Saying Yes to Energy Efficient Windows

The new window technologies that are available today have many advantages over the old ones. Not only do they offer comfort but they also offer practical options for homeowners and increased energy benefits. Choosing energy efficient windows is also a way to cut down on costs around your home which is something that everyone is looking to do these days. 

If you are thinking about buying and installing energy efficient windows in your home then you need to be aware of the fact that not all windows are exactly the same. The types of windows that are appropriate for someone residing in a cold climate are not the same as what someone living in a warmer climate would require because of the weather conditions. While windows are basically the same there are different things that can be done to them to improve their level of energy efficiency. 

What you may not be aware of is the fact that windows account for as much as a quarter of your monthly heating expenses (and/or your cooling expenses). This is because of the air that seeps in and out of the windows. For this reason one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly energy bill is to take out your old energy eater windows and put in new energy efficient windows.

Windows that are energy efficient lend themselves to lower costs throughout all 12 months of the year. These windows permit less sunlight from seeping through. In turn what this does is it means that your air conditioner expends less energy because it does not have to work as hard. When you put up blinds or curtains this blocks even more sunlight from filtering in thereby keeping your home as cool as can be. 

The majority of homes throughout the United States have windows that are single-paned as opposed to double-paned. The latter ones do tend to be more effective when it comes to energy efficiency. There are some windows that are made up of high-performance glass. If you are not familiar with this type of glass then it helps to know that it is spectrally selective which makes it more energy efficient. People who live in colder climates are coming to see the advantages of energy efficient windows in the same way that those who live in warmer climates are. If you live somewhere cold then you want to choose windows that have low emissivity coatings on the glass. These coatings help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost. 

If at present purchasing new windows is not a possibility for you then there are ways for you to make the windows you already have more energy efficient and to keep as warm as possible in your home during the cold winter months. Install windows shades on your current windows and make sure they offer a tight fit and that they are well insulated. Place the shades on the windows that tend to be the draftiest. 

Once the evening rolls around close all of your blinds, curtains and shades. Then when it is morning enjoy the natural light and heat by opening them all up again. This will help warm your house during the daytime hours.