Improving Home Energy Efficiency: How New Windows Help

Windows play an essential role in helping ensure a home is airtight and keeping the indoor climate comfortable no matter the weather. Inexpensive plastic or single-pane windows can increase energy bills and make any room uncomfortable during cold seasons. New windows help improve a home’s energy efficiency in every season. Although improving the efficiency of old or cheap windows is possible, it’s also wise to consider window replacement. Completely replacing your windows means you can take advantage of better technology and materials and significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Benefits of New Windows

When a homeowner decides to replace their existing windows with high-quality, energy-efficient alternatives, the benefits go beyond simply keeping things warm in the winter. New windows will be properly fitted and insulated, creating a truly airtight seal. A proper seal will prevent heat transfer between your home and the outdoors. Your home will be more efficiently heated and cooled, and the money you spend on energy will go much further. 

During particularly hot summer or cold winter days, you can count on your heating and cooling system to maintain a pleasant temperature inside without any air escaping through the windows. With new windows, your energy bills will decrease and your AC unit will likely last longer before needing repairs or replacement. Maintaining a consistent temperature inside will be easier no matter the weather, and you’ll stay comfortable throughout the year.

The technology in double- and triple-pane windows also helps reduce the energy needed to heat or cool your home by restricting heat transfer through the window itself. Many new windows also have spacers, accommodating temperature changes and preventing moisture from being trapped in the window frame. This not only makes them more energy-efficient but also makes them last longer. Finally, more panes mean more noise resistance, allowing you to enjoy only the sounds inside your home.

New windows will also likely come with coatings that protect the inside of your home from ultraviolet (UV) light. UV can damage or fade furniture (both leather and upholstery). These coatings do not change the amount of natural light that makes it through the window, so new windows will also likely boost your home’s overall lighting.

If your windows are hard to open or don’t lock properly, they probably aren’t efficient. Window replacement will help ensure that your windows keep your family safe with new locks. New windows are also easier to open, close and operate. Of course, new windows also allow you to shape your home’s aesthetic and get a look you’re truly happy with. Beyond the energy savings, it’s also a good idea to consider the other benefits of installing new windows.

Measuring Window Efficiency

There are three main measurements for assessing window efficiency: VT, SHGC and U-Value. VT, or Visible Transmission, measures how much light passes through the window. More efficient windows have more VT and reduce energy bills by ensuring your home has plenty of natural light during the day. Something in the neighborhood of 60-80% VT means you have an efficient window. 

SHGC stands for solar heat gain coefficient. This measures how much heat can pass through the glass. The number is listed between zero and one, and a lower SHGC means lower cooling bills in the summer. U-Value measures how well the window glass keeps heat in. Insulation also plays a major role in keeping heat from escaping in the winter, but a lower U-Value will reduce your heating bills significantly. With Missouri’s weather, SHGC and U-Value are essential when evaluating new home windows.

Look for an ENERGY STAR® rating when considering replacement windows. To get an ENERGY STAR rating, windows must have certain values associated with them and meet certain quality control standards.

New Window Features

New windows come in various shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any home. Different features to consider include:

• Double- or Triple-Pane: Additional panes mean additional insulation, reducing the transport of warm air outside during cool months and inside during hot summer days.
• Gas Fills: New windows with multiple panes are filled with gas (usually argon or krypton), improving insulation and efficiency. The better the gas fill, the more efficient the window.
• Low-E Coatings: These special coatings allow sunlight through while blocking excessive UV and infrared light from entering a room, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round without additional energy costs for air conditioning or heating systems. The coating also helps prevent your furniture from fading.
• Impact Resistance: Additional impact protection can provide advanced wind resistance and shatter control capabilities in extreme weather scenarios.
• Airtight Framing: New windows have special framing specifications that prevent heat transfer and improve insulation. Typical materials include fiberglass and vinyl, but foam can also be used to make sure windows are fully insulated.
• Spacers: Spacers ensure that the space between panes of glass is sealed properly. When gas fills can’t escape and moisture can’t penetrate the room, you can take full advantage of the energy efficiency gains from double or triple panes.

Installing Replacement Windows

The cost of new windows varies depending on the type and size of the window. The good news is that investing in energy-efficient windows can cut energy costs over time, eventually covering most of the expenses associated with their installation. However, even the highest-end windows will only perform optimally if installed properly. Carefully go through reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family and research potential companies before making your final decision.

If you’re in the Maryland Heights, MO, area, contact STL Windows Direct at (314) 627-0805 for a quote on window installation, including the Smart 365 Innovations line of windows. We offer six different types of windows, and STL Windows Direct windows are certified for energy efficiency so that your home will run as smoothly as possible. Our experts will make sure your new windows are exactly what you expect and that no important details (like insulation) are overlooked.