The best energy-efficient replacement windows reduce air leakage, allowing your HVAC system to work less. This results in lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
The most popular replacement window in Dallas is the double-pane window that has air or argon gas between its two panes to boost insulation and reduce heat transfer. It’s also highly effective in guarding against long North Texas summers, reducing strain on your air conditioning system and increasing ROI.
1. Vinyl Windows
The insulating properties of vinyl windows can make your home cozier in the winter and cooler in the summer, without increasing your energy bills. The frames are also very durable and require minimal maintenance.
Modern vinyl windows have composite reinforcement with various materials that enhance their strength and durability. They are also a green energy product and recyclable. They can be melted down and remolded into new products, with no loss of their chemical characteristics.
When choosing a vinyl replacement window, opt for one with a double- or triple-pane glass. This will keep your indoor air insulated from the hot Texas climate, and reduce the amount of energy lost through leaks or conduction. Also look for a uPVC vinyl frame that is ENERGY STAR rated with low-E glass and argon gas fills.
2. Low-E Glass
Low-E glass films are a proven energy efficiency solution for Dallas homeowners. They offer exceptional thermal insulation that reduces heating and cooling costs, allowing for significant monthly savings. In addition, they are highly resistant to condensation and frost.
The microscopically thin coating reflects heat back into the home in winter, while blocking solar radiation in summer, reducing energy consumption without overburdening air conditioning systems. This balance is essential for reducing energy bills throughout the fluctuating Dallas climate.
To identify if your windows have Low-E glass, simply hold a light source up to the window and look at it closely. You should see four reflected images, and the middle one will be slightly different in color, indicating that it has a Low-E coating. The National Fenestration Rating Council has labels that provide a quick indication of a windows energy efficiency, based on the window’s Visible Light Transmittance and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings.
3. Double-Hung Windows
Double hung windows have two operating sashes, which allow you to control the amount of air flow in your home. This window type is available in various configurations and styles, allowing you to choose the one that suits your unique home design.
Energy efficient double-hung replacement windows come with a variety of features that make them an excellent choice for Dallas homes. They are easy to clean, and their sashes can be slipped up or down to adjust ventilation.
Double-hung windows can also be filled with inert gases like argon between the panes, which helps to reduce energy transfer. This makes them a great choice for reducing your energy bills in Carrollton, Grapevine, Lewisville, and other areas of the Dallas metro area.
4. Low-E Coatings
When you choose double- or triple-pane windows with insulated frames and advanced Low-E coatings, your home will be more comfortable than ever. These energy efficient windows reduce heat transfer by selectively reflecting infrared radiation, which can significantly lower your energy bills.
In hot climates, windows with a low SHGC rating allow warm solar rays to pass through but prevent the transfer of long-wave infrared radiation that raises cooling costs. They also reduce the amount of UV radiation that can bleach your furnishings.
A low SHGC also improves a window’s ability to retain indoor warmth during the winter, which can significantly reduce heating bills. This feature, combined with argon gas fillings between multiple panes of glass, increases energy efficiency even more.
5. Energy Star Rating
If you want to make your home as energy efficient as possible, consider getting ENERGY STAR-rated replacement windows. ENERGY STAR is a government program that verifies products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. When you purchase ENERGY STAR-rated windows, you can rest assured that they’ll save you money on your energy bills and help the environment.
Look for windows with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and high visible transmittance to keep your home cool in the summer. These features will reduce the amount of energy you need to use for cooling, while keeping your home insulated and comfortable year-round.
Choosing double-pane or triple-pane windows will also improve your energy efficiency. These windows have two or three glass panes with an insulating space in between to minimize heat transfer and keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.