Energy-efficient windows: different types and how to pick them
If you’re looking for ways to make your home more sustainable, there are many exciting innovations worth considering. Whether you’re looking for new ways to power your home, minimize your waste or reduce your overall carbon footprint, there’s something out there for you. Have you ever thought about the energy efficiency of your windows? If you’re reading this article, maybe you have and you want to know more.
Energy-efficient windows are — you guessed it — windows with features that potentially help homeowners save energy and hopefully also some money by cutting down on utilities. Let’s explore the different features that help make energy-efficient windows more eco-friendly.
Types of energy-efficient windows
Windows are deemed “energy efficient” by their rating. ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program that sets energy-efficient criteria for windows and doors across the country. In order to qualify for this program, the windows:
- Must be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR® partner.
- Must be independently tested, certified and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
- Must have NFRC ratings that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Do note that although the program doesn’t require specific features or technologies, there are commonalities across certified windows on the market.
The following features may impact how energy efficient your windows are:
- Frames and sash: The window frame is what supports and surrounds the entire structure of the window, including the head, jab and sill. The window sash is the horizontal and vertical part of the window that holds the glass in place and allows the structure to move up and down. The materials that comprise the frames and sash, and the way they’re installed, may impact the energy efficiency of the window.
- Glazing: Glazing is a fancy word for glass. The type of glass installed in your windows may impact energy efficiency. For example, a double-glazed window (or window with two layers of glass) may do a better job at preventing thermal transfer than a window with a single glaze.
- Gas fills and spacers: These fill the space between glazing layers to help minimize heat transfer. The type of gas — often argon or krypton — impacts the thermal performance. Krypton is considered the more expensive yet higher-performing gas.
- Operating types: The window operating type relates to how it opens and closes. Operation types may impact energy efficiency because of their air leakage rates. For example, awning operating types hinge at the top and open outward. They often have lower leakage rates than sliding windows.
How to choose the most energy-efficient windows
Choosing the most energy-efficient windows will depend on several factors, including where you live, where the window is placed, the energy certification and the cost-saving potential.
Region
If you live in the Northeast, you’ll likely want to install windows that are more insulated to keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Low-E insulating glass with argon blocks up to 87% of the sun's rays and helps keep thermal energy in the right places. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may opt for awning windows with operating features that offer protection in rainy climates.
Window placement
Your window orientation could impact energy efficiency as well. Windows facing east or west can waste up to twice as much energy as windows facing north or south. Orienting the house with the largest windows facing the north and south might help make a greater impact.
Certification (Energy Star vs. NFRC)
As mentioned, ENERGY STAR® is a government program that tells you whether or not a product is energy efficient. The National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC), on the other hand, is a nonprofit organization that helps compare one energy-efficient product to another to help buyers decide which one they want to purchase.
Cost-saving potential
Not only do energy-efficient products potentially help you reduce your carbon footprint, but they may help you lower your monthly utility bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for about 30% of residential heating and energy use. Installing energy-efficient windows may reduce this number and help you save money in the long term.
Are energy-efficient windows tax deductible?
According to the IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, you may qualify for a maximum tax credit depending on when your improvements were installed and how much they cost. Consider speaking with a tax professional to understand what energy improvements may provide tax incentives for energy-efficient appliances or energy-efficient mortgages. Chase only offers energy-efficient mortgages for FHA and VA loans.
In summary
Energy-efficient windows are windows with features that help conserve energy (particularly thermal energy) that may impact how much money is spent on utilities to operate a home. If you’re looking to make sustainable window replacements, look out for ENERGY STAR® ratings and consider using NFRC guidelines to compare energy-efficient products.
Energy-efficient windows: FAQs
1. Does window size affect energy efficiency?
Window size may affect energy efficiency. Larger windows may have a higher thermal leakage rate; however, the orientation of your windows may be a way to combat this concern.
2. What is the least energy-efficient window?
The least energy-efficient window will depend on where you live, how the window is installed and where the window is oriented.
3. Can high-performance windows increase home value?
High-performance windows conserve energy, and ultimately lower your utility bills, which may make your home more desirable and could possibly increase home value.
