Energy-efficient windows Houston TX prevent heated and cooled air from escaping your home, so HVAC systems don’t have to work so hard. They also reduce your electricity bills and help the environment.
There are many factors that go into a window’s ENERGY STAR rating. Two of the most important are its U-Factor and SHGC.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
Good windows keep conditioned air in and hot, humid outdoor air out, which can help you avoid overheating in the summer and freezing indoor temperatures in the winter. To do this, they must be insulated and have protective coatings that prevent heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments. You can learn more about the insulation value of a window by looking at its NFRC label, which reflects several values including U-factor and SHGC.
Depending on where your home is located, you may need to choose windows with different SHGC and U-factor ratings. Energy Star windows have U-factors and SHGC values that fall below specified levels. NFRC U-factor and SHGC values reflect the entire performance of a window, door, or skylight, which includes frame and spacer material as well as glazing.
Lower SHGC and U-factor ratings reduce thermal transference, which can significantly help you save on your energy bills. They also reduce the load on your HVAC system, which can extend its lifespan and require fewer repairs.
U-Factor
U-factor refers to the rate of loss of non-solar heat through windows. It plays a critical role in energy efficiency. The higher the U-factor, the less efficient the window.
The temperature difference between a building’s interior and exterior creates this non-solar heat flow. The result is that windows lose heat to the outside in winter and gain heat from the inside in summer, causing homeowners to crank up the AC and contribute to higher energy bills. U-factor ratings help in forming standardized comparisons and objective evaluations of windows’ energy efficiency levels.
A low U-factor helps to hold the heat inside your home during colder months, thus lowering your heating costs. However, it’s important to note that a lower U-factor doesn’t necessarily equate to a better window. Other factors, such as the type of frame and insulation, play a vital role in determining a window’s overall performance. The best Houston energy-efficient windows will be constructed of multiple panes and insulated with a high level of gasses such as Argon and Krypton to ensure optimal performance.
Energy Star Rating
The Energy Star label is a universally recognized symbol of energy efficiency. It’s a way for you to identify windows that have been independently tested and certified to meet strict guidelines by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Window ratings consider a variety of factors, including framing materials, glass type, spacers, and more.
Energy-efficient windows eliminate hot and cold spots in a home, and they prevent energy from being lost through them. They also help to keep your interior at a comfortable, consistent temperature throughout the year, which means less strain on your HVAC system.
Milgard offers a variety of energy-efficient window options that are designed to combat the harsh Texas climate. For instance, the SolarZone insulated glass package uses UV-filtering Low-E glass and an Intercept warm-edge spacer to reduce heat transfer. These features make it easier to maintain a stable indoor temperature and protect fabrics, furniture, paintings, and other valuables from harmful UV rays that can fade them over time.
Glass
When it comes to energy efficiency, the glass in your windows plays a major role. Energy-efficient windows are designed and built to prevent heated or air-conditioned air from escaping your home, which reduces your energy consumption and utility bills.
High-efficiency window options like Low-E glass and multiple panes allow natural light to enter your home without letting hot or cold air escape. They also block out harmful UV rays, which can fade carpets, curtains and furniture.
Energy-efficient windows also provide more soundproofing than traditional windows, which can help you relax at home and reduce outside noise pollution. To learn more about energy efficient window options, contact a local contractor with experience installing replacement windows. An experienced provider will have a thorough understanding of the climate in Houston and your specific window installation needs. You can also get a free cost estimate on energy-efficient replacement windows by filling out our online form. We will contact you shortly to schedule a free consultation at your home.