If it’s time for window replacements in your home, you want to buy the most energy-efficient windows available. They can make your home more comfortable and reduce your annual energy bills by hundreds of dollars. Here are some things to look for when shopping for windows.
Look for the Energy Star Logo
Products with the Energy Star logo have been independently certified and meet demanding thermal and solar standards. In addition, Energy Star products must maintain their functionality.
The Energy Star logo is recognized and trusted worldwide, so the blue and white logo guarantees you’re getting energy-efficient windows when shopping for window replacements.
Choose Multiple Glazing
Most older windows have a single pane of glass, or single glazing, which isn’t your best choice. Newer, energy-efficient windows have double or triple glazing to drastically increase their insulating effects.
Look for Low-E glass coatings
Low-emissivity, or Low-E, glass coatings improve a window’s thermal performance. The invisible layer blocks heat flow and keeps warm air where it belongs: inside during the winter and outside in summer.
Low-E coatings also reduce the sun’s UV rays in your home, which will help protect your drapes, carpets and furniture from fading. Low-E glass has the added benefits of reducing window condensation and improving your home’s humidity levels.
Consider the Space Between the Glazing
When choosing double- or triple-glazed windows, choose ones with spacers that create a tiny gap between the panes. This gap can dramatically increase the window’s insulating properties. Moreover, ensure the gap between the windows is filled with argon gas, which is denser than air and, therefore, more insulative.
Look for the SHGC number
Windows are rated with a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which measures how much solar radiation is transferred through the window, measured between 0.00 and 1.00. The lower the SHGC, the less radiation is transmitted.
A low SHGC rating isn’t always better. If you live in a northern climate, you may want to consider a higher SHGC of 0.30 to 0.60, so the sun can help warm your home during winter. If you live in a warmer climate and frequently use air conditioning, choose window replacements with a low SHCG.
Energy-Efficient Window Replacements in Northwest Canada
At All-West Glass, we carry some of the most energy-efficient windows available. We offer Energy Star-approved windows with Low-E glass and argon, which can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Contact us to learn more about our window replacements and installation services. We have 18 locations across Northwest Canada, including Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Edmonton.