When it comes to changing appearance and converting the living place into a sleeker and comfortable area, windows tend to be one of the important features. The only thing to keep in mind that it’s not just about beauty and looks, homeowners should also have to pay attention on view, ventilation, warmth and brightness. Even, their installation is a crucial stage that depends upon the efficiency and expertise for the contractor. Although experienced service providers charge a bit high money, their services are of high quality that promise satisfactory outcomes. Poorly installed windows are actually the biggest source of heat loss that accounts for increase in utility bills by up to 25 percent. Even, in summers, air conditioning efforts would be higher than usual.
To be precise, homeowners should go for energy efficient windows to have optimal comfort and usability of the living space. The best thing is that these windows can offer satisfactory services for a significant time period, meaning that homeowners can have peace of mind and satisfaction. Also, the energy savings leads to better thermal performance and reduced air leakage. The window replacement cost is also a bit high as compared to traditional. What else is expected from energy efficient windows? Here are a few aspects:
Reduced Airflow
Unregulated airflow is responsible for creating uncomfortable draughts and energy loss through the windows. Direct Pro suggests to install energy efficient windows as they have compression seals for minimal uncontrolled airflow, maximum ventilation and superior resistance.
Reduced Energy Loss
There are a few ways to determine energy conservation ability of the windows among which, U-value tends to be a useful one. Homeowners should go for windows that have lower U-value leading to lesser heat loss. Experiments have proved that the cost of energy loss is quite higher than the price and window replacement cost of the components. U-value actually discusses the following factors:
- Type of glazing material: Nowadays, glazing technology is useful to control energy transfer through the windows. Low-E glass contains special surface coatings that resist up to 70 percent of the sunrays transmitting through the glass.
- Number of glazing layers: The traditional way to increase energy efficiency is adding layers that ensure resistance against the heat. Direct Pro recommends to add double or triple glazed windows having gas or air filled between the panes to maximize insulation and cut down energy consumption cost.
- Cavity size between the layers: Wider cavities have greater U-value leading to significant heat transfer.
- Type of gas in the cavity: These windows have inert gases (argon or krypton) between the panes to resistant heat transfer, compared to the air.
Trace Cold and Hot Areas in the Room
Energy efficient windows are capable to resist outside elements and eliminate hot and cold areas in the rooms. They can block cold air drafts from getting inside, thus keeping the interior warm and comfortable to live in. During summer, the components can reflect sunrays and maintain pleasant and cool environment inside.
Tax Credits
Most of the people are unaware of the considerable tax credits from municipalities by adding energy efficient windows. Like, homeowners can have maximum $40/unit grant by the Canadian government for having new windows. The current tax credit programs let people not to wait as they can file annual income tax return to receive home renovation tax credit.
