What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?

As the price of electricity surges, there’s a need every part of the house, from the HVAC system to your electronics, is more energy-efficient than ever. While these contribute to how much energy you’re consuming, your house’s static pieces should be energy-efficient, too.

Take your replacement windows for example. They actually govern how much heat escapes and enters. But what makes a window energy-efficient in the first place? Renewal by Andersen® of Portland explains how.

Energy-Efficient Glass

The most important part of the windows is obviously the glass pane. This is why the U-Factor of your potential new windows is something you should look at.

U-Factor describes the rate of heat loss of a window—the “U” being the entering and exiting of the flow of air. Low U-factor translates to higher resistance to heat and better insulation. Windows that have a 0.30 or lower score are ideal for natural climate control within the home, making it efficient especially when the weather takes a turn for the cold.

Window Design

The design of the window also affects its general energy efficiency, so if you’re planning window replacement, weigh your options first. Double-hung and casement windows, for example, boast some of the highest energy efficiency ratings out of all window types. This is partly due to the airtight seal it forms when it’s closed. Sliding windows can be energy-efficient, too, but not at the same level as the previous ones.

Window Frames

The window frame holding the actual glass also contributes to energy efficiency. As a buyer, you’re presented with three common materials for windows, like wood, vinyl, and aluminum. We highly recommend vinyl and aluminum as they’re both better than wood in terms of insulative prowess. Wood isn’t good at retaining heat and is actually negatively affected by changing temperatures.

Better yet, choose our Fibrex window framing material. They consist of reclaimed wood fiber and a PVC composite, allowing it to the blend the best of both worlds. It resists thermal transfer up to 700 times better than aluminum, making it the go-to choice for window frame insulation.

How It’s Installed

Finally, the method of window replacement also defines its energy efficiency. Even the best windows will fail when they aren’t properly installed, so have a professional do it for you so that you don’t waste your investment.

Ensuring your windows are energy-efficient is the first step to making a more sustainable home and lowering your electric bills. Let Renewal by Andersen® of Wyoming help you with your window replacement in Portland and Salem, OR. Call us today at (503) 419-3960 for more information.