One of the main reasons homeowners update or replace their old windows is to have more energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows help save costly home power bills while also ensuring that a home is more comfortable. Also, by decreasing the amount of energy used, widows that are Energy efficient aid homeowners in reducing their carbon footprint and thus help care for the environment. Even when using Energy efficient windows, aim at having an environmentally friendly power source in your house, such as solar power. This will, for example, light the house at night and other times when there’s no enough natural light. There are lots of energy companies that can install clean energy in your home. However, it is essential to use review sites such as Britainreviews.co.uk to look at a list of energy companies online reviews. Avoid the negatively reviewed energy companies from the list, and this way, you will get a dependable energy company to do the work for you. This article offers some important information about energy efficiency in windows and also insights on how to make existing windows energy efficient

The different types of energy-efficient windows

The thermal efficacy of windows is rated by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The rating ranges from letter A to G. A is the window with the highest thermal efficiency. Windows that have an extremely high-efficiency level are rated A+. As a requirement for a window to meet the energy-saving recommendation, it should be C rated at the very minimum. The higher the efficiency of a window, the more it will maintain heat in your home and ensure that you save on your energy bills. The higher the efficiency of a window, the more it helps keep heat inside your home, and thus you end up saving more on energy bills.

Double vs triple glazing

As opposed to only having one pane, double-glazing windows have two glass panes. The two glass panes offer an extra insulation layer. To enhance the insulation, the two glass panes have a gas, mostly argon, to separate them. Various benefits come with installing double glazing over single glazing in a home, and this includes:

• It offers an extra insulation layer
• Decreases dampness
• Increased security
• Decreases outside noise that could get into your home.

To further increase the benefits that double glazing offers, a third pane of glass can be added. Another option worth considering is secondary glazing. Here a secondary pane is installed to the present window without having to do a full replacement. While secondary glazing is similar to double glazing in that that both have two glass panes, secondary glazing is more affordable. The two also have different energy efficiency capabilities. By adding heavy curtains, this helps to increase the insulation around your windows more.

Low emissivity windows

Also referred to as low-E windows, Low emissivity windows have a 40% more efficient rate than double-glazed windows. Low emissivity windows are spectrally selective, meaning they permit the sun’s short-wave radiation to enter the house. This is made possible by the panes, which have a metal coating on a plastic film suspended between them. When looked from the inside, it is almost impossible to spot the metal coating, but the widows seem to be mirrored slightly from the outside.

How to make a home’s existing windows more energy efficient

Upgrade your window frames

It is cheaper to install window frames that are energy efficient that is to replace the whole window. This also plays an enormous role in improving the window’s energy efficiency. Always go for window frames that have got high-efficiency ratings. By having a new window frame that is more energy-efficient, less air will get out of your home through the windows.

Seal all gaps

A majority of windows, particularly the older ones, have some portions that aren’t well sealed. One of the major steps that one can take in making sure that windows are energy efficient is by looking for gaps and sealing them.

Install a window film

By installing a window film, you will have an additional layer on the windows, which helps to decrease the amount of heat lost through conduction and convection. Additionally, by going for a solar control window film that blocks ultraviolet and infrared rays, you will decrease heat gain while also offering protection to your skin on sunny days. This coating is especially important in homes that usually get uncomfortably warm when it’s sunny.

In conclusion, with this article, you have important information about energy efficiency in windows and how you can make existing windows more energy-efficient.