How Energy Efficient Windows Work

And Why You Should Choose Them for Your Home

Replacing the old or deteriorating windows in your home can be a real pain. The process is messy, time-consuming, and expensive. So, it’s understandable why it would be tempting to choose a less expensive replacement window option to keep costs down instead of choosing energy efficient windows, which can cost up to 15% more. However, selecting high-quality, energy-efficient windows can have substantial benefits compared to choosing a less expensive equivalent, especially in the long run.

So, what actually is an energy efficient window, and how do they work? The truth is, energy efficient windows aren’t that different from any other type of window — they look and function the same. The biggest differences lie in their construction and performance. Let’s take a look at a few of the features that make green windows work.

Gas Fills
Makers of energy efficient windows use gasses, such as krypton or argon, which they carefully inject between the glass panes to act as a barrier between your home and outside elements. These gasses improve thermal performance substantially and are also clear, odorless, and non-toxic. Anlin’s Del Mar series utilizes argon gas in their Infinit-e Plus insulated glass system; argon gas is six times denser than air, and thus provides a superior thermal barrier to keep your home’s temperature regulated. Anlin also uses a flood fill system to fill the argon into the insulated glass unit, which is far superior to traditional gas fill systems.

Glass Coatings
Low-emissivity glass coatings (also known as low-E) reflect the sun’s rays away from your home, keeping a fair amount of heat from getting inside your windows and affecting the temperature of your home. Glass treated with low-E coatings absorbs less than 35% of the sun’s heat rays, while standard glass absorbs about 84%. This can greatly affect your electricity bills. These coatings are also completely transparent and do not obstruct your view or keep natural sunlight from entering your home. Anlin utilizes cutting-edge QuadraTherm insulated glass, a multi-layer solar reflective coating that provides the ultimate defense from conditioned air escape. It’s so efficient it outperforms some triple-panes, but without the disadvantages of triple-panes.

Frames
The type of frame a window has can play a substantial role in the window’s performance. Non-metal frames tend to have improved thermal performance compared to metal models. Anlin’s Del Mar frames and sashes have been optimized for energy efficiency and strength. Innergy® Rigid Thermal Reinforcements are ultra-strong fiberglass thermal inserts that provide superior thermal insulation and strength inside key components of the sash, while Comfort Core™ green foam fills strategic chambers in the window frames to deliver the ultimate in energy efficiency. That means you’ll use less energy and spend less to heat and cool your home.

Now that you know some of the key components that make energy efficient windows work, let’s take a look at a few of the benefits green windows provide.

Better Insulation
When you think green, you normally think environmentally friendly, but you don’t always think of superior functionality. You might be surprised at just how effective energy efficient windows are at protecting your home from outside elements.

Better for the Environment
As the name implies, energy efficient windows allow you to condition the air in your home with the limited use of air conditioning units. The result is lower energy usage, which means that your home requires less power generated by fossil-fuel sources, making your home more eco-friendly.

Lower Energy Costs
Installing energy efficient windows can make a huge difference in your home and your wallet. During the summer and winter months, windows with poor insulation can result in higher energy bills due to conditioned air loss. Energy efficient windows reduce air leakage and minimize condensation, leading to significant financial savings on your monthly heating and air conditioning costs and increased comfort in your home.

Protection for Your Belongings
A lot of people don’t realize that over time, the sun can damage the rugs, wood, fabric, and furniture in your home. Since energy efficient windows come with glass coatings that block out the sun’s ultraviolet rays, they protect the items in your home from sun damage.

Noise Reduction
An additional benefit of highly insulative energy efficient windows is their superior soundproofing ability. Because they are designed to seal out exterior conditions, green windows also do a spectacular job at reducing noise passage. This is exceptionally beneficial to those who live in cities or suburban neighborhoods.

While energy-efficient windows might cost a little bit more than traditional window options, it’s easy to see why they’re worth it. At Clarity, we’re proud to carry Anlin’s Del Mar window series. We believe them to be the highest quality on the market in terms of style, energy efficiency, and beauty. To learn more about Anlin’s Del Mar series, download the brochure here or call us today!