Windows connect us to the outdoors, let in sunlight, and provide security. However, they are also one of the largest sources of energy consumption in homes.
Energy-efficient windows Lakeland FL can minimize the usage of air conditioning and heating systems, thus cutting down energy costs. The key features of these windows include low U-factors, insulated frames and spacers, and argon gas fills between the window panes.
Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass
When a source of heat passes through a window, it emits radiation that travels in two directions. The rays that pass through the glass are called short wave radiation and they can include infrared and ultraviolet (UV) waves.
The coating on Low-E windows can reflect these rays, so they don’t make it into your home. Instead, the rays bounce back off the coating and into the atmosphere. This prevents heat from being transferred to your furniture or carpeting, keeping the interior of your home comfortable throughout the year.
These types of windows are often combined with other energy-efficient features, including insulated glass units and frames, warm edge spacer systems, and argon gas fills between panes, to increase their insulating potential. For the best results, choose a contractor with experience installing energy efficient windows in your climate zone. Modernize makes it easy to find qualified window professionals near you. Browse reviews, qualifications and promotions to find the right one for your project.
Insulated Glass Units and Frames
Many homeowners struggle to regulate the indoor temperatures of their homes due to drafts and air leaks through old and outdated windows. These issues lead to increased energy costs as your heating and cooling systems work harder to combat them.
However, by upgrading to insulated glass units and frames, you can cut down your energy bills significantly. These windows are designed to stop heat from escaping your home in the winter and cool air from entering it in the summer.
Insulated windows consist of two or more panes with a spacer and gap between them. The gap is filled with a dense gas (argon, for instance) that acts as an insulator. Also, these windows have a stronger design that allows for wider frames and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Spacers
The spacers that separate the panes of glass in double-pane windows (or triple-pane for impact resistant windows) are crucial to their energy efficiency. Generic metal spacers allow cold air to escape and warm air to infiltrate your home, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder to keep your indoor temperature stable.
However, Intercept warm-edge spacers are engineered to minimize thermal conduction along the sealed edges of a window unit, keeping temperatures more stable and eliminating condensation. In fact, this new spacer system is so effective that it can add up to 5% of savings on monthly energy costs!
Energy-efficient windows help minimize your reliance on your air conditioning during our hot Florida summers. They can also cut down on electricity bills over time by sealing off outdoor heat and allowing in natural sunlight without letting harmful UV rays in. They often include insulated frames, argon gas fills between the panes to block movement of warm air and Low-E glass.
Argon Gas Fills
Argon gas is a colorless and odorless noble gas that is used between the double glass panes of energy efficient windows to boost their insulation capabilities. It is denser than air, making it a great material for window insulation that minimizes the transfer of heat and sunlight.
Argon also helps block the passage of sound waves through windows, which can help create a quiet and serene environment in your home. This noise reduction is particularly beneficial for homes near airports, railway lines, and highways where unwanted traffic and noise can be distracting and loud.
Although argon-filled windows tend to cost more than windows without them, this added investment will be made back over time due to the reduced usage of your heating and air conditioning systems. Additionally, argon-filled windows are known to last longer than other types of windows and require minimal maintenance to keep them looking like new. This makes them a financially smart choice for any home owner in Lakeland FL.