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ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

April 2, 2024

Just like doors, windows are a functional and aesthetic feature of a home. Through windows, you can regulate ventilation and natural lighting, view the scenery outside, and shield yourself from the elements and intruders. They also ensure your privacy and help protect the contents of both residential and commercial properties.

Energy-efficient windows not only perform the above functions but also help minimise your cooling and heating requirements by regulating indoor temperature. This means energysaving windows can also reduce your carbon footprint significantly. So, if you’re keen on leading a sustainable lifestyle, energy-efficient windows for houses can make a world of difference.

If you’re looking to make your home energy efficient or need help shopping around for energy-efficient home windows, then this guide can help. Read on to know more about energy-efficient windows and the benefits they offer.

WHAT ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS?

The first question that’s probably on your mind is: What are energy-efficient windows?

Also known as energy-saving windows, energy-efficient windows are designed to prevent heated or cooled air from seeping out of the interior living spaces of your home. This means that during winter, they help to keep your home consistently warm, whilst, during summer, they work to maintain the indoor air comfortably cool. The superior insulation they offer thereby reduces your home energy usage — and, of course, your bills!

Not just any type of window may be considered energy efficient. Energy efficient windows possess the following features:

MEANING AND DEFINITION OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS

If we are to define energy efficiency or state the meaning of the term ‘energy efficient’, it refers to the practice of using less energy whilst providing a similar output quantity from a specific service, device or product. These services include lighting, cooling or heating.

Therefore, energy-efficient windows can cool or warm your home without adding to the consumption of energy. If anything, they actually reduce your energy requirements and help keep your carbon footprint low. Other examples of energy-efficient products include light-emitting diodes or LED lights and kitchen appliances, heating equipment and air conditioners with the Energy Rating Label.

HOW MUCH ENERGY IS LOST THROUGH WINDOWS?

Now, you might be wondering how much energy is lost through conventional windows.

Around 30% (or more) of the heating energy inside a home is lost through its windows. During the cold seasons, about 76% of the sunlight that penetrates standard double-pane windows is converted into heat. To prevent energy loss and reduce your power bills, you can use window coverings or treatments, such as windows, blinds and drapes.

Beyond using window coverings, installing storm windows with low-E coatings and/or multi-layer glazing can improve window thermal performance significantly and reduce solar heat gain.

Significance of the U-Value of Glass

When it comes to assessing and measuring glass performance, the U-value of glass or its U-factor is considered the most important. The U-value measures glass insulating characteristics; that is, how much heat flow or heat loss takes place through the glass due to temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor air.

The U-value of window glass indicates how well an insulated glass unit (IGU) can retain heated or cooled air. U-values typically range from 0.1 — indicating very little heat loss — to 1.0 or high heat loss. The lower the glass U-value, the better its insulating performance.

WHAT ARE THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS?

Which windows are the most energy efficient? The most energy-efficient windows available today are those that combine a variety of energy-efficient features. This includes the window material, glass, spacers, and double glazing, as these can all affect how energy efficient a window could be. Of course, windows that successfully combine all these elements would be deemed the most energy efficient.

These include:

Aside from considering the type of energy-efficient windows you purchase, remember that the quality of the installation can also affect their energy efficiency. Poorly installed energy-efficient windows with gaps and cracks around them won’t function as they should.

BEST WINDOW COVERINGS AND TREATMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Aside from the windows themselves, you can improve the thermal performance of your home by considering the best window coverings for energy efficiency, including the following:

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR WINDOW ENERGY SAVINGS

Although the thermal efficiency and performance of windows are crucial to the overall energy efficiency rating of your home, other factors to consider include the position and design of the window and building.

Also, the type of glazing and glass material (e.g. thermally efficient glass), frame, design, window treatments or coverings you use can all impact the total performance of your windows.

Another important factor to remember is the quality of installation, as not even the most expensive energy-efficient windows will work when they are improperly installed. Therefore, it pays to work only with trusted window manufacturers and installers.

If you’re in the market for energy-efficient windows or would like to know your options, please get in touch with Sean Doyle Windows.

ACCREDITED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Established in 1979 Sean Doyle Windows Ltd is Ireland’s leading specialist manufacturer of quality windows and doors. One of the aspects which makes Sean Doyle Windows unique is the fact that we handcraft, design, manufacture and install all our own products from energy efficient windows to lift and slide patio doors to hardwood and composite doors.

Contact our Dublin or Roscommon showroom for a free quotation or to find out more.

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