Did you know that your windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency? Learn more about energy-efficient windows in this three-part blog series.

3. PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY
There are many ways you can bump up energy efficiency in your
home but your windows are one of the most crucial elements you can
focus on. This is because between 10 and 25% of heating and cooling
requirements in an average American home are affected by heat lost
and gained through windows, which translates to a loss of $35 billion
every year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
When you opt for an energy-efficient window, you can save anywhere
between 7 and 15% of energy that you would have otherwise lost,
according to ENERGY STAR, translating to savings as well on your energy
bill. How does an energy-efficient window do this? It’s all thanks to the
sum of its parts.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient
Consider the following:
GLASS – The type of glass used can greatly affect a window’s energy
efficiency. Insulated glass, for instance, features spacers that create a
moisture and thermal seal for enhancing thermal performance, keeping
the level of heat that passes through a window down. Low-emissivity
glass, or low-E glass, on the other hand, is fitted with a thin, transparent
layer of tin oxide or silver that lets a window reduce solar heat gain
without affecting visible transmittance. Double-glazed windows are
also more energy-efficient than their single-glazed counterparts.

4. PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FRAME – Like glass, frame materials can affect the level of energy
efficiency a window has. Wood, for instance, remains a popular option
because it provides good insulation while offering great aesthetic.
However, it requires serious upkeep to keep performing well. Vinyl is
more affordable and easier to maintain than wood but offers decent
insulation that’s why it became a favorite as an alternative to wooden
frames, Composite, on the other hand, combines the appearance and
performance of wood with the ease of maintenance afforded by vinyl,
which is why it is steadily gaining popularity as a replacement window
option.
Understanding Energy-Efficiency Labels
By default, getting an ENERGY STAR label means a window is energy-
efficient because it has met standards set by the Environmental
Protection Agency. Windows will still differ in just how energy-efficient
they are, however, depending on the rating on its label, but generally
the higher a rating is, the more energy-efficient a window will be.

5. PART 1: THE BASICS OF WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY STAR labels can stand alone as a measure of window
performance but they are typically included alongside the National
Fenestration Rating Council’s own label, which outlines more specific
performance ratings, like:
U-FACTOR
– Measures how well a window keeps indoor heat in.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)
– Gauges how much solar heat a window lets in.
AIR LEAKAGE
– Determines the amount of air that a window lets through.
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE
– Lists the level of natural light that a window lets in.
Now that you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to debunking
commonmythsandmisconceptionsaboutwindowenergyefficiency.Head
on over to Part 2 to learn more!

7. PART 2: COMMON WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
While it’s hard to argue that energy efficiency will benefit you, it cannot
be denied that a lot of people are not clear on what energy efficiency is
tobeginwithandhowwindowsarerelatedtoit.Manymaketheeffortto
do their research but with the sheer volume of information you find on
the internet, it’s not difficult to get overwhelmed, or worse, encounter
wrong information. To understand window energy efficiency then, it’s
important to cut through myths and misconceptions to reveal the truth.
Myth: Energy efficiency is synonymous with using less energy.
Fact: Using less energy is called energy conservation. Energy efficiency
has more to do with smartly utilizing energy. Window energy efficiency
means then that a window helps in using energy more effectively so
that none is wasted.
Myth: Making your home energy-efficient is expensive.
Fact: Improving energy efficiency in the home does require some
spending but the move is actually cost-effective when you take into
consideration the long-term benefits you can enjoy. For starters, based
on the 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup up to almost 79% of
what you spent on a replacement window. Think of achieving energy
efficiency as an investment instead of a mere additional expense. Even
when you have to work with a budget, you can still improve energy
efficiency in your home because there are affordable energy-efficient
windows you can take advantage of.

8. PART 2: COMMON WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
Myth: I can easily replace my window on my own.
Fact: It is possible to replace a window on your own. However, don’t
expect to get the same results as a professional installation. Aside
from possibly shoddy installation, there are also other inconveniences
associated with DIY work, like choosing the wrong windows, not having
insurance coverage and not being eligible for manufacturer warranties.
These are simply the risks you take by not working with a professional
contractor.
o o o o o
Learn more about windows and energy efficiency by asking a professional
contractor all the right questions. Let Part 3 of this e-book teach you how.

10. PART 3: TALKING TO A WINDOW CONTRACTOR - ENERGY EFFICIENCY QUESTIONS TO ASK
If you’re due for a replacement anyway, it really is worth considering
getting energy-efficient windows. However, even energy-efficient
windows will offer a range of options so you have to choose wisely to
ensure you get the right one for you and your home.Your local window
contractor is there to assist you every step of the way and it will help
you a lot if you knew what to ask them for assistance for. To get you
started, consider these questions:
“What are my options? Can you explain the benefits of each one?”
Asking this questions gives you specifics about the window options
available to you, helping you cut through too much information to get
whatyouneedtomakeadecision.Again,energyefficiencyisaffectedby
different window components. You can more easily assess an option if
you know what you want and need to get out of a replacement window.
Don’t hesitate to let your contractor know that you have a budget you
want to work with so they can help you figure out which replacement
window will be the best fit for you.

11. PART 3: TALKING TO A WINDOW CONTRACTOR - ENERGY EFFICIENCY QUESTIONS TO ASK
“What is the right window for my home?”
At the heart of it, what is right is relative. However, when it comes to
windows, there really are options meant for certain homes. Talking
about energy efficiency focuses on the function of a window but you
can’t forget that windows can also drastically affect how your home
looks. Generally, traditional window styles work well with traditional
home designs and modern windows on modern properties, but this is
not a hard and fast rule. For a window to be energy-efficient, however,
it must be rated to meet the requirements of your local climate. Choose
to work with a reputable contractor and they can provide you with
suggestions to take into consideration based on their knowledge and
experience, simplifying the selection process for you.
“Which area of the house should I prioritize?”
This is essential to ask if you are not planning on replacing all of your
windows at once for whatever reason. Your contractor can assess your
home to determine which parts are in need of attention first, allowing
you to make the most out of your window replacement.

12. Renewal by Andersen of
Denver and Colorado Springs
1401 W Bayaud Ave #5 Denver,
CO 80223
Denver- (303) 968-3287
Colorado Springs- (719) 313-5403
LoveYourWindows.com