Energy Star- Energy Efficient Window Seal.

I had to choose the best energy efficient replacement windows for home I’m building in a cold climate.  Choosing the best windows for energy efficiency and your budget can be difficult and with the new energy star ratings and tax incentives to replace you old windows, its a smart way to start improving your home.

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

The best energy efficient replacement windows use Low-e Glass and are typically dual paned and gas filled.

Low-E stands for low emissivity and is a  new advance in glass and window technology. Basically metallic coating—applied to a surface of glass—that reflects and re-radiates heat energy  into or out of a home depending on climate conditions. Using Low- Eis an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of a window. In fact, it’s so effective that every window with Low-E is ENERGY STAR® compliant in most regions of the U.S.

What is Energy Star?

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program.  The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. Windows and doors can carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.

Are Gas Filled Windows Efficient?

Air needs to be as still as possible to have insulating value because moving

Dual Pane Gas Filled Windows Improve R-Value

air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they are less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. By the way both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air you breathe and are completely harmless to humans.

Best Replacement Windows to Avoid.

In short if you plan on replacing the windows in your home and you want energy efficient replacement windows, don’t buy windows older than a few years, if you buying used.  Buying used window is Eco friendly way to improve the environment but they also need to be energy efficient if you care to make the improvement long term.

What is a Good U Factor for a Replacement Window?

U Factor numbers work from low to high.  A good U factor number for an efficient window would be .35 and lower.  A U Factor of .30 for instance is better than one with .35 and anything above .35 U factor is just not the best option for an energy efficient window.