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Understanding the Basics of Energy Efficient Windows

Here in the Minneapolis area with our cold winters and warm summers, having windows that are energy efficient is extremely important.

But before you run out to the big-box store to pick up some energy efficient windows to put in your home, it’s worth sitting down and taking a bit of time to make sure that you really understand how they work, and what all those different features mean. After all, how are you going to buy the best windows when the salesman is throwing around terms like Low-E, argon-filled or triple paned construction, when you don’t know what those terms mean or if they are good or not.

Instead of just listening to the salesman and buying what he recommends, it makes sense to learn about windows so that you can decide what is going to be best for your home specifically.

Window Glazing 

The glazing of a window is actually the number of glass panes that are put together to build the window. Typically windows with a triple or even quadruple pane configuration are the most energy efficient. The number of glass panels does not directly affect energy efficiency, but the space in between each of those layers adds to efficiency. It’s important to get windows with multiple panes of glass that are spaced out just enough.

At the very minimum, choose double pane.  If you have any older or historic home and you haven’t replaced the windows, they are most likely single pane, which has poor energy conservation.

Low-E Coating

The low-e coating that’s applied to some windows is essentially a thin metallic reflector that allows windows to reflect away heat from the sun instead of allowing it into your home. This is particularly useful in warm climates where letting heat in from sunlight is normally a bad thing.  It’s also a good option for windows on the south facing side of your home if they are in rooms that get a lot of daytime use.

Gas Filling

Most quality windows are filled with an inert gas in between the glass panes, although some are still manufactured with only air between the panes.  Gas helps enhance the overall insulation level of the window so that heat or cool air can’t make it through the window easily. Gases like argon or krypton are usually used.

Spacers

Spacers are little bits of material that are necessary to keep the sheets of glass separated from one another. The right spacers make windows more energy efficient overall. Choosing windows with quality spacers ensures that the glass remains in place and that it is more efficient at keeping hot or cold air where it belongs.

The Frame Material

Finally you have to consider the actual frame material that the windows are composed of. Windows with wooden or fiberglass frames tend to be more efficient than windows with aluminum or vinyl frames. Look for a quality frame that is going to be strong and energy efficient at the same time.

Here are some of the best windows that you can choose from us for energy efficiency.

There is a lot that goes into making an energy efficient window, and it’s important to understand all these different factors that you have to consider before making a purchase. Call us today, so we can knock down that energy bill.  And we’ll be glad to answer any questions you have about the windows we install.  We offer a variety of styles and materials from a number of replacement window manufacturers, and we can help you choose.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minneapolis area home remodeling contractor specializing in replacement windows and doors.  

 

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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