Energy efficient glass can save homeowners money by replacing their single-pane windows. Your home’s windows make up just 10% of its surface area but account for 25% to 30% of heat loss. Winter months see this number climb to 45%.
Why Traditional Glass Falls Short
Traditional windows steal energy from your home. Standard glass turns up to 76% of sunlight into heat during summer. This creates hot spots throughout your living spaces. These conventional windows waste your home’s heating energy. Your money literally escapes through these windows.
The issues go beyond energy waste. Traditional glass lets much UV radiation pass through. This hidden danger not only harms your skin indoors but also ruins your home’s interior. Your furniture fades, hardwood floors lose shine, and artwork degrades. Time takes its toll on home investments without proper UV protection.
Single-pane windows provide almost no insulation. Your HVAC system works harder as outside temperatures change. Some rooms become too hot in summer or too cold in winter. These windows also let unwanted noise disturb your peace and quiet.
How Energy-Efficient Glass Works
Energy efficient glass combines advanced technologies that work together to create a thermal barrier between your home and the outside world. Modern energy-efficient glass windows use insulated glass units (IGUs) instead of conventional windows. These windows have two or three panes with sealed spaces between them. This layered design changes how heat moves through your windows.
The technology’s main part is the Low-E (low-emissivity) coating, an ultra-thin, see-through metallic layer on the glass surface. This coating reflects heat but lets visible light pass through. Your home’s energy loss drops. The coating also stops harmful UV rays from damaging your furniture and floors.
Manufacturers fill the space between glass panes with inert gasses like argon or krypton. These gasses are heavier than air and move more slowly – argon is six times denser than air, and krypton is twelve times denser. This slows down heat transfer through the window system.
Spacer technology completes the design. New “warm edge” spacers made from foam replace traditional metal ones. These spacers keep the glass panes properly separated and reduce heat conductivity. Your window’s interior glass surface stays warmer, which helps prevent condensation.
Rewards of Energy-Efficient Glass
Energy efficient glass windows offer real rewards for homeowners. The biggest advantage comes from financial savings. Homeowners can save hundreds of dollars each year on heating and cooling costs.
These windows make your home more comfortable to live. You won’t need to avoid sitting near windows during cold weather anymore. The temperature stays pleasant throughout the year, and you won’t find cold spots in winter or hot in summer.
Your furniture gets better protection. Energy efficient glass comes with special coatings that block ultraviolet rays. These rays can fade your furniture, flooring, and artwork. Your interior investments last longer as a result. The environmental benefits are remarkable. Studies show these windows have saved 774 Gigawatt hours of energy over 30 years. This equals taking 118 million passenger cars off the road. Your home’s value goes up too. Houses with high energy efficiency ratings sell for 2.7% more than others. Homeowners typically get back 78% of their window replacement costs when they sell.
Do You Need Energy Efficient Glass?
Energy-efficient glass is a smart investment in your home’s future. The benefits go way beyond immediate financial savings. You can save hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills, but these windows offer much more than traditional alternatives. Six Flags Glass knows just how to upgrade your home windows! Reach out to us to get energy-efficient glass for your home!
Energy Efficient Glass FAQs
How much can I save on energy bills with energy-efficient glass windows?
Energy-efficient glass windows can save you up to $465 annually when replacing single-pane windows. On average, ENERGY STAR certified windows can lower household energy bills by up to 13% nationwide.
What are the main components of energy-efficient glass?
Energy-efficient glass typically consists of multiple panes (double or triple), Low-E coatings, inert gas fills (like argon or krypton), and advanced spacer technology. These components work together to improve insulation and reduce heat transfer.
How do energy efficient windows protect my furniture and interiors?
Energy-efficient glass windows can block up to 75% of harmful ultraviolet rays that cause fading and damage to furniture, flooring, and artwork. This helps preserve your interior investments and extends their lifespan.
Do energy-efficient windows increase home value?
Yes, homes with high energy efficiency ratings tend to sell for about 2.7% more than less efficient ones. Homeowners typically recoup around 78% of window replacement costs at resale, making it a valuable investment.
Besides energy savings, what other benefits do energy efficient windows offer?
Energy-efficient windows provide improved year-round comfort by eliminating cold spots in winter and hot zones in summer. They also offer better sound insulation, creating a quieter home environment, and contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.