot be pulled down on them to cause injury. However, it is important to keep in mind that this type of window may experience occasional air leaks and require periodic hardware maintenance.
Single Sliding Windows
The windows you choose to install in your home can have a significant impact on its energy efficiency, as they are one of the major sources of airflow and light. Single-slider windows offer a minimalist aesthetic that complements a range of architectural styles and are easy to operate.
They are ideal for areas with limited exterior space, as they do not require additional clearance to open and close, unlike double-hung windows. They can also be easily removed for cleaning.
Composite slider windows are a good option for Madison homeowners who want the durability and low maintenance of vinyl without its fading or warping in extreme weather conditions. They can be painted to match any home design and come in a variety of colors.
If you’re looking for a window replacement option that offers exceptional ventilation and is more effective at reducing drafts, consider casement windows. These are hinged on one side and open similar to a door, using a crank. They are ideal for hard-to-reach spaces and provide a unique look to your home.
Composite Windows
Invest in the ultimate comfort and energy savings with double-hung windows. This classic window style allows you to open and close the top and bottom of the window independently, offering exceptional thermal performance and meeting all ENERGY STAR requirements.
A newer technology than vinyl windows, composite windows are an ideal choice for homeowners who want a premium product that is more durable and less expensive. These hybrid windows are made from a combination of different materials, including laminated strand lumber and polymers, which create a solid inner build with high insulation. The outer layer resembles wood, which can enhance your home’s aesthetics.
The insulated frame and glass are treated with Low-E (low emission) glass to reduce UV radiation, which can fade fabrics, furniture, carpets, and other interiors. This provides added comfort in the summer and lowers your energy bills in the winter. The insulating properties of the glass reduce air transfer and ensure that your indoor temperatures are consistent.
Steel Windows
Steel windows are a great fit for any home or commercial space, and they offer more than just good looks. Their strength resists severe weather and intruders, and their aesthetic can be customized to match any style.
Energy-efficient steel windows come with a number of innovative features that can greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs. These include Low-E glass, which minimizes the flow of UV rays and unwanted temperatures into your home or office, and Intercept warm-edge spacer, which helps prevent insulated window glass from fogging up.
According to the Department of Energy, 25-30% of a building’s energy is used to heat and cool it, and much of that is lost through drafty windows. Replacing them with energy-efficient models will reduce your heating and cooling costs and save you money year-round.