Single Pane, Aluminum windows from the 1970s and 1980s are too inefficient to keep. As energy prices soar following the onset of war with Iran, Texans are installing energy-efficient windows which reduce electric bills while increasing the comfort of their homes. Why does this work and how much can efficient new windows reduce energy costs? Let’s break down the new technologies that are cutting heating and cooling costs.
Rising Energy Prices Make Energy Efficient Windows a No-Brainer
A customer in Ellis County, Texas, told us she is now saving two hundred fifty dollars a month since upgrading to efficient, double-pane vinyl windows. The reason windows make a big difference is because single-pane glass windows provide almost no thermal barrier. On hot summer days when you run your AC, that air conditioning can make up more than half of your energy costs. By comparison television, cell phone chargers and computers use very little energy. Thus, if you can keep the cool air in, your air conditioner runs less often at a lower intensity.
How are the newest generation of windows more efficient? It’s a combination of several things at once. The latest window technology includes Low-E coatings on the glass, designed to redirect the sun’s heating infrared rays. This is a major improvement over the clear glass found on old windows manufactured in the 1900s. In the photo below, you can see a slight tint to the window which causes the sun’s heating rays to bounce off of the glass, avoiding heat gain.
To compare, you can first look at the photo below, of an early insulated glass unit with clear glass. This showcases that even many double-pane windows are still too old to take advantage of the low emissivity technology developed by Cardinal. After looking at this early double-pane glass, scroll down to see a new window with Low-e 366 technology.
In contrast, take a look at the newest glass coating technology as seen on these residential windows. The picture below shows a double-pane window with Low-e 270, with two coating layers working together to defend your home from the sun’s heating rays. As an added benefit, this can even reduce fading of linens which the sun fades.
As you can see, another benefit of Low-E 366 is that you can hardly see through it, unless interior lights are on and its dark out. The latest generation of glass coating technology is found in most mid-tier vinyl windows, considered replacement grade. Between double pane glass and multiple glass coatings, the energy savings can reach into the hundreds of dollars per month.
In addition, consider that vinyl windows are much less conductive than old aluminum windows. The vinyl frames are also made with air chambers inside, which provide insulation benefits that cut energy costs. If you need to replace your windows and you’re seeing energy costs sky-rocket, then the real cost of your window replacement is thousands less than you may calculate. Many home owners find that they can finance their window installation and pay up to half of their payments with direct energy savings. Book you appointment here for a free quote anywhere in the DFW area.