A residential window contractor can help you select the perfect windows for your home. They can also provide installation and repair services. Their expertise helps you avoid drafts, leaks and other issues that can reduce energy efficiency.
Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified windows that offer Low-E glass coatings and double-pane construction. These windows have a low U-factor and high visible transmittance (VT) ratings.
Low-E glass
Low-E glass is a passive energy efficiency technology that reduces your heating and cooling costs by reflecting the short-wave solar energy that passes through it. It also reflects long-wave heat, preventing it from escaping into the building.
It’s important to choose windows with low emissivity and an Energy Star certification. These features can help you save on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
A reputable residential window contractor can help you customize your new windows to match your style. They can assist with color, grid patterns, and hardware. In addition, they will ensure that your window replacements are installed properly. This will prevent drafts and leaks, which can result in costly repairs and energy loss. They will also provide a warranty on their work.
Argon gas
Argon is an inert gas that makes up about 0.94 percent of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is used in industrial processes that require a non-reactive environment, including welding specialty alloys and producing semiconductor wafers. It is also an excellent insulator and is often pumped into deep-sea diving dry suits. It is also used in 3D printing to prevent oxidation and to create an oxygen- and nitrogen-free environment for heat treating.
Argon is a key ingredient in energy-efficient windows, filling the gap between two panes to improve insulation. It is also found in fluorescent lights, where it causes a coating to glow brightly when electricity passes through it. In addition, it is used in laser surgery and in scuba diving equipment to preserve the integrity of the diver’s air tanks.
Energy Star certification
Energy Star is a government-backed labeling program that provides consumers with unbiased information about the energy efficiency of products. It has been in operation since 1992 and has helped reduce nationwide energy costs by over $450 billion and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons.
The program’s rating system is based on third-party testing and certification to ensure objectivity. It covers more than 75 different product categories, including single-family and manufactured homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants.
In addition to reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality, buildings that earn an Energy Star rating have a positive reputation among prospective tenants and customers. These buildings can also save on utility bills and qualify for tax credits. The ENERGY STAR label is recognized by most people, making it easy to spot and identify energy-efficient products and buildings.
Trusted brands
Window manufacturers like Pella and Marvin offer a wide variety of energy efficient options that help homeowners save money on their home heating and cooling costs. Double- or triple-pane windows also help improve efficiency by providing extra insulation against extreme temperatures and high winds. Low-E glass helps stabilize indoor climates by reflecting solar heat during the winter and blocking harmful UV rays that can discolor carpeting and fabrics. Insulating gases such as argon fill the space between windowpanes to further reduce energy transfer.
ENERGY STAR certification is a trusted symbol for energy-efficient products. Its energy performance ratings help homeowners and contractors make informed decisions about the best windows for their homes. These ratings include SHGC, U-factor, infrared radiation percentage, and visible transmittance. They are based on unbiased information provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
Residential window contractors
When it comes to windows, a homeowner’s options are many. The right window installation or replacement can enhance the look of a house while reducing energy costs. The best choice is an insulated window that uses low-E glass and argon gas. These features prevent heat transfer, making the window more efficient.
The frame is another key factor in a window’s performance. Vinyl frames are durable and insulating. They can be made in different colors, grid patterns, and hardware to suit your style. Wood frames provide a classic, timeless look.
The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of the window also influences its efficiency. A window with a low SHGC will reflect more of the sun’s energy, cooling the home during summer. In contrast, a window with a high SHGC will allow more of the sun’s energy to enter, heating the home during winter.