How Do High-Performance Windows Contribute to Lower Energy Bills?

The cold winters and hot summers of Omaha mean that properties have to use lots of energy to stay at a comfortable temperature. If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, or you’ve had a breakage, high-performance windows in Omaha, NE could make a significant difference.

How Do High-Performance Windows in Omaha, NE Contribute to Lower Energy Bills?

High-performance windows work hard to protect your home or business from the elements, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Minimizing heat transfer means you won’t need to use as much energy, which can help lower your bills throughout the year. You will also benefit from a more stable temperature and less damage to furniture from UV rays.

This is achieved in the following ways:

Using Low-E Glass to Reduce Heat Transfer

Low-E is short for low-emissivity and refers to a type of glass that has a special coating made from metallic oxide. This coating is invisible to the eye and allows natural light to enter, so you won’t notice any dimming or loss of brightness. Low-E reflects heat back in the direction it traveled from. This means in the summer, heat is reflected outside, while in the winter your heating is reflected into your room.

The coating is applied to the inside of the glass when your window is being created, so you won’t ever have to worry about it scratching off or peeling. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using Low-E glass could lower your energy bill by 30-50%.

Minimizing Conduction Through Insulated Frames and Gas Fills

Insulated frames include frames that have added insulation material or those made from materials with low thermal conductivity. Fiberglass, vinyl, and wood all fall into this latter category. Marvin’s Infinity line uses fiberglass frames, which are excellent at maintaining room temperatures by minimizing heat loss. Aluminum frames are often seen in modern buildings but conduct heat well, leading to greater levels of heat transfer and higher energy costs.

Gas fills between the panes can help reduce heat transfer further. Gases like krypton or argon are typically used, as they’re denser than air. This slows the transfer of heat in both directions, helping maintain a stable temperature without heavy energy usage.

Added Protection From Multi-Pane Construction

Most high-performance windows are made from two or three panes of glass, providing extra layers of protection. Heat gets trapped between the multiple glass panes, helping to retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer.

Banishing Drafts With Tight Seals

Older windows might not fit as snugly, allowing air to leak in around the sides. High-performance windows are manufactured to fit the space precisely, creating a tight seal when installed professionally.  

Every window we install is custom-made, so you’re always guaranteed a perfect fit. We understand that choosing windows is a big decision, so we have a wide range available to view in our showroom. We can also project an image of your chosen window onto your wall so you can see exactly how it will look. Contact us today at Window Installations in La Vista, NE for a no-obligation discussion.

 

Related Articles