Windows in your home can open up your space, admitting light and cool breezes when you want them. But they can also represent holes in your Ohio home’s thermal envelope — the barrier between your indoor temperature and the outside heat or chill. Savvy homeowners already know that sealing air leaks and weatherstripping windows and doors can help save energy, but fewer have considered replacing the windows themselves with energy-efficient panes. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering window replacement in your home.
Consider Design
Windows in your home perform differently based on the direction they face, the floor they’re on, and the landscaping of your home. Windows with a lot of sun exposure may present challenges in the form of passive heat gain — especially during the summer. However, this heat gain may be desirable during the winter.
Energy-efficient windows come in a variety of design, but you will want to check to make sure that the specific windows you select are available in the size and style you want in your home.
Learn About the Window Composition
There are a variety of ways to make a window energy-efficient. Here are some different styles you may encounter:
- Double- or triple-paned windows have more than one pane of glass, separated by air or an inert gas which provides insulation. These windows slow heat transfer between your indoor living spaces and the outdoor world.
- Glazed windows are treated with a surface coating which adds insulation without the bulk of additional panes.
- Tinted windows reduce solar heat gain by absorbing or reflecting some of the incoming light from the sun.
Hire Certified Installers
The best insulated windows won’t help you if the installation is inadequate. Improperly-installed windows can allow drafts and air currents, as well as allowing humidity to infiltrate sill and frame spaces. Seek references for your window installers, and make sure they’re licensed and insured.
To learn more about energy-efficient windows in your Lorain-area home, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy-efficient windows and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area