Maximizing Energy Efficiency: What New Windows Can Do For You

Aesthetics and look are always important features when shopping for new windows, but energy efficiency is your top priority. With energy-efficient windows, not only will you reduce your bills, but you will also save money in the long run and get a better return on your investment.

So, why is having energy-efficient windows important and what factors determine quality energy-saving windows?

Why is Energy Efficiency Important?

Older windows usually allow air in and out of your house through small cracks or inefficient glass—this makes your cooling and heating system work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature, which means higher bills.
Lucky for you, solving this problem is easy with new windows. When you choose energy-efficient windows for your home, you get the following benefits:

    1. Comfort. Minimizing air leakage reduces noise and unwelcome drafts and improves home comfort.
    2. Reduced carbon footprint. New innovative glass options limit CO2 usage, resulting in smaller environmental impact. Go green!
    3. Lower bills. Your HVAC system does more work when there is air leakage to compensate the temperature. Stop straining your system and save money!

Energy efficiency in any home is essential, especially if you’re looking to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. We’ve covered why energy efficiency is important—but what makes a window energy efficient and what are your best options?

What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?

To keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, a good energy efficient window will minimize escaped air through the frame and glass and regulate heat transfer and light through the window. It’s more than just the number of panes—the material of your windows will determine its energy efficiency.

Glass

Energy-saving glass is accomplished by the type, style, and thickness of the glass. The main factors you should consider when buying new windows are:

    Low-E glass coating. Low-emissivity glass coating can reflect solar heat—this keeps your home cooler in the summer and warm in the winter.
    Insulated glass. An extra layer of insulation is always a plus for temperature control and thermal performance!
    Panes. Yes, the number of panes do matter. Double-pane glass will insulate your home better than single-pane. If you’re looking to really improve your energy efficiency, we recommend looking into triple-pane glass.

Temperature control is vital to saving energy—make sure the windows you buy have all the necessary features to ensure quality thermal performance.

Frames

Like any other home product, window frames can be made from various types of materials. The type of material will determine your window’s thermal resistance. For example, wood and fiberglass frames offer excellent insulation by letting minimal air into your home.

Installation

Window installation plays a bigger part in saving energy than you might think—proper installation can make or break your energy efficiency. If the window doesn’t fit right or is installed incorrectly, even the best windows will lack in thermal performance. When buying new windows, always make sure you have quality installation.

Which Window is the Best Choice for Me?

Energy efficiency is the goal when buying new windows, but the location you live in depends on what you should look for in a window.

In a climate like Boston with cold winters and hot summers, you need windows that will balance cooling and heating. To learn more about what window is best for your climate, talk with your local window expert and pay attention to NFRC and ENERGY STAR labels.

Increase Energy Efficiency in Your Home with NEBS Windows

The window-buying process is full decisions—from energy-efficiency and aesthetics to installation, every decision you make will be central to temperature control in your home.

At New England Building Supply, we carry a wide variety of energy-efficient windows with different features, design, and more. To learn more about your options and how NEBS can help with your window project, give us a call today or stop by our Boston showroom.