new efficient windows

Qualified windows can save you energy and money, and increase your home comfort. Low-priced windows are a bad choice. Qualified windows provide savings, last long, and cost less in the long term.

Old conventional windows lose large amounts of heat to the outside during the heating season and gain too unwanted heat during the cooling season. According to US DOE EERE over 25% of the heating and cooling energy bills in a typical home are due to inefficient windows.

A window is a whole

The glass is particularly important in terms of the energy-efficiency of windows, but the frame and sashes and the materials they are made from are also important. The hollow sections of the frame and sash should be filled with foam insulation to increase the energy efficiency of the window.

And pay also attention to details like argon gas filling, warm edge spaces (to reduce thermal bridging at the edges of the window), or thermal breaks, in the case of highly conductive materials like aluminum frames.

See: Window Frames and Sashes

Improving or replacing your windows?

Replacing the existing windows isn't always economically advantageous. The replacing involves a large investment and a long payback... You may prefer to improve the energy efficiency of your windows using...

1) storm windows;
2) weather-stripping and caulking;
3) coverings and exterior or interior shading devices such as awnings, screens, blinds, sunscreens, shades, drapes...
5) window films (for cooling purposes).

See, for details: Windows Costs and Payback

The type of window glass and the Heating and cooling bills

Windows are responsible for large heat losses in cold and temperate climates. But unwanted solar heat gains through windows is also a common problem during summer and hot days, specially in hot climates, causing high air conditioning bills. To avoid those problems, choose adequate window glasses.

For more information, see: Window glasses and panes

Window films

Window films are a fast and cheap solution in home cooling strategies.

See, for details: Window films

Manufacturers and installers

Choose a good installer: the best window doesn't worth much without a good installation. And choose a good manufacturer: it's a first good step to get a good window.

See: Window installers and manufacturers

Windows designs and types

Windows energy-efficiency depends also on their design and type (casement windows are particularly energy-efficient).

See: Window designs and types

Window energy rating

Pay attention to windows energy rating labels: they provide basic and crucial information to compare the efficiency of different windows.

For more information, see: Selecting windows and Window energy rating

Windows and climate

Different climates demand different windows, with different types of glass. Pay attention to that when shopping qualified windows, skylights or patio doors.

For more information, see: Windows, Skylights, Glazed doors & Climate