Are You Throwing Money Out The Window?
Start your home assessment with the easiest and most
obvious energy-busters: windows and doors. An old,
single pane window is like having a four-foot square
hole in the side of your house in terms of potential
energy loss. It leaks air and offers little defense
against the energy-robbing ravages of Mother Nature.
Replacing old, drafty, ineffective windows and doors
is a fundamental first step for saving money down
the road.
According to a recent Associated Press article,
replacement windows are "the new stars among
energy-savers." Compare the energy-efficiency of
replacement windows several ways before buying.
Get the facts about factors that relate to energy
efficiency, like U-values, Low-E (low emissivity)
coatings, argon gas-filled windows and
weatherstripping. U-values measure the insulating
value of windows and other fenestration products.
The lower the U-value, the better job a window does
in keeping out heat and cold (which is the opposite
of R-value - the higher the R-value, the better
insulation in the walls and ceilings). A low U-value
can help save money in all climates.
Most quality
windows today feature glass with a Low-E
microscopic coating that helps reduce heat, as well
as ultraviolet (UV) rays that can fade carpet, walls
and furniture, helping to protect your investment in
home furnishings and family heirlooms. The addition
of argon gas in between panes of glass enhances
energy performance. In warm climates where air
conditioning is essential, choose a window with a
lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to block
more of the suns heat rays to keep your home cooler.
An easy way to choose
energy-efficient windows is to look for products
that meet ENERGY STAR requirements. The ENERGY STAR
program was created by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy
to help consumers identify windows and other
products that save energy. ENERGY STAR qualified
windows help assure homeowners the windows they
choose are the most appropriate for their area in
terms of energy efficiency.
When
replacing windows, have installers fully
insulate crevices around the window before it is
fitted in place, to maximize energy performance. Air
leakage around doors can add up as well. Look for
doors that carry the ENERGY STAR label, offer tight
weather-stripping and high-performance glass to get
the most from your investment. Consider adding a
quality storm door to your home to provide greater
protection from the elements and added energy
efficiency, in addition to a quality entry door
system.
Courtesy of ARA ContentIf you are looking for energy efficient
replacement windows in the St. Joseph area, please call us today at (816)-617-7232
or complete
our online request form.
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Simonton Replacement Windows
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