The Basics about Energy Efficient Windows

An energy efficient window is basically a window that helps in minimizing the use of artificial cooling or heating for buildings. Technological progress in the building sector over the years has made it possible for windows to be manufactured and installed with sufficient insulation properties that keep away cold and heat from the outdoors.  In essence the ideal situation would be to have a window that keeps away cold during the winter months and keep out excessive heat during summer.

So what exactly makes the windows efficient? Well, windows are made up of plenty of components such as frames, glass and other hardware that come together to offer a high level of performance.  The protection from heat loss and heat gain in buildings involves that use of some of the following:

• Low-e glass

Low-e is short for Low Emissivity glass which has a special see-through coating that minimizes on the amount of heat that goes through it. Although low-e helps in reducing heat transfer it does not reduce the amount of convective and conductive heat flow.

• Double glazing

This is an ideal solution for reducing all forms of heat transfer.  It is even more effective when combined with Low-e coating.

• Window framing

In order to complement a glazing system, a frame should have a low U-Value which is the prevention of non-solar heat gain or heat loss. uPVC, composite aluminium or timber frames are more suitable than standard aluminum in terms of energy efficiency.

• Proper weather seals

Cool air and heat flows in or out of a house through cracks or gaps in the frames or sashes.  Windows that have good compression seals will guarantee sufficient energy efficiency.