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WHAT MAKES A WINDOW ENERGY-EFFICIENT? – PART 1: ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOW MATERIALS

The increasing interest in achieving energy efficiency is mainly fueled by two things: a better awareness of the environmental impact of energy use and the need to save on costs as electric bills rise. A number of factors determine how energy-efficient a home can be, but faulty windows have been shown to decrease energy efficiency by facilitating heat transfer and air leakage. Improving energy efficiency then can be partly achieved by ensuring windows are in great shape. In addition to having windows in good working condition, having windows made of the right material may have a bigger effect on your efforts to achieve energy efficiency.

Here’s a quick overview of different window materials and how they can contribute to your home’s energy efficiency.

  • Metal. Metal-framed windows are usually made of aluminum or steel alloy. Metal is a poor insulator, but metal frames with an insulated thermal break can slow the transfer of heat.
  • Wood. Wood frames, on the other h and, are an excellent insulator, making them ideal for use in areas with cold climates. By offering reliable insulation, wood eases strain on HVAC systems by helping to maintain indoor temperature.
  • Vinyl. One of the things that makes vinyl a favorite among homeowners is that it is very easy to maintain. A vinyl window also offers great thermal insulation, helping prevent outdoor heat from getting in and indoor heat from getting out.
  • Composite. Windows with composite frames combine the best that wood and vinyl has to offer, resulting in maintenance ease and superb insulation that blocks thermal transfer hundreds of times better than metal .

Aside from materials, what else can make a window energy-efficient? In Part 2, we’ll be discussing how window styles can also have a h and in improving energy efficiency in your home.

Reviews

"The installation crew was very professional and answered what questions I had. And they cleaned up when they were finished. We're very pleased with our windows & patio doors. Highly recommend Renewl by Anderson."

Pamela D
Feb 13, 2023

"Very pleased with installation of six windows and a ProVia entry door. I love the look of the windows and door. I am pleased that my wife is thrilled with the look of the door. She is very pleased that the bronze color fits in well with the color of the brick."

Terry S
Feb 8, 2023

"I just had my Renewal by Andersen windows installed and couldn’t be happier, the entire process went very smoothly. The windows are high quality and look great. But the installers Roy, Zack and Jordan were the stars, they introduced themselves upon arrival walked me thru everything they were going to do and when they finished took me to each window to make sure I was completely satisfied. They were clean and courteous and I would definitely recommend and have them work in my home again."

BOB B
Feb 6, 2023

"Wonderful experience with knowledgeable, competent employees. We had Andersen windows in a previous house & didn’t even consider anything else this time. After replacing our patio door almost two years ago, we replaced all our windows this year. What a difference over builder-grade windows, especially in the really cold temperatures we’ve had this year. Andersen windows may be a little more expensive than other brands, but they are top quality."

Susan S
Jan 31, 2023

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