Windows are often the first feature that people notice about your home, but they do more than improve the look of it. They are your viewport upon the world and help to keep your home cool in the summer & warm in the winter.
Your windows may also be a source of energy loss in your home. The average home may lose up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through leaky windows and doors. Northeast Home & Energy specializes in the sales and installation of Low-E glass windows – the best option for reducing energy loss in your home.
Energy may escape through a window’s frame or glass. The frame may be made of wood, aluminum, or a composite material. Glass has a greater surface area, resulting in a greater source of energy loss and highlighting the need for more energy-efficient windows. Low-E is coated with a thin layer of metal-oxide film. The film reduces the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared light, and heat that escapes from your home without reducing the amount of light entering. This helps to keep the temperature inside your home consistent, reducing your heating and cooling bills.
Hard Low-E coating – This coating is applied during the manufacturing process, producing a more durable or hard bond.
Soft Low-E coating – This coating is applied to pre-cut glass. Soft coat glass is more energy-efficient but more delicate than hard Low-E glass.
All Energy Star windows come with a label providing an energy performance rating from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The label states the u-value (resistance to heat flow), solar heat gain coefficient (amount of solar radiation emitted) and the visible transmittance (transmission of visible light).
In addition to Low-E glass, argon-filled glass can also make your home more energy-efficient. Argon is a non-toxic, odorless gas sealed between the panes of glass. This provides a layer of insulation, further increasing energy-efficiency.
A window is only truly efficient, however, if it’s installed correctly to prevent air and water from leaking around the window frame. The window specialists at Northeast Home & Energy can ensure that your window is installed correctly to provide years of trouble-free service.