You hear everyone these days talking about energy-efficient windows, energy-saving appliances, smart thermostats, and more. Homeowners are doing everything they can to save money and lower energy costs in the long-term, even if it means making a smart investment now. But what goes into an energy-efficient window and how much can you really save? Here’s everything you need to know and then some.
What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
To put it simply, energy-efficient windows are designed to keep your heated or cooled air inside, and outside air out. Better insulation, longer-lasting glass, improved soundproofing, enhanced comfort, and lower utility bills can all result from installing new replacement windows.
Think your windows are already energy efficient? Think again. Clarity does thermal testing on-site to see just how efficient your windows are. Based on these results, we can suggest replacement windows that will actually make a difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Save?
Replacement windows don’t just save energy. When you factor in increased curb appeal, improved insulation quality, tax credits, and more, you could regain up to 60% to 90% of your total investment. If you go with windows with the Energy Star label, you could save as much as $500 a year on your energy bills. Because the Del Mar Series by Anlin regularly beat Energy Star requirements, you could save even more each year by going with Clarity Windows and Doors.
Installation Matters
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth mentioning again. You could have the most energy-efficient windows ever made, but it won’t matter if it’s not properly installed. We make sure that on every window replacement we do, your windows are custom fitted to your frame and have zero leaks or drafts. At Clarity, we’re not just window experts, we’re also installation experts.
Heat gain and heat loss already account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Let us help you minimize that as much as possible. You only need to do this once or twice in your home’s lifetime, so make sure it gets done right.
Are Frames Energy Efficient?
Most homeowners think that energy efficiency only covers the glass. The short answer is that the frame is another important factor to saving energy and money. So, which one gives you the most bang for your buck? We’ve written up a comprehensive cost guide here to help you make your decision, and we’ve also included a few tips to give you an idea of each one’s strengths.
- Vinyl is the most common and pretty affordable. It’s insulated well and doesn’t have the same issues of rot or corrosion that wood might have.
- Wood offers some of the best insulation quality with natural beauty. Perfect in summer or winter, the only thing you need to worry about with wood windows is maintenance.
- Fiberglass combines the convenience of vinyl and the natural look of wood. It has the best of both worlds, so if you have some room in your budget, these may be perfect for your home.
- Aluminum is convenient, durable, affordable, lightweight, and has a slim profile. If this sounds good to you, look no further. What you may have to pay for in slightly higher electricity bills compared to other frames, they’ll make up for with virtually no maintenance requirements.
- Composite combines vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum for superior durability and weather resistance. Similar to wood, composite frames can be painted to match your home. Around the same price range as fiberglass frames, composite still has the same energy-efficient properties.
What’s Inside the Window?
It’s not just empty space between our dual-pane windows. We maximize your energy savings by insulating your thermal windows with safe, non-toxic argon gas. It’s much more effective than just air, which can condensate on the inside of the window and make it appear cloudy. Air also has lower insulation properties, which is a problem in every season. So, why do energy-efficient windows use argon gas? Here are just a few benefits of insulating replacement windows.
The Benefits of Insulating Windows with Argon Gas
- Improves your window’s thermal performance
- Enhances soundproofing
- Minimizes heat transfer
- Non-toxic
- Effective in all climates, including whatever season Texas decides it is that day
- Works with low-E coatings for best window performance
- Long lifespan for long-term savings; lasts as long as your windows do
Designed for Maximum Efficiency
With the Del Mar series from Anlin, our windows beat Energy Star requirements. And the best part is these windows are designed for Texas. Milder winters, searing summers, these windows are prepared. And if you have a particular style you’re going for, Del Mar has nearly unlimited customizable options. From specific grid patterns to 15 of the most popular designer colors that include tan, adobe, white, and black, Del Mar is designed to bring out the best in your home.
At Clarity, we have countless windows set up so you can visualize how the windows will look in your own home. For a no-pressure conversation and all-informative chat with a windows expert, give us a call at (972) 393-3991.