Austin Hepburn Installs Windows and Doors

Energy Efficient Products

Three areas where good quality energy efficient windows and doors will out perform older or lower quality products are the following:

Glass

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a glass coating that improves the energy efficiency of your windows and patio doors. In the winter, Low-E glass reflects heat back into the room, keeping it warmer. In the summer, it reflects heat away from your home, keeping it cooler. Additionally, this glass blocks most of the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping to prevent your carpet, furniture and window treatments from fading.

Air Infiltration

Air infiltration in windows and doors is more commonly referred to as leaks and drafts. This happens in areas with gaps, such as between window sashes or between the window frame and the wall. It can happen because of improper installation, poor manufacturing or as a home settles naturally over the years. To help prevent infiltration, proper installation and insulation are key.

Conduction

Conduction is the transmission of heat or cold through a material. In windows and patio doors, conduction occurs when there is a temperature difference on each side of the glass. In the summer, conduction occurs when warm air tries to get into the cool home. In the winter, conduction occurs when cold air leaks into the warm home. Multiple panes of glass and insulating gas, like argon, can help slow the effects of conduction.
How can homeowners determine which windows and doors are energy efficient?
Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol!
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  1. Save money — and more.
    Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights lowers energy bills and saves you money. With more efficient windows, you also use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and homes.
  2. Get Comfortable
    Put an end to cold drafts and overheated spaces. ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights keep your home’s temperature consistently comfortable. Even your loveseat right by the window can be cozy with ENERGY STAR.
  3. Protect Your Valuables
    Low-emissivity coatings on many ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights reduces UV sun damage to floors, carpets, and furniture.
  4. Certified Performance
    All ENERGY STAR windows, doors, and skylights are certified and verified to perform as labeled.

Save Money — and More. Choose ENERGY STAR Certified Products.

Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights can shrink energy bills — and carbon footprints — by an average of 12 percent nationwide, compared to non-certified products.

Properly installed ENERGY STAR Certified Products create a more energy efficient home. Proper installation makes all the difference. Windows and doors should be plumb, level and square. A good installation covers options for moisture to escape should it accumulate around a window or door. Proper installation techniques include the use of non-expanding foam insulation. Foam does dot hold moisture like fiberglass insulation can, so it is considered a superior material in window and door installation. Pella Certified Contractors are well versed in the Energy Star program and how to install Energy Star Certified windows and doors.
 
Make sure your contractor is Certified and your windows and doors are Certified Energy Star.