8 Critical Components That Make A Window or Door Energy Efficient
If you haven’t checked it out, see our previous article in the series, 5 Important Benefits of Window or Door Replacement Services.
Today we want to cover the critical components of a window or door, and what that means for energy efficiency. Features come from technology in the products. Quality framing materials and manufacturing techniques make a large difference between the quality of windows.
Quality Framing Materials
What makes up a good window. Well the foundation of the window is the frame, and there are many framing materials to consider
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Combination
- Composite
The differences in framing material can have an impact on their ability to retain energy, and keep the elements from getting inside your home. They can also have an impact on many other things such as curb appeal, impact resistance, maintenance and upkeep, and environmental considerations.
Multiple Panes of Glass
Multiple panes of glass offers many features such as:
- Insulation
- Sound Proofing
- Impact Resistance
Some windows can have 2 or more panes of glass in them. The more layers of glass that are in a window the more impact resistance that window has. Having more panes offers better sound insulation making it harder for outside noises to disturb you indoors. Also glass can be engineered to help prevent heat transfer. Multiple panes helps block heat transfer through the window.
Low-E Glass
Low-E is a special coating that reflects infrared light. This helps the conditions outside and the heat or cool air inside. This coating offers ultraviolet light protection. This is the light that damages your interior and furniture over time.
Gas Fills
Between the panes of glass there is usually a special gas. It is odorless, colorless, and non-toxic, and designed to offer better performance than regular air.
These different gasses offer properties that regular air doesn’t. They can help insulate your home better than typical air can.
Warm Edge Spacer
The spacer that helps keep an appropriate distance between the panes of glass. It also helps to create the seal around the panes of glass where they touch the frame. This spacer helps to insulate the window and reduce heat transfer through the contacts of the pane and frame.
Doors with Glass
Doors have their own considerations. Does the door have pane of glass in it? Then all the same considerations you have for the window are in your doors as well. But there are a few more considerations.
Door core materials
What is the door made of? A list of considerations are:
- Fiberglass
- Wood Cladding
- Steel with Polyurethane Foam Cores
Deciding what door works best is something My House Renovation Inc. specializes in. Let us help you pick the perfect door for your situation.
Fit and Weather Stripping
How does the door fit? If you can feel a draft, or there is some play in the door when it is closed, you have a problem. Weather stripping wears over time but using things like magnets in doors can help create better seals.
Technology in Energy Efficiency
A basic window will block the exterior from coming inside while allowing you to see out. But in most cases, there are a lot more considerations. Heating and cooling costs can be significant. Windows can be a great investment into your home.
Basic upgrades can offer great dividends in comfort and be more affordable than you might think. Let a My House Renovation Inc. specialist reach out to you with information on ways to install new windows or doors in your house.
Check out the next article in the windows and door series, What Type Of Windows Are The Best For Your Home?
