Why Do You Need Energy-Efficient Windows for Your Home?

Thanks to advances in window technology, homeowners can save money on their monthly bills by replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones. These exceptional products can also boost your home’s energy efficiency and keep living spaces comfortable regardless of the outdoor temperatures.

Read on as window installation company STL Windows Direct explains why energy-efficient windows are your best bet.

The Elements That Make Windows Energy-Efficient

There are many different framing window materials, including aluminum and vinyl. In addition to affecting curb appeal and maintenance, each framing material can affect how it retains energy. Vinyl, for instance, offers more insulation abilities than wood. Another element that affects the window’s energy efficiency is the type of glass. Since windows can lose energy through the glass, they can be engineered to prevent heat transfer. 

While a single pane of glass will not offer much insulation, multiple panes can block heat transfer. As such, you should consider choosing double- or triple-pane windows that will give you more energy efficiency. Between the panes of glass, there is typically an odorless, colorless special gas. These gas fills are designed to provide better insulating performance than regular air. Argon gas, which is denser than air, is usually used in these spaces to add a layer of insulation against the elements. 

To maximize the efficiency of the window, energy-efficient windows also need a Low-E coating, a thin metallic coating that goes on the glass, to reflect infrared light and ultraviolet light. In the winter, this coating helps keep heat from escaping your home, while keeping the outside heat from getting into your home during the summer. At STL Windows Direct, rest assured that our Direct windows can provide you with all the protection you need no matter the time of year. 

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

If you’re not yet convinced about the wonders of high-performance windows, continue reading as we compiled a list of benefits you will enjoy once you install energy-efficient windows for your home. 

Help Save Energy Costs

Energy-efficient windows are manufactured to control the temperature inside your home, so you can stay warm and cool, regardless of the weather outside. These windows have insulating properties to keep your home environment comfortable during winter or summer. 

Additionally, energy-efficient windows can help you reduce your reliance on heating or air conditioning systems, helping you save 9 to 18 percent on your heating and cooling costs every year. This also reduces your carbon footprint since lower energy consumption means you are burning less fuel. 

Reduce Condensation in Your Home

One of the biggest enemies of your window is condensation. This is a common issue in rooms with higher moisture levels such as the kitchens and bathrooms. The moisture vaporizes in the air before condensing on cold windows, resulting in streaks or puddles of water. In the worst-case scenario, it can also cause mold and mildew growth, which can damage your properties and risk your health. 

By investing in an energy-efficient window replacement, you reduce the amount of condensation in your home by maintaining the surface temperature above the threshold that attracts moisture from the air. However, humidity is still unavoidable, which means you should still use fans or dehumidifiers to control humidity levels. 

Improve Indoor Comfort Levels

Your home is your safe haven, and it needs to be comfortable. Conventional windows, especially older ones, are prone to heat loss, drafts, and air leakage. For this reason, your heating and cooling system needs to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Not only that, but they may also end up easily damaged in the long run. 

If you think your current windows are affecting your comfort, schedule a window replacement right away. New energy-efficient windows keep your home more comfortable all day and night as they allow the temperature in your home to be better regulated.

Increase Natural Light and UV Protection

Thanks to the glazing of high-performance windows, you can get oversized picture windows without letting too much heat enter during the summer or escape during the winter. By increasing the natural light in your home, you use less artificial lighting, which helps you save on electricity costs. You can also reduce your home’s cooling needs during the summer. Take note that conventional lightbulbs only use 15 percent of their energy to light your home while the rest is wasted on heat. 

Although you increase your natural light, windows with Low-E coating can keep ultraviolet rays out. It even reduces transmission by 50 to 75 percent. Thus, getting energy-efficient windows for your window installation project can prevent the floors and furniture inside your home from fading. 

Offer Noise Protection

Do you live near a busy road? It can be frustrating to hear constant traffic noise. If you want to drown out the noise and enjoy a peaceful environment in the comfort of your home, you should think of installing high-performance windows. Many homeowners are unaware that these windows possess soundproofing capacities. 

This is because energy-efficient windows are made with inert gas to minimize sound transmission from outside to inside. To improve sound absorption more, choose triple- instead of double-paned windows. 

Increase Resale Value

It’s always a smart idea to replace your windows before you sell your home. In fact, upgrading your old, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones is considered one of the top five home improvement projects with the highest profits. Remember, changing your old windows to new vinyl or wooden windows can give you a return on investment of up to 95 percent. Replacing your windows can also make it easier and quicker to sell your home. 

Should you decide to stay in your home for many years to come, however, rest assured that the cost of new energy-efficient windows is still worth it. These windows are long-lasting and come with a premium warranty that will be recovered in due time. Plus, there are also energy savings and low costs of maintenance and repairs. 

For more inquiries about energy-efficient Direct windows, turn to the pros at STL Windows Direct. We take pride in installing Smart 365 Innovations windows, which have been designated as one of ENERGY STAR®’s Most Efficient Certified Products. When you make this investment, you can be sure to achieve optimal energy efficiency for your home – without the compromises. Call us today at (314) 690-5800, or fill out our online contact form to request an estimate.