Three Features That Will Make Your New Windows More Sustainable

In recent years, sustainability has become an important concept when it comes to homes. One of the key features of a home is energy efficiency and how well the features of a home reduce heat transfer from the inside of the home to the outside air and vice versa.

Effective insulation in the walls and ceilings plays a big role in minimizing heat transfer, yet the windows of a home are still routinely neglected. This is unfortunate because up to 30 percent of heating costs during winter is due to heat loss via under-performing windows. If you're thinking about replacing the windows of your home, here are three features that can help to make them more energy efficient and sustainable.

1. Double glazing

Traditional windows generally use a single pane of glass. Glass is an excellent conductor of heat, which means a single pane offers very little resistant to heat transfer. You can dramatically increase the insulation levels of your new windows by opting for double-glazed panels instead.

As the name suggests, double glazing uses two panes of glass instead of just one. Between the two panes is a tiny air pocket which makes a surprisingly effective layer of insulation. In areas that experience very cold winters, an inert gas can also be injected into the air pocket, making the windows even better at preventing heat transfer.

2. Low-e glass

Low-e glass is a relatively new product on the market that's proving to be a very popular choice in both residential and commercial applications. Low-e is short for low emissivity. This means that this type of glass provides a superior thermal barrier in comparison to regular glass.

Low-e glass is created by adding a coating of a chemical or metallic material to the surface of the glass during the manufacturing process. This means that heat, cold, and ultraviolet (UV) rays will be reflected off the glass instead of passing through it. Low-e glass works very well on its own but is most effective when used along with double glazing.

3. Insulated frames

The glazing isn't the only culprit for allowing heat loss or gain via a home's windows. The frames are also responsible for accommodating the heat transfer that makes many windows the biggest barrier in creating a truly sustainable home.

If you like a more natural look, hardwood timber window frames are a great choice. Timber is a poor conductor of heat, and its dense structure with tiny pockets of air makes it an excellent natural insulator. If you'd prefer metal frames because they require less maintenance, opt for frames that have an insulated core to make your windows far more energy efficient.

For more information, contact a residential window service.


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